43. FORTY-THREE
FORTY-THREE
Mina
The last two weeks were blessedly uneventful, but Zala’s threat looms over every stop like heavy clouds warning of a storm. In between mingling and settling disputes at each town we visit, Darius and I spend the majority of our free time training our soldiers and preparing for war.
Our small-minded advisers have grown tight-lipped. I still sense their distaste behind every polished smile, and our dinners together drain me. Darius and I can only dine in private so often without drawing negative attention, though.
My saving grace is how far my female soldiers have come. Every mastered skill soothes my irritation toward their doubters. At this pace, most of them will be ready by the time we set sail for Kalisham, then their glory upon returning will silence any remaining opposition.
Darius sneaks in time to spar with me in private, trying different weapons and techniques to see who is better. It keeps our skills sharp, and I’m a fan of what usually happens afterwards. Despite our violent foreplay, it’s the quiet moments in between that ease my worries the most.
I love my husband. I love his ruthlessness and strength, his wicked tongue, and the considerate side he displays more as each day passes.
Whatever wall once existed between us is nearly gone, leaving only the ghost of its long shadow when Zala comes up. I sense Darius wants to tell me something, but I’m trying to be patient and let him speak when he’s ready. I trust him.
I haven’t exactly mustered up the courage to say I love you out loud yet either, so who am I to judge?
Maybe he wants to tell me something unrelated entirely, but the adoration and fear in his eyes give me hope that our secrets are the same. Our affection for one another is clear enough without those words.
When he holds me, the world falls away. No grief or sorrow, no weight of responsibility that was never supposed to be mine, no worries about the future or regrets about the past. With Darius, I can enjoy the moment and just be.
A part of me uses the physical release as an escape sometimes, but our intimacy is healing outside of the bedroom as well. His hand on my lower back gives me confidence, support, and a sense of belonging. His secret smiles fill the cracked edges of my shattered heart.
I can’t believe I let myself fall in love. With Darius it was never a choice, just an inevitability of fate.
A loud thump pulls me from my thoughts as Victoria throws herself against the carriage window in a most unladylike fashion. “We’re here!”
Darius rides at the front of the caravan on horseback, while I stay back with Victoria for a lesson on the port city she calls home.
I got the crash course on everything from economics to gossip.
Insider information only a resident would know.
I am more prepared to enter Coryntha than any other stop on the tour.
I join her at the window and my breath catches. The shimmering sea rivals any picturesque painting. Wispy white clouds break up the crystal blue sky, while gray birds circle the city like watchful knights.
Most of the cities we visited were built around a castle and grew out from the center, but Coryntha sprouted straight from the sea.
The closer we get to the water, the more robust the city becomes.
Farms give way to rows of colorful homes and shops, leading to the fishing docks and merchant district where Victoria’s father will greet us.
I see why she loves this place. It reminds me of the markets back home, with bustling storefronts echoing laughter and shouts for customers to come closer. The chaos of a vibrant city thrums through our carriage wheels, calling to us.
Victoria’s excitement is contagious. She describes the different local dishes we pass, and their scents tempt us on the sea breeze. Staying in the carriage becomes increasingly difficult as my stomach rumbles.
I want to stop and indulge in several shops, but the looming threat of Zala keeps me seated. I don’t want to give him any unnecessary openings at Darius. I would never forgive myself if my negligence took someone else I cared about.
“Is it strange that I’m nervous?” I confide.
Victoria grabs my hand and gives it a small squeeze. “You’ve won over so many territories, there’s no need to be nervous.”
“It’s not the city I’m worried about. I want your father to like me. Not because of his political influence, but because he’s your dad.”
She wrinkles her nose. “I doubt my father will dislike you. Besides, if he does, I’ve happily disagreed with his poor decisions in the past. I’m not about to stop now.”
We break into laughter, and I relax into her side. I am so incredibly grateful for her and Kailani. We bonded in Brastrova and have only grown closer since then. I don’t know where I would be without their support and guidance.
Along with Jaime, the four of us make quite the scheming group. Alexi helps behind the scenes, but he still won’t let me introduce him to anyone, or tell Darius.
My chest warms at my unexpected little family. I came here to borrow a blade to strike down my enemy, yet I found something more. A home away from home. Veloria is so different, yet the more I see and learn, the more I feel like I belong here. Even with certain prejudices.
