Bride of Ashes (Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin #1)

11. Reyla

11

REYLA

“ W hat was unexpected?” I asked, my voice quavering more than I liked.

My heart stuttered in a rhythm that was both familiar and foreign, as if it had forgotten how to beat but suddenly remembered.

He was gorgeous, though he was fae, so it wasn’t unexpected. The lighter strands in his almost-black hair caught the sunlight, but it was his deep green eyes that captured and held me. I wanted to wrench my gaze away, but as much, I wanted to remain where I was, drowning in the warmth I saw there.

“Everything,” he said.

Heat spread through me in a blaze I couldn’t beat back or control, consuming every bit of my body, even reaching to my fingers and toes. It was both terrifying and exhilarating. Warmth curled through my insides like smoke finding every crevice of me that mattered .

The air felt thick, and I couldn’t suck in a breath, but as he linked our hands together, I didn’t care if I ever breathed again. As long as he kept looking at me as if I was his world and his sole reason for existing, I wouldn’t need anything else.

My pulse galloped in my ears, my heart a furious thing trying to find its way past my ribcage—find its way to him .

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I’d loved and lost, and Kinart had been enough. Yet in this man’s gaze I felt a promise and a lifeline, one I wasn’t sure I dared take.

What would it be like to experience that heady, overwhelming connection again, to know what it was like to be loved and love as deeply in return? Vulnerability and hope snarled through me, and I wasn’t sure how to deal with my turbulent emotions.

Fortunately, they were driven from my mind by Farris, who bolted up the stairs and flung himself between us. My hand was tugged away from Merrick’s and our connection severed.

I was me again. Changed? I couldn’t be certain, but at least I could think and be the Reyla I was before I met Merrick.

“I’m sorry, my king, my lady,” Lord Briscalar groaned, stomping over to join us, the new collar and leash in his hand. “I could swear I shut the door tight, that he couldn’t get out, but he bolted past me.”

“It’s alright.” Merrick shared a mischievous smile with me that nearly caught me again in his snare. It was said the fae could lull a person. Was that what was happening now? But, no, I was fae, and none of the legends said the spell worked on each other, only those without power. Although, I was Reyla, nearly as powerless as those living near my old fortress .

“He’s yours, right?” Merrick asked, stooped down to stroke Farris. He held out his hand to Lord Briscalar, who gave him the collar and leash and Merrick carefully secured them, rubbing Farris’s ears after. “What a beautiful guy.”

My nyxin squirmed and whimpered, trying to lick the king’s face, my hand, and even Lord Briscalar’s leg.

“Thank you for those.” I plucked at my skirt. “And the lovely dresses.”

Merrick looked up at me, one corner of his mouth curving up. “Anything, Reyla. I’d give you anything.”

Flustered by his comment, I didn’t know how to respond.

“He was caged in the village,” I blurted out instead. “I rescued him, and he followed me to the ship, swimming behind to catch us.”

“Amazing creature,” Merrick said. “I’m glad you were there for him.”

His comment reassured me more than a pretty collar and dress could ever do.

“Farris is not much work, my king,” Lord Briscalar said. “We’ve arranged for some wood chips for his use for . . . Well, you know. And he’s quite content to eat meat and sautéed vegetables. The cook is excited to try new dishes for Lady Reyla’s pet, and I will say, I’m growing quite fond of him myself.” His hand jerked out to pat the top of Farris’s head.

Merrick straightened. “I’m glad you found a friend.” His warm gaze met mine, and I saw only kindness there.

This man was going to be everything I needed and more.

Such a strange thought.

I dragged my gaze from his and scanned the deck, expecting to find Lore standing nearby with scorn twisting that scar on his face. But he wasn’t. Sleeping? That would be expected from a bodyguard on duty last night. I certainly hadn’t needed his services.

My body flushed at the thought, and I shoved the fluttery feeling away. I didn’t need any service from Lore and the quicker that knowledge sunk in, the better.

“Have you had breakfast?” Merrick asked me.

I shook my head. “I only drank the tea. Thank you for that, as well. My belly feels much better.”

“Of course. Let’s eat together, shall we? I’m famished.” His easy smile made all my tension flee. This was going to be alright. It wouldn’t be torture.

And maybe, just maybe, this man could be a new start for me.

“Would you prefer to dine in your suite or here on the deck, Sire?” Lord Briscalar asked.

