Page 67 of Hunt Me

“I can assure you it is.”

“If that were the case, then you wouldn’t be here to personally send me off.”

Ezra glanced at Luka. “Please make haste and leave. The sun should be rising soon.”

“Thank you, Ezra. I must have a word with you before we depart.” Ezra noticed how Luka discreetly motioned toward the corridor. He rolled his eyes and left the royal chamber with Luka bringing up the rear. They entered the empty courtyard, and the king began to pace. Ezra folded his arms over his chest.

“Speak now or hold your peace.”

“I told her that I loved her.”

Ezra balked. “You told who that you loved them? I wasn’t aware you still had a painting of Anastasia hidden somewhere.”

“Matilda. I told her that I loved her,” Luka admitted, heaving a sigh.

“That confirms it.”

“It confirms what?”

“She’s a witch and must be burned at the stake.”

A vicious snarl erupted from Luka at the mention of harm coming to her. “Very well. We can skip the burning, but love? This is preposterous. It wasn’t too long ago when the two of you had your first romp in the forest.”

“I’m aware! That is what is so maddening about it! It got me thinking.”

“May the gods help us,” Ezra muttered.

“Can you stop being an insufferable prick for one minute?”

“Just one. That’s all I can afford you.”

“It’s soon, but what if… what if this is by design?”

“I’m sorry. I’m not following.”

“What if we are fated mates?” Ezra stared at Luka blankly, blinking periodically. “Hello? Is anyone home?”

“I’m here, but I regret opening the front door. Do you hear yourself, Luka? Fated mates? You and the huntress? That sounds like ill-fated mates to me!”

“Why do you protest so much? I thought you were growing fond of her.”

“You give me too much credit. My urge to kill her has lessened, but I’m a nosey bastard, so I’ll ask: how did she respond?”

“She asked me if I were fooling.”

Ezra grunted. “That would’ve been my reaction if I were in her shoes. I might’ve taken it a step forward and asked if you ingested the black-capped mushrooms from the Black Forest. Do you desire my opinion?”

“I’m not quite sure any longer,” Luka replied, feeling twice rejected. He had these emotions roiling inside of him, rising like a tidal wave that wanted to burst forth, but what was he to do with them when the object of his affection and desire denied him and the one being he could call a friend discouraged him?

“It’s the baby making you feel this way, especially since this is something you’ve always wanted.”

“She tastes better,” Luka announced suddenly.

“Excuse me?”

“She tastes better than Anastasia.” Luka turned his back to his advisor and fixed his eyes upon the frozen water fountain. “I find myself doing that often—comparing the two women. A shameful thought came to me, and I haven’t been able to rid myself of it since then. I’ve fully accepted it as truth.”

“What came to you?” Ezra asked. He was at the edge of his seat, waiting to hear what blasphemy would come from his king.