I needed a distraction from my distraction. As insane as that sounded, it was the truth. My mate''s presence had been the best distraction from my sorrows and every other unwanted thought, but now I was afraid I would make a fool of myself, yet again. Thanks to Astryn''s loud mouth, walking back out to meet him after I''d bathed and being held by him had left me too aware of his presence. It was expected, him being my mate and all, but not to the depth that had left my legs all wobbly. Not to a point where remaining upright was a miracle made possible only by his capable arm that he''d slid around my waist as he led us to dinner. Despite being all here, my mate was awfully quiet still and it did nothing for my erratically beating heart.


    "Your majesty, mydy." Guards straightened up and greeted us on one more turn. And just like thest bunch, those whose eyes strayed to the way their king held me were left eyes wide or clearing their throats unnecessarily while others blushed like maidens. I on the other hand wished I could disappear.


    An appreciative growl rumbled from his chest, drawing my attention and when I looked up to understand why I realized that in my quest to hide from every eye, I''d unknowingly drawn closer than intended to him, leaving our bodies impossibly close. Attempting to pull back and leaving whatever amount of space possible between us was met with resistance. While his gaze was set on the path that led ahead, I learnt that that did not exactly mean so was every part of him. The very idea left me blushing all the way to the dining hall.


    "Wee, your majesty, mydy." A guard swung the doors leading to a room I was now familiar with open.


    "Thank you." I rasped while my mate grunted a response. Liira was nowhere to be seen, but I knew she would be showing up sooner rather thanter. The matriarch I had observed loved making grand entrances but was neverte while at it. My usual seat was a wee sight but judging by the reluctant way my mate let go of me, it clearly wasn''t for him. I watched with relief as he put the much needed distance between us. It was however short lived as he chose to sit right opposite my seat, his gaze meeting and holding mine for one spellbinding moment. No words were spoken and yet my heart fluttered to no end.


    "Have you been waiting long?" Liira waltzed in, followed by a trail of maids bearing dishes of mouth watering food.


    "We haven''t." My mate rose in greeting as did I, but Liira was quick with sending me back into my seat with a disapproving look.


    "Do not trouble yourself child." Her scolding reminded me of something I''d been meaning to ask them both. It would have to wait, however. "Seeing you here looking so beautiful is all the greeting I need." I blushed. Not so much because of the words, but who else heard them. I could feel his gaze on me the entire time. Probably agreeing with his grandmother totally.


    "Shall we?" Liira''s gaze swept across our sitting arrangement, but if she thought anything of it, she did not voice any of her thoughts. But she did shoot her grandson a weird look. It was subtle but I saw it. I wondered what it was about. Their bodynguage after also spoke of them mind linking, but judging by the unhappy look that graced Liira''s face, I knew she was not getting what she wished for.


    "So stubborn." She mumbled before looking up and instructing the maid''s to begin serving.


    The food as always was to die for. The taste matched the aroma in equal measure and for the longest while it held all of my attention. The realm would have exploded and I would not have cared one bit. I was about done when a te got shoved my way. I meant to shove it right back knowing from whom it hade. I really did. But then that smoky vour of rabbit meat cooked on an open me wafted straight up my nose and gave my hands a mind of their own. Didn''t Liira say my cravings should have eased up by now? I cared not for the answer to that as I dug in, tearing, biting at the soft flesh, satisfying my craving. Only the sight of the empty te had me sitting back. "That was-" I bit back mypliment when I was reminded that I was not dining in my chambers and Astryn was not my audience. I picked up a napkin instead and patted my mouth as I should have done while I ate, instead of licking every drop of juice that had threatened to escape my mouth.


    The maids and guards had somehow disappeared, leaving only Liira and my mate to witness the udylike manner in which I ate. And despite their pleased faces, I wished the ground would swallow me at the ensuing feelings of embarassment. I was grateful too when neither thought to say anything over it. When the silence stretched for too long, I couldn''t stand it.


