Page 57 of Hunt Me

“Yes, Beloved?”

“I’m afraid that I cannot attend the announcement.”

“What is the matter?”

“I am feeling quite ill,” she lied.

“Is that so?”

“Unfortunately. It brings me great displeasure that I’ll have to stay behind, but wouldn’t you agree that the health and safety of your heir is a priority?”

“I am inclined to agree with you.”

Her mouth popped open in shock. “You agree?”

“Yes, I agree. That is why you’ll be attending the announcement. There is no place safer for you than by my side.”

“You bastard!” she exclaimed.

Ezra chuckled when Matilda pulled a roll from her pocket and smashed it in King Alesi’s face as payback. This led to the two of them running around the carriage, throwing bread at each other. They were running behind schedule; however, he didn’t want to interrupt the new couple’s happy moments. Despite how he initially felt about Matilda, Ezra was thankful for her arrival. He couldn’t recall the last time Luka genuinely laughed—she did that—she brought the grief-stricken king back to life—she gave him life. He permitted them a few more minutes of fun before reminding them of their royal duties.

“King Alesi and Queen Matilda, we must be going now.”

“You owe me more rolls, vamp,” Matilda snapped at Luka as he gently assisted her into the carriage.

“You might want to lay off the bread, or you’ll be as big as the castle.”

Matilda scoffed. “That’ll never happen.”

“How can you be so sure?” Luka challenged warmly.

“Because you are a sexual deviant and would force me to sweat the pounds off.”

Luka snickered. “Perhaps you are smarter than you appear.”

“Don’t give me too much credit. I can’t be that smart if I foolishly agreed to this charade of being Queen of Night Falls.”

The carriage lurched forward.

“You are foolish, but not for that reason. We need to talk.”

Matilda sighed. “Very well. Say your piece.”

Luka shifted closer, his once easygoing expression turning serious.

“Once we leave this carriage, there will be no hiding you. Until now, you have been little more than a rumor to my people. Today, they will see you at my side.”

“Lucky them.”

“Matilda.”

“I am listening.”

“Then listen well. Stay near me.”

Her amusement faded.

“I cannot protect you if you wander beyond my reach. And no one, not my guards, not Ezra, not any soldier sworn to Night Falls, will be as devoted to your safety as I am.”