Page 89 of A Trial of War
I wasn’t convinced. But before I could protest, Daxton’s voice softened, his smile lingering. “I believe you’re dancing close to the line of being overprotective.”
I shot him a sideways glance, placing my hands on my hips. “Sorry,” I said with as much sarcasm as I could muster. “Sorry I care about how my mate, my husband, is faring… when I know he is pushing the limits of his powers by teleporting thousands of warriors across the Narrow Sea.”
“I’m touched,” he replied, a hand splaying across his chest. “But I’m fine, wife. There’s no need to worry.”
“Come on, Dax,” Adohan said with a laugh. “It’s what they do best.”
A deep laugh rolled through my mate. “This is very true.”
“Males.” I sighed, not fully buying it, but letting it go. “Are you ready to go to Silver Meadows for our last night in the Inner Kingdom?” I asked, changing the subject, knowing how much tonight meant for all of us.
“Idris and I can’t wait to taste this noodle dish,” Adohan added.
“We’ll see you at seven?” I asked.
Adohan nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
Daxton’s eyes softened as I turned to him, a genuine smile spreading across his face as he reached out and gently cupped my cheek. “I’m ready if you are, Spitfire.”
I nodded, reaching my hand up to layatop his. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Skylar Cathal
Heat rolled out from the oven in slow, heavy waves. The pasta dishes baking inside released a delicious aroma of cheese, charred tomato, and a hint of basil, drifting through the kitchen.
Beyond the shutters, Silver Meadows was locked in its frigid season, giving a bite of cold that crept under doors and nipped at ankles. Frost light seeped through the narrow windowpanes, but it couldn’t quite reach us in here. The kitchen stayed a pocket of comfort, all steam and spice and soft clatter as Daxton and I cleaned up the mess we’d made.
Daxton didn’t need to help me cook tonight’s meal, but he insisted. After all, it was our first gathering as high king and queen.
“Working in the kitchen with you brings back a fond memory, Spitfire,” Daxton said as he cleaned the bowls we used to smash the tomatoes for sauce. He leaned close, his hair brushing my cheek, and whispered, “Care to revisit the memory and make a new one?”
I turned, meeting his gaze. Desire and deep satisfaction rippled along our connection, making my kneesweak. I was thankful for my magic lessons with Adohan, or else the Summit would have been set ablaze.
“Absolutely,” I rasped, glancing toward the open flames where our meals were baking. “But we have to wait until—”
His smile cut me off as my eyes flicked back to him. The dimple along his cheek caused my stomach to flip. A soft chuckle escaped him before he brushed his lips against mine. The kiss was feather-light, like the touch of a cloud, yet it sent me soaring. My eyes fluttered shut, with heat coiling low in my belly.
“Dax.”
“Yes, Spitfire?” He breathed heavily. His deep voice was laced with a promise of the pleasure we’d both missed for weeks. “It’s been too long since—”
“I know,” I whispered, barely able to breathe.
His hand cupped my jaw, thumb tracing over my bottom lip. “I need you.”
I opened my mouth, allowing his thumb to slide in, sucking on the tip and causing his eyes to roll back. Gods above, I needed him. I missed the feel of his body pressed against me, the taste of him, the sensation of him filling me as I came undone.
“Skylar,” Daxton groaned, closing the distance between us.
Fuck it. I was giving in.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him close, kissing him like he was the only thing I needed in this life to survive.
His lips were warm and soft, tentative at first, as if he was waiting for me to pull away. But I didn’t dare break our connection.
I neededhim.And through the bond, I could sense he needed me as much, if not more.
