Page 102 of Savage Throne
No. . .I must do the right thing.
I lifted my view from her.
Stay on the path because. . .to stop now, to question, to yearn—those would be luxuries I couldn’t afford.
The future I’d meticulously planned for was finally within reach.
The woman who could destroy or redeem us all lay in my arms, asleep and unaware of the war she’d waged within me.
And there is my lovely wife to think of. She waits for me. She is my destiny.
Soon, the flicker of light from my private camp came into view. It was a sprawling collection of three luxury tents set against the backdrop of darkness, illuminated by the soft, wavering glow of blue lanterns.
Up ahead, more of my men stood at attention, holding silver trays with flutes of champagne that glistened under the soft light.
This was supposed to be Monique’s victory party—the culmination of a brutal trial that would crown her as something more than just an outsider.
But there would be no celebration this evening.
I nodded. “You all may leave.”
One by one, they went away.
And instead of going left in the direction of her tent, I carried her limp body into mine.
Song’s eyes narrowed. “Leo. . .”
“I don’t want to wake her.”
“Okay, but her tent is not that far—”
“Yet, mine is right here.” I moved past my men.
Song followed. “This is not where she will be sleeping. Take Monique toherbed.”
“This cannot be helped.” I kept my expression steady as I continued past the rows of servants and guards and then carried her deep into my large tent.
The interior glowed with golden light. The thick blue carpet muffled the sound of my boots.
And in the far back, my king-sized bed loomed, draped in silk sheets and covered with embroidered cushions.
“She’s better here. Now I can look after her.” When I got to the bed, I carefully laid Monique down gently. “I can. . .protect her.”
Her face looked serene.
Had Song not come to my side. . .I might have touched her face. . .just to. . .make sure she was okay.
I’m in control. Nothing is wrong with this. It is perfectly normal.
Song stepped in front of me and blocked my view of her. “Leo.”
“Yes?”
“She’s not for you.” The words stabbed deeper than they should have.
I clenched my jaw, holding onto my composure by the thinnest thread. “I know that.”
“Do you?”
