Page 78 of Fated to the Wicked King

“I just did.”

“That’s not allowed.”

The argument was coming from downstairs.

I straightened my lab coat over my clothes. Tilting my head to peer out the big windows, I slid my hand along the staircase railing as I descended.

The bright morning sunlight spilled through the Duchess’s enchanted villa. From somewhere beyond the foyer drifted the delicate melody of a piano, its lilting notes floating over the marshland like a spell, mingling with birdsong and the scent of wildflowers carried on the warm air.

“You’re just mad I’m winning,” Chez mewled. He was perched upon a marble table outside on the terrace, sitting across from the king, who was frowning at the chessboard before them. The remnants of morning tea service and honey scones had been pushed to one side.

“No, I’m pissed off that you’re cheating.” Rabb shot the cat a dark look. “This is not how you play a gentleman’s game.”

Chez shrugged, his large yellow eyes swirling. “Well, I suppose I should remind you, I am a cat. Not a gentleman.” He moved his paw. “Oh, also, checkmate.”

With a soft growl, the king pushed his chair back with a screech, his head falling back in exasperation. “Why do I even bother⁠—”

“Breakfast will be ready soon, my dears,” the Duchess’s melodious voice called out over the tinkling keys of her piano.

I broke out in a soft smile. Rabb and Chez bickering over a silly game while the Duchess called out for food was almost a perfect callback to better days in the past. Even if we could never truly go back, it was heartening to have moments like these.

I poked my head through the doorway. “Good morning.”

Chez looked up. “Ah, good morning, Allie!”

When those deep blue eyes met mine, that hint of a smile on that devilishly, devastatingly handsome face, I couldn’t help a thrill shoot up my spine right away.

He still loves me.

I wouldn’t forget about last night’s kiss for as long as I lived. My neck warmed at the mere memory of how he’d held me, his fingers in my hair, the feel of his warm lips sliding against⁠—

“Good morning.”

I was sure I imagined the husky timbre in his simple greeting. Still, I was rendered tongue-tied. I’d forgotten all the words.

The way His Majesty was looking at me was entirely unnerving as well. He had half a look of someone holding a particularly delicious secret, and the other half something red hot waiting to pounce. It felt as if at any moment, he would jump up, pin me against the column, and take me again.

The mere notion was making me breathless.

I shook my head to clear it.

Get a grip, Allie.

“What’s up with you two?” Chez raised a suspicious eyebrow at the prolonged silence.

Self-consciously, I met Rabb’s gaze for a split second before immediately looking away.

The jackass didn’t even flinch. One corner of his mouth turned up in bemusement, his searing gaze remaining steady on me. He was absolutely enjoying my embarrassment. He turned to Chez and responded in possibly the wryest manner ever. “We kissed. And now it’s weird.”

Stifling a gasp, my entire face flamed. Never mind that my stomach was doing somersaults over and over.

Then again, I supposed there was no reason to hide it—at least not from Chez. There was no reason to be embarrassed at all.

I cocked one hip, narrowing my eyes at the king. If he wanted to be a jackass about it, so could I.

I gave Chez a nonchalant look. “It was only okay.”

Chez hid his chuckle behind his paw.