Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 128087 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128087 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
“If I may, my lord,” Oleksandr interjected.
“You may not. And if you speak again, I will scorch your tongue off.” Zepharali’s sword burned brighter. “You are a silent sentinel, yes?”
Oleksandr nodded.
“Then honor your title.”
Myst flapped her wings but didn’t attack. It meant his protector—although anxious—did not sense imminent danger from the titan.
Zepharali got closer.
Lazaar tasted copper on his tongue as his fangs dug deeper into his bottom lip. He was terrified of what would happen if he revealed them now. Would Zepharali be disgusted, angry, put off?
A dozen or so imposing women with long blonde hair and wearing full battle gear with swords attached to their backs were led by the other two titanesses who had come with Zepharali on the first reconnaissance.
Before the two leaders could dismount their massive stallions, the Treasure of the Realms raised one fist in the air while continuing to watch his and Zepharali’s interaction.
The guards had no choice but to halt at the king’s command.
Zepharali leaned in and inhaled deeply against Lazaar’s throat.
“There’s that smell,” he rumbled with a huskiness as intoxicating as the finest wine. “Guana berries. My favorite.”
It was a voice that promised absolute pleasure.
Zepharali pulled back enough for Lazaar to glare at Oleksandr, who was too afraid to talk lest he lose his tongue.
“You refuse to speak.”
No. I want to, more than anything, gorgeous beloved, but I just can’t. Not here, not now.
“Tread carefully, brother,” Boraleashe chimed in again.
Zepharali harrumphed, still staring into Lazaar’s eyes.
“You don’t seem all that dangerous to me.”
“Then you’re gravely underestimating it. That is a tribrid of the dark.”
Lazaar vibrated with anger. I’m not an “it,” gods damn you.
Zepharali nodded. “I’ve heard your many concerns, Boraleashe. Thank you.”
“Since you refuse to speak, I will detain you until you do.”
No, no, no.
Zepharali turned his back on him, and Lazaar’s throat constricted with emotion, his eyes burning with unshed tears.
“Detain them both,” his titan ordered.
The legion came forward and seized Oleksandr first. Myst leapt in front of Lazaar with her wings spread wide in a warning.
Zepharali mounted his honey-blond stallion, shooting a fierce glare in his direction.
“And control your beast. She can remain at your side, but I will not permit you to roam Scáthanna until you answer my questions.”
Lazaar held up his hands and began to follow. He had no fight left in him to refuse. He rubbed against Myst, needing her comfort, and eased her along with him.
Zepharali
Zepharali struggled not to turn back and check the prince’s reaction.
But he didn’t have to. He felt it.
Theodor and Boraleashe mounted their stallions and eased up beside him.
“Are you certain you know what you’re doing, Zeph? I have a bad feeling about him. He’s dark and silent.” Boraleashe scowled. “Why won’t he speak? Doesn’t that give you pause?”
“All of this gives me pause, Boraleashe.”
Zepharali called for one of his daughters. He had many and knew each one personally as they were all he had from his lost loves. They were his elite legion force.
“Eirene, my dearest.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Ride ahead and alert the Sergeant of the Wall to prepare to announce the Titan of the North and his King of Tir an Fhomhair. And ready the—”
“No need, titaness,” Boraleashe interrupted, “I’m leaving immediately before I turn into vapor.”
Zepharali couldn’t contain his amusement. “You’re so damn dramatic. Are you all sure you won’t stay and rest a day? You and your king are more than welcome and will be shown our greatest hospitality.”
“Thank you, but we’re going back to Scáthanna. There is still much to repair and mend of Boraleashe’s Arctic World.” Theodor reached out and shook his hand. “Know we’re only a breath away if you need us. We won’t hesitate to return. And may the gods bless you, Lord Zepharali.”
“Blessings, Your Highness,” he returned before he and Fire Breath bolted into the sky.
Zepharali’s head was spinning, his chest constricting the farther away he got.
His stallion crested the lavish green Halomere Hills. He’d never been more relieved to see the towering spires of his home, Helios Sonrun, named after the god of the sun.
His three suns were at their highest points, their rays emitting a limitless amount of power channeled through a network of conduits and solar panels, transforming his palace into a celestial wonder.
It was a beautiful sight for his weary eyes.
He didn’t have Fire Breath land in the courtyard as usual. He didn’t want to encounter the heads of his courts and their probing questions. Especially since he had no answers.
He leapt from his stallion’s back and landed with a thunderous bang on the balcony of his private quarters.
Zepharali moved through the vast rooms until he was at the doors to his bedchamber.
His personal aides leapt off the bed, where they’d been wrapped in each other’s arms, and rushed toward him.
Dyan and Lyan were incubi who worked well together to make Zepharali comfortable or look his best when he went out.