“Here would be nice, don’t you think?”

I liked that Merrick was asking my opinion. “Yes, it would.”

“The light breeze will cool the sun’s rays, and we can enjoy the view.” His hand swept out to take in the sea.

“Very well, my king.” Lord Briscalar bowed to Merrick and then me. “My lady.” He backed away and spun, scurrying back down the stairs.

“Would you like to wait by the rail?” Merrick asked. “I’d love the chance to get to know you better.”

“Yes, that would be nice.”

The admiration in his gaze tingled across my skin and made a flush fill my face again. I wasn’t sure I liked how my body was so eager to betray me, first with Lore, and now with Merrick.

You’re the queen, I reminded myself. Merrick is the king. Forget about Lore.

If only I could.

He took my hand, linking our fingers again, and under the watchful, hopeful if I was reading them right, gazes of the crew and the captain, he led me over to the rail.

Farris pranced behind us as if he was enjoying his new collar and leash. While he poked his head out a cut-out on the side of the rail, sniffing the wind and huffing, Merrick and I stood side-by-side, leaning against the weathered wood. The ship rocked and water splashed across the hull below us.

“You’re sure you feel better?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry I was sick yesterday and didn’t get to meet you then.”

“No worries. We have now and forever, don’t we?”

Yes. We did.

“The moment I arrived on board, I felt at home.” Merrick described how he used to sneak away from the castle and take to the sea for short journeys, and how the captain had aided him in his escape. “When I was older, I learned it was all arranged. I was allowed to run away, but I always had someone watching.”

“Lord Lorant?” I asked. “Although, he appears about the same age as you, and I doubt a child would’ve been assigned bodyguard duties.”

“No, not back then. That started when I was an adult. And yes, he’s the same age as me. It makes us better friends, I think, not just a king and one of his staff.”

“Why didn’t we wait to marry until you’d come on board?” I asked.

He stared toward the sea for a very long time before speaking, his throat working with his swallow. “I wish it could’ve been me.”

Not exactly an answer. “Some would suggest you worried I’d flee if you didn’t bind me to you immediately with a proxy wedding.”

He glanced my way, studying my face with an expression that told me nothing. “What do you say?”

“That it would’ve been nice to stand beside you when we spoke our vows.”

The smile he flashed me made my insides quiver. “Perhaps, one day, we will.”

“A second marriage?”

“Only if, and when, you feel ready to bind yourself to me fully. You tell me if that time comes.” He turned back to face the water. “The sea sings softly where the waves meet the sky in a shimmering embrace. Beneath its sparkling surface, it whispers secrets. Do we remain on the familiar shore, or do we dare dive into the water’s depths to hear?”

“So pretty.”

“Most of the time, I’m bound by duty, but here . . . I can be myself, speak whatever’s in my heart.”

I enjoyed his poetic side. “I’m new to the sea. It’s beautiful.” My words felt paltry compared to his statement. “You’re right, though. When I stare at the swirls and ripples, I almost think I can hear the sea trying to tell me something.”

“Close your eyes and listen. What is it saying?”

I did as he suggested and sent out my soul to touch and sink deep.

He slid one of my dangling curls behind my ear, his simple touch drawing a delicious shiver from deep inside me. Distracting me, but . . .

“I hear echoes of laughter and tears, as if the sea remembers every soul that dared to listen.” I frowned. “And . . . When storms rage, only those with courage will find safe passage. Drift at your peril or dance with the wings of your heart.” I opened my eyes and shook my head. “I’m not sure if I really heard that or I’m just making it up.”

“Dance, Reyla,” he said gravely. “If nothing else, please dance.”

We stared at the water for a long time, saying nothing while Farris nosed around us, sniffing everything.

Finally, Merrick turned to lean his hip against the rail. He took my hand, linking our fingers again. “I understand you grew up in a fortress on the western border.”

“Has Lord Briscalar been talking?” I injected a teasing tone into my words. I liked this man, my husband.

Husband. I swallowed but the lump of pain wouldn’t go down. Now wasn’t the time to think of lost dreams. My focus needed to remain forward.

New life.

New chance.

Unexpected friend .

“Lord Briscalar didn’t tell me much,” he said. “You don’t mind that he filled me in, do you?”

“Not at all.” Though I’d keep some of my thoughts to myself in the future. A solid reminder that at this point, I could trust no one.

Not even Merrick?

I suspected I’d soon find out.