Page 106 of The King’s Queen

Well. That could be a problem.

I meowed as a cat, then swapped back to my human shape.

Again, I didn’t have a chance to do anythingwith my magic, because the moment was still fleeting. (For that matter, I wasn’t sure I was even using Noctus’s magic correctly. I felt the warmth of it, and was hoping that was enough.)

I switched back and forth several times—nearly smashing my head on Noctus’s jaw on more than one occasion—before I was forced to take inventory of the situation while balancing on Noctus’s leg in my cat shape.

I can feel Noctus’s magic, but my magic is so intangible. I just can’t get a grip on it.

I flicked my tail back and forth, thinking hard.

“Amalourne, relax,” Noctus said. “I just got you back. I don’t care if it takes us a decade to figure out how to get your half of the bond cemented, you’re with me. That’s all I truly care about.”

I drooped, my little cat ears flattening in my disappointment.I suppose he’s right. It’s not like we have to rush this.

I jumped off his leg, then tapped my magic, turning human. “Sorry,” I said. “I was just hoping it would be an easy fix.”

Noctus slipped an arm around my back, scooping me closer to him. “There is nothing to apologize for,” he said. “I’m delighted you want to prioritize returning the bond.”

I curiously peered up at him. “I said I was in love with you, of course I’d want to prioritize it.”

Noctus smiled enigmatically. “Shall we go?”

“Go where?” I asked.

He squeezed me close in a brief hug before letting me go. “To the kitchens for breakfast, or maybe my study. There’s not really any point in sitting around here when we could be somewhere more comfortable—and more ready for when your siblings rise.”

I scrambled to my feet. “Good point. Sure.”

I brushed my legs and rear off so I didn’t shed grass inside the immaculate mansion, and watched as Noctus stood with a lot more grace than I had.

On an impulse, I stood on my tiptoes so I could again throw my arms around his neck and hug him as tightly as I possibly could. “We’re together again, Noctus,” I said. “This next part…it might not be fun, but it’s because we’re not going to do this by halves.”

“You’re right.” Noctus scooped me up again, holding me propped up against his chest so he could look directly into my eyes. “And you deserve to know—everything.”

“As do you,” I stubbornly said—I wasnotgoing to forget to tell him about Ms. Booker!

Maybe I should just get it over with.

I glanced up at Noctus, wondering.

He smiled at me, dazzling me so badly I just sat there like an idiot while he leaned closer, his lips brushing mine.

“Hold up,” I said, even though I leaned closer to him. “Charon should be here any moment, and I’m pretty sure I’d die if he saw us kiss.”

“He’s not coming,” Noctus said. “He sent Ker and Aristide to wake you up because he knew I wouldn’t.”

I pressed my forehead against his neck. “Are youcertain?”

“He’s been very invested in returning you to Calor Villa since the night you left.” Noctus settled for kissing my earlobe since I was trying to hide my face.

“Yes, but he’s a very diligent teacher.” He was winning me over, so I leaned back—practically an invitation, or as close to one as I’d get.

Noctus’s chuckle was deep and throaty, and he kissed his way from my cheek toward my mouth. “Maybe, but I’m his king.” His lips brushed mine, and the doors slammed open.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chloe