    "I wish to do something..." My voice sounded alien even as it carried in the silence and when it reached my very quiet audience, I was met with raised eyebrows. "...with my time. Perhaps see the capital and..."


    "No!" It was my turn to arch a brow at my mate when he all but growled at my request. His features softened before I could read him. "The capital is dang- it is no ce for a maiden in your condition."


    "I am with child, not an invalid." Annoyance prickled. Being stuck in the pce was simply not enough.


    He sighed. "I did not mean it in that manner. It''s- It''s just that it is not safe."


    "You could apany me." I did not mean to invite him. Was it even proper to do so? My eyes flickered to Liira. The matriarch had a cup to her lips and her gaze seemed to go everywhere but on me and my mate. If she approved or disapproved of my request I could not tell. "Surely the presence of the king would be enough to guarantee my safety." "My presence will only increase the risk of harm to you and the child you carry." He protested.


    "Nonsense! You know she is right and as her nurse, I grant her all the permision she needs. Besides you need a break from that wretched throne of yours."


    He scowled at his grandmother, but Liira paid him no mind and instead turned to me. "I will have Gol and Rakon prepare your day out. And if you must have the whole army of Xatis with you to ensure her safety, then an army you shall have." This she said to my mate and I could have sworn he took that as an insult.


    "I can protect my own family, thank you very much." He all but growled and damn my stupid wolf and heart for swooning at his words. Family...


    "Now that that is settled, I shall call it a night." Liira rose, a satisfied smile on her lips, making me wonder what she had to gain in my request being fulfilled.


    "Would you care to join me gazing upon the stars?"


    "What?" I was surprised by his invitation. Especially after being quiet for almost the entire time we ate.


    "We have clear skies tonight and Liira swears that fresh air after a hefty meal is good for a goodnight''s sleep."


    I knew Liira''s theories were true, but that was not the reason I epted his invitation. "I would love to."


    "Allow me." He helped me up and led me out of a set of open doors just as the maids came back in to clear up.


    The breeze was colder than I expected, but my difort was shielded by his cloak that he ced on me. A smile broke out of my lips. "Thank yo-" My words died down in my throat as I was met with a sight I never thought I would see ever again. My eyes sharpened in the little light wishing to make sure I was seeing right.


    "It is not what you think." My mate was quick to point out and I hoped to the gods it was true. Because anything apart from that would plunge me into another sea of pain that would im my soul anew.


    "You don''t have to." His hand rested on mine, sending those familiar tingles erupting along the entire length of it.


    I ignored them and him. "But I do." I mumbled as I angled my head to get a better look. His jaw worked as my gaze settled on the mark, registering his displeasure at me seeing it. I ignored that too as I drew closer. A set of prints made by her lips. Myrna''s kiss. A growl rumbled in my chest before I could stop myself. I hated the very idea of them sharing such an intimate touch, but unlike the first time I beheld it, I stopped to study it instead of running. I felt tension flow out of my mate''s body too, making me realize he''d thought I would run.


    How was it still here? It had not crossed my mind the first time I beheld the mark. Slipping my hand over it, he shuddered, and purred just as he would if my own mark rested there.


    It was only skin deep and yet could not be erased? "How is this possible?"


    "A spell." Bitterness dripped with his words.


    "A spell? Can it be undone?" My wolf wanted it gone, I wanted it gone and before I knew it my tongue licked the spot and the most pleased growl escaped his lips, but also his grip tightened around me pulling me away. Confusion and anger assaulted me. Did he not wish for it to be erased? He wanted her, more than me apparently. I struggled to get away, but there was no escaping him this time.


    "Sh, damn it! It''s not what you think."


    "Then what exactly is it, your majesty?" Shoving furiously at his chest, tears sought to spill, but I held them back. I wouldn''t give him the satisfaction.


    "If and when you do mark me, I wish for it to be because you wish to spend forever with me. Not because you wish to erase my mistakes or your sister''s."


    I froze at his answer. It sounded honourable, but he was wrong. I wished for that mark to be gone, but not for the reasons he thought.