Page 225 of Kneel Before Me

Kronos lifted his hand and pressed it against her sternum. Immediately, warmth filled her.

“Mmm,” Daphne murmured. “Yes. Better.”

His hand went lower, cupping her breast. She looked up at him. “Kiss me.”

“Daphne, I—”

“Just kiss me, Kronos.”

He leaned down and kissed her. “Better?” he whispered against her lips.

“Yes.”

His other hand dipped between her legs. “And now?”

“Yes,” she gasped.

It felt incredible. Every moment Kronos touched her was a moment of light in the darkness. Too soon, he drew away. He turned toward the door.

“What are you doing?” Daphne said.

“I am taking you to Deltene.”

“The queen?”

“Yes. She will know what to do.”

“But I—”

Kronos was already picking her up, clutching her close to his chest as he traversed the passageway.

“How will she know what to do?” Daphne asked.

“The queen has seen many centuries of life. She is versed in matters of the body and heart. She understands the blood bond, and she may understand this too.” His eyes slid to hers. “And I would rather ask the queen than the king.”

Daphne certainly couldn’t blame him for that. She’d rather not ask Bastian anything.

When they reached a wooden doorway, Kronos set her down and knocked. After a moment, Deltene opened the door. The queen raised her eyebrows. No doubt it was strange that they were showing up this way.

“Kronos?” Her eyes slid to Daphne. “To what do I owe this…pleasure?”

Kronos slipped his arm around Daphne’s waist. “Daphne is…ill. If you could lend us your time, we would be eternally grateful.”

Deltene hesitated for only a moment before saying, “Come in.”

They entered the queen’s chambers. Daphne peered around just to make sure Bastian wasn’t lurking in a corner somewhere as Kronos guided her to the bed, where she sat gratefully. He sat beside her.

Deltene stood before them, her hands clasped. “Tell me what ails you, Daphne.”

She shrugged. “I…don’t know exactly. I feel weak, and I’m not sure why. When we touch”—she looked at Kronos—“it gets better.”

Deltene tilted her head thoughtfully. “When did it begin?”

The same question Kronos had asked her. Only this time, Daphne had a different answer. The horseback ride was not the first time she had felt weak—it was the morning after Kronos had shown up in her bedroom bleeding. Her chores had exhausted her that day; even throwing out her bloody sheets had been an exertion.

“It was the morning after Kronos crested me.”

Deltene raised her eyebrows She looked at Kronos. Something passed between them—an understanding. For a moment, there was silence. Then Deltene said, “You love her.”