“My thanks, my king.”He bowed his head at Xeus.
“You may return to your duties.With Malo distracted, Etteria needs you on Earth.”
No.Fear squeezed her throat and allowed her nothing but a gasp.
“My duty is here…beside Wren.”Cy looped an arm around her waist and drew her close.She leaned into him for good measure.No way was she letting the king take away her man.
Xeus stiffened.“She is not your Dar Eth.”
“Not yet,” Kanzo said, slicing his gaze between them.“You do understand that Ariez has secured quarters…where you cannot be unless injured.”
“You speak truth, Adviser Kanzo.”Ariez clasped his hands behind his back, appearing patient when he was far from it.“The Ethera has yet to strike, but it has had an influence on Cylo’s void.We are studying the effects.”
Cy smiled.“Then I should be in medical, as well.”He had such hope in his voice even as he dug his fingers into her hip to keep her near.
“The barracks are near enough,” Ariez said.“Now, if we may start our assessments…” He swept out an arm, gesturing to a door to the side.
Cy’s grip tightened.No, it is too soon.
She curled against him, nuzzling her nose into his armor-encased chest.“For a month, remember?”
A week.
She angled her head back to meet his gaze.“Even better.”With a kiss to his chin, she pulled out of his arms.“Come find me.”
He took a step as if to follow her.
“Cylo, a word,” King Xeus said.
Ariez marched through the narrow door, assuming she was on his six.She touched the frame and tossed a glance over her shoulder at Cy, his gaze fixed on her.Ice slithered down her spine and settled in her bones.She couldn’t shake the thought that this was goodbye.
When she dragged her gaze away, Ariez was far away, his long legs taking him almost out of line of sight.She broke into a jog, tearing after him.
“It will be good for him to be away from you.A test, so to speak.”Ariez glanced at her when she fell into step beside him, her breathing a little ragged.
Oh, well, that makes sense.“Why?What are you hoping will happen?”
“The Ethera does not like separation.If it is at work here, you will both suffer.”He grinned.“Fascinating.”
She couldn’t help but laugh at the adorable man.“The way you’re enjoying this, I’m going to assume you only like me because I’m a puzzle.”
He laughed.“And entertaining.”
“Fair enough.”
She couldn’t complain about such a test when the last one had been to have sex with Cy.Would he have gotten around to it if Ariez hadn’t demanded it?She tried not to think about it because, in truth, it no longer mattered.They were lovers, and if she was honest with herself, she loved him.As she trailed Ariez, she prayed being apart worked.Even now, something tightened in her chest and squeezed, hindering her breathing.Or was that her unfit body?
She smiled.
Either way, time would tell.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Cylo’sgazelingeredonthe shut door.Rage gritted his teeth and shot fire along his veins.He should have anticipated not being allowed to stay with her.Malo taught them to consider all scenarios.Needles skittered over his skin, driving him to follow.
“The Ethera is such an unknown.Do you believe she is yours?”
At Xeus’s question, Cylo focused on his king.“I do.My body has been reacting as if I knelt.My eye color only needs to change.”
