The door whipped open behind, a fae guard standing on the other side.
46
EZRA
Isteeled myself for my punishment as I waited outside the king’s private dining room. I hadn’t realized the pixies held such a grudge against me, and was somewhat impressed with their ability to cover the trail of Marlowe’s pack.
There was really no telling where they’d went—if they were headed here, towards the mountains, if they were even all together…
Or how they even got here in the first place.
I was powerful, but there was only so much I could do in a situation like that, especially on my own. And unfortunately, the king was not always understanding of my limitations.
My sister’s laugh floated through the air, followed by his, and he called out for me to enter in a jovial tone.
Guards opened the doors and I rushed in, dropping to one knee immediately. The king sat with Marlowe on his lap, looking relaxed as she teased him with a few berries, bringing them to his lips and then popping them into her mouth at the last minute.
He tickled and pinched her side in retribution, barely acknowledging my presence until Marlowe turned to me and smiled. “Good morning, Ezra.”
Alaroth looked up, feigning surprise at seeing me in front of him, despite having just told me to come in.
I wasn’t sure if I should be relieved or worried about their remarkably good moods.
“Ah, my stalwart commander. What has brought you here this early morning hour?”
I looked up in confusion. Had he really forgotten? “The alphas? You ordered me to find them?”
Marlowe whispered something in his ear, her fingers running through his hair. His pupils dilated slightly and then he began kissing her neck while she giggled.
Oh. Clever little omega.
He finally focused back on me. “Did I? Well then… did you?”
I cleared my throat and averted my gaze. “Yes, and no.”
He tsked, and I braced myself for pain when instead I heard a small moan, and chanced a peek up to see that Marlowe was now nibbling along his jaw, his hands gripping her tightly as he rolled his hips in his chair.
Whether she was trying to protect her pack or me, I wasn’t sure, but the distraction was working, and I sent her a silent thank you.
“That’s… that’s disappointing,” he said at last. “Well, I’m sure they’ll show up eventually. Let me know if they do.”
That was it? I needed to get out of there quickly before he changed his mind. “Yes, of course, Your Majesty. Thank you.”
He turned his attention back to my sister and pulled at the laces around the neckline of her dress, her hands on top of his to slow him down. She turned towards me, her eyes wide and pleading.
Shit. I couldn’t just leave her here, especially after she’d just helped me. “Um, Marlowe, would you like to come check on your vryscral with me?”
“What a great idea!” She tried to hop off the king’s lap, but his hold around her tightened.
“You can join him later, beloved. I don’t believe we’ve finished our meal yet.”
If I tried to intervene further I’d be subjecting both of his to his wrath, so I mouthedI’m sorryto Marlowe and walked out, hoping she’d be okay.
47
JULIAN
Kian was still inside the haven.
