"The monarch seems good to you."
"I doubt it."
"He was gentle during your intimacy and rode with you so that you wouldn't fall off the horse. If by my guess, the reason the carriage was abandoned."
Was it really that obvious?
"He's a Lycan," I reminded, but more to myself.
"Yes, and thank the gods, not the mindless beast like the rumors presume. He's rather dashing and a gentleman."
I found myself frowning at her words. "He's a Lycan. Letting my guard down is not wise."
"For someone who has a wild mouth, you're smart."
I gasped. "A wild mouth?"
"Goodnight, my lady, stand close to this edge and call if you need me."
"Wait—"
Talia was already gone before I could get the words out. I wish she would stay; being alone in this tent was not comforting.
I lay back on the bed, nestling more into the blanket, and closed my eyes.
"Your grace, the monarch is here."
I flashed my eyes open and sat up abruptly, gazing at the massive shadow at the entrance.
What is he doing here?
I panicked, as my mind mulled over what to do.
"Your grace?"
"C-Come in!"
The fabric raised, and Drevon revealed himself. He didn't make any attempt to walk in, just tilting his head so that he could see me.
"I came to check on you."
"Pardon?" I blinked.
A smile curled his lips as he stepped in fully, the fabric dropping behind. Thank the gods he was not shirtless because my mind wouldn't be able to deal with that.
However, being in that linen shirt did not help matters at all. It hung his body like a second skin, sleeves rolled up, revealing his corded arms. He was fully clothed, and yet I found myself undressing him with my eyes.
Wait…did Talia give me a brew without my knowledge?
"The night is cold, and I came to check if you were warm enough." His eyes briefly skimmed the room. "You seem prepared."
"I-I'm fine, my liege, there is no need to worry," I replied.
Gods! He's making me more confused.
"May I come closer?"
"Why are you asking?"
"Because you seem like you want to burn me down with your eyes," he amused. "I must ask permission before I walk into the lion's den."
I quickly leveled my gaze. "Pardon me, my liege, you may come closer."
"Drevon," he said softly.
I raised my eyes. "My liege," I countered.
He sighed heavily, not angry at my interjection but just more amused than ever.
He ran a hand through his hair, and I hate to admit how the inky strands pulled me in and the way they piled up when he lingered. "Then calling me husband should do, as it's proper."
My eyelids twitch. "As you wish, my liege—" I paused. "Husband," I mumbled under my breath.
"Forgive me, I did not hear you."
"That's a lie, you've got good hearing!" I blurted out.
Oh no! I just yell at him!
I lifted my blanket and covered my face in both fear and shame.
What should I do? Apologize? I've done that an awfully lot, but if that will keep my head on my shoulder, then I'll do that in hundreds.
I lowered my blanket. "I must apologize—" I froze when he took long strides toward me and sat on the bed, leaving little space between us.
This close, I could see the softness in his eyes. It made me wonder how such a Lycan could unleash hell and win the war, sowing fear in the hearts of humans, vampires, and Lycans alike.
Was he truly the same person? Or were the details of the war a sham?
"You can't blame me for wanting to hear you call me husband."
I grimace. "I already did."
"And I'm a greedy person because I want to hear you say it again."
I had no intention of repeating myself.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Like what?"
He snickered. "Like I don't exist."
Because you shouldn't, you should be the monarch I've envisioned for months and dreaded the moment I'd be eaten or die while fucking, not this sweet gentleman who sat in front of me, smiling like the skies aren't dark.
"Maybe you shouldn't," I murmured.
"Mm," he hummed, and grasped the blanket, pulling it down so that he could see my face more. "Then I hope I'm everything you expect."
He's unlike anything I've ever expected.
"I want to know more about you, Eloise, everything."
"I don't think that is necess—"
"I know only your favorite flower."
My heart skipped a beat, and the event I'd partially succeeded in sealing away broke from the chains. I tensed when he placed his hand on my forehead.
"What's the matter? You're getting hot."
How could he ask such a question after opening that box of sin?
Drevon leaned closer, and I swallowed thickly. "Is there something on your mind?" he gave me a knowing smirk.
What's happening to me? I didn't take the brew, so why is my body reacting this way? There must be an explanation for this because I'm not—.
"There is no need to be so anxious, little wife."
I'm not just anxious; this is far more than I could explain. I wanted to move away, but I found myself pinned where I was.
I gasped when he covered my eyes, and felt his lips close to mine, almost touching, but he didn't move, just staying there.
"Are you confused, little wife? Don't be, your attraction to me is completely...natural."
My lips parted, but the words were sealed away.
"Do you want me to prove my words?" His lips brushed against mine, but they were gone the next minute.
I felt them on my neck; the heat made me shiver, the cold had long since vanished in thin air. He pressed a tender kiss there, not just a simple one, as if he were trying to imprint himself in that spot.
My breathing shuddered as a spark teased my body, and I tilted my neck just to keep him there. But he moved away from that area, to my collarbone, placing another delicate kiss. I rasped, coming from a high when he did nothing but tease me.
He gave another kiss on my chest just at the top of my breasts, the area vibrating because of my racing heartbeat.
The way he lingered made me wonder if he would go further. I strangely wanted him to.
However, Drevon suddenly pulled away, his hand covering my mouth, allowing me to see the heated look in his eyes, yet amidst this all, he was calm and intoxicating.
"I've proven my words, little wife. You don't need to take something just to desire me, when you already do."
My heartbeat stilled for a second.