Page 151 of Ashborne Forged

“Yes, yes. I’m fine. I only felt weary for a moment.”

Koa sent an image—vague, and fuzzy, but undoubtedly of Kham, flying quickly, and drawing nearer. I felt like I was about to split my skin.

“Are you certain?” Hanson offered, sounding more concerned this time. I realized I’d bumped into his arm.

“She is merely tired due to our extensive travel,” Breckon snapped. “If you’ll excuse us.”

Hanson nodded once, but his eyes gleamed—and he stared at Breckon, not me.

“Thank you, Lord Hanson!” I said faintly. “I’m certain all I need is a good night’s sleep!” And my mate.

“Stop making a scene,” Breckon muttered, tugging me toward the door.

“A scene? I merely tripped—”

“They’re all staring. And judging,” he hissed, walking slowly, but pulling me with him.

“Who?” I looked around—and then I saw it. The eyes of women, cutting to me as they leaned into the ears of their companions. Or grinning into their wine goblets. Tittering. Arching brows. The older ones sniffing with disapproval.

“Why would they—”

“Because a woman in a compromising position is often prone to fainting, or clumsiness,” he snarled.

He turned to face the royals, who’d stayed at the side of the room and were speaking with a handful of their Courtiers.

“Please, forgive us for our early exit Your Majesties. My fiancée has been wearied by our travel. We are most grateful for your hospitality, and eager to see you again on the morrow!”

The king raised his glass as I curtseyed—wobbling only a little—and Breckon bowed, then turned and marched me out of the room.

It was a good thing I had his arm to steady me. Between Koa’s sendings—blissful, excited, and worried for her mate’s wellbeing—and the travel, along with limited sleep, I really did feel unsteady on my feet.

My cheeks had heated because of the wine with the meal, but now Breckon hissed about the gossips, and my flush deepened, knowing what they’d be saying about me.

And knowing there was a chance it was true.

But Breckon didn’t speak further—beyond muttered curses—until we made it to my room, where he opened the door, and ushered me inside.

When he followed me, I made certain the servants weren’t in sight, then turned to face him, backing away as he strode closer.

“You said you’d stay away,” I reminded him. “I did as you asked. I played my part—”

“Oh, don’t flatter yourself,” he growled, his cheeks red from wine as well. “I’m merely giving the gossips something to speak about that isn’t your infidelity, and returning to my room.”

And then he started across my large sitting room, to the servants door at the side. But it wasn’t until he opened it to reveal an equally large sitting room, the mirror image of this one, though decorated in darker, more masculine colors and fabrics, that I realized…

His chamber adjoined mine.

My lower jaw dropped.

He smiled, of course. “Oh, you hadn’t noticed?” he asked. “Our bathing rooms back onto each other—so don’t go considering a tryst in there. The king gave us these chambers so that after the wedding we could conveniently share a bed for the rest of our stay. Wasn’t that thoughtful of him?” he said with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

I swallowed and refused to answer.

His eyes narrowed. “I warned you not to get any ideas, Grace. I wasn’t playing a game. The king and I have plans. Great plans. And you will not be allowed to divert them. Oh, don’t look at me like that, I said I wouldn’t fuck you, and I meant it. Trust me. But you should prepare yourself for our union. You’ll bleed before it, or during. My advice is to be certain it’s before the wedding, and ask the servants to assist with your laundry when you do,” he said in a strange tone.

What was he suggesting?

I nodded once, praying he’d leave me alone, so I could focus on Koa, who was still doing cartwheels in my chest, and screaming her joy at the approach of her mate.