Page 73 of Crowns of Ice
A low snarl worked up his throat, and his eyes flashed wide as lust strained his features. He picked up his tempo, slapping against me so hard that I grabbed the headboard to keep me in place.
And with each thrust, my body responded more. He ran his thumb over my clit, his lips curving in a devilish smile when I panted.
“Scream for me again,” he commanded.
And when he tilted his hips, driving his cock to scrape against that deep spot within me, I came again, hurtling toward the peak as his roar filled the room.
And when our bodies finally calmed and cooled enough for our panting to abate, he stroked a finger along my temple before cupping my jaw.
“I’ll love you for eternity, Ilara. You’re mine. Mine to love. Mine to fuck. Mine to keep.”
“And you’re mine, husband. Forever.”
We fell asleep in a tangle of wings and limbs, and despite tomorrow looming over us, despite knowing that it was all about to come to a head, for this one night we let the stars call to our souls and let the mating bond soothe our nerves.
For this one night, everything was perfect.
CHAPTER 22 - NORIVUN
My guards arrived promptly at eight. All of them wore clean tunics, black leggings, and tall boots. Ryder’s hair looked freshly washed, and Nish was even smiling.
I arched an eyebrow. “I take it you’re all hoping to make a good impression on the council?”
Nish ran a hand through his shorn hair and snickered. “Are you saying I’m looking good, my prince?”
Like my guards, Ilara wore her usual tunic and leggings. She’d been continually picking at her fingernails since we’d awoken, but for once her hands relaxed, and she bit back a smile. “You all look positively dashing.”
Nish preened like an overinflated hen while Sandus gave a cocky grin.
“We should get moving.” The weight of what today would bring began to sink heavily on my shoulders. I already had the looking glass in my pocket, but Ichecked it again just to ensure the recording was still complete.
Ilara laid her hand on my arm, and I realized I hadn’t masked my worry in our bond. “They’ll see exactly who the king is after this.”
My jaw worked, but I nodded. My entire life had been leading to this moment.
I entwined my fingers with my mate’s. Ilara’s hand was so small and delicate feeling, yet strength vibrated beneath her palm.
“Join hands,” I instructed everyone.
The six of us created a circle, and I called upon my mistphasing magic to transport all of us to the council chambers.
But just as we were about to disappear, my door burst open.
All of my guards had their swords out, snarls on their faces the second the door cracked. Fire engulfed Ilara’s hand, her arm pulled back with a fireball ready to throw.
But it was only Nuwin.
“Brother!” Nuwin called. “Thank the gods! Balbus told me you were back.” He flew toward me on a gust of his air affinity. Wild eyes met mine.
“What’s wrong?” Ilara asked, immediately relinquishing her fire.
“It’s Mother, I mean the queen. I’m afraid—” Nuwin’s throat rolled in a swallow. “I’m afraid she’s not going to pull through this one. Father beat her so badly last night that I fear herend has come.”
Blood poundedthrough my veins when we materialized just outside of my mother’s tower door.
The only other time I’d felt fear like this before was during Ilara’s final test, when Georgyanna had buried her alive while using every single affinity in her arsenal against my mate.
In a blink, I was through my mother’s door and flying up the tower steps on a gust of air.