Lady Elena and I have a different dynamic. Not friendly by any means, but she’s competent and organized, an asset I have no issue using. She challenges me without stepping out of line and wouldn’t hesitate to take my spot. Yet for some reason, I kind of like her.
I enjoy the openings her challenges offer, and her unshakable confidence is inspiring.
Victoria jumps out the second the carriage creaks to a halt. I open the door to find Darius waiting for me with his hand out, perfectly put together despite the day’s ride.
I will have to dishevel him later.
His brown eyes warm as if sensing my thoughts.
I weave our fingers together, instantly at home. By the time we catch up with Victoria, she and her father are in a deep embrace. For all the frustration Victoria feels toward his choice in heir, their love for each other is obvious.
I lean into Darius as my grief threatens to pull me under. He kisses my hand, grounding me with his steady confidence. How did I ever think this man was cold?
“Emperor Darius, welcome.” Victoria’s father bows and shakes Darius’s hand. I hide my shock at his casual greeting. “Queen Mina, it is an honor to meet you. I’m Matteo Nicoletti. Thank you for taking such good care of my daughter.”
Victoria is a copy of Matteo in all but her eyes. His are a light blue that mirror the sea and the unfiltered warmth I find there eases my anxiety.
“I can assure you, she’s been the one looking after me. It’s wonderful to meet you.”
Matteo smiles at Victoria with pride. He doesn’t even know the half of her achievements yet. I owe so much to her knowledge and kindness. He continues to introduce his two sons, Alonso and Davido, who are more reserved in their greetings.
Darius walks ahead with Matteo, while I hover back with Victoria. We enter the stone gates of their estate, and I let out a soft whistle. The massive three-story house is crafted from white oak and sea glass, with smaller buildings for storage and workshops branching off from the sides.
Guild members come and go freely, housed in the many guest rooms. I have a fairly good idea of the layout already thanks to Victoria, but she failed to do the details justice.
The hallways and banisters are decorated with ornate carvings and woven tapestries—the craftsmanship a testament to the guild’s taste. Antiques from all over the world are on display in a wild mixture of art and culture.
I love it.
Victoria rarely speaks of her possessions, bragging instead about the people around her. I expected the daughter of a merchant to be more obsessed with wealth, but Victoria’s knowledge is her favorite possession.
Just like Astrella. I wish the two could have met. Their conversations would’ve been insufferable to witness in the best kind of way.
“I see why you offered to have your family help furnish the rooms at the palace,” I whisper, taking Victoria’s arm.
She eyes the opulence around her with boredom. “Please take whatever you want. We could use a good declutter.”
“Don’t act like your room is any different,” Alonso chides from behind us.
She sticks her tongue out. “My room has only a few tasteful pieces. You’ll see it if you ever visit me at the palace.”
I bite back a smile as they bicker back and forth. Davido—the eldest and almost as tall as Darius—comes to my other side. “Please forgive their lack of formality, Your Majesty. They forget whose presence we’re in.”
“It’s quite all right. I’m a guest in your home. Please feel free to act as you would any other time.” His gaze cuts to Darius in obvious concern.
“Don’t worry. My husband doesn’t bite.” His relieved expression is short-lived as I add, “Only his sword does.”
Victoria laughs at her brother’s paling face.
She’s interacted with Darius enough to know that he will say if our actions aren’t to his liking.
Besides, I would stop him from doing anything unnecessarily rash.
Not that he would anyway. The fact that his hand isn’t loosely wrapped around the hilt of his sword speaks volumes about how he feels toward Matteo.
He may not fully trust most, but he at least respects these people.
Matteo stops in front of a room on the third-floor southeast wing. “If the room is not to your liking, please let me know and we can find you a different one.”
“I’m sure it will be more than sufficient,” Darius says.
“Well then. I’ll leave you two to get settled. Lunch will be in an hour, then afterwards a tour of the grounds.”
“I would like to see the docks at some point today and go over the plans we sent,” I add.
Matteo bows. “Of course. I’ll make the arrangements.”
Victoria waves goodbye and follows her family down the hall.
Darius opens the door, resting his hand on the small of my back to lead me into our room for the next several weeks.
It’s spacious and airy, with warm wood and soft white linens.
The sitting area faces a shining wall of glass that opens to a balcony overlooking the sea.
Vines hang down the iron rails, offering privacy.
The wide bed is flanked by two closed doors. The one on the right reveals a walk-in wardrobe. Our trunks are tucked into the corner, with clothes hung in neat rows by color. Jaime is very particular about how she organizes our things. I don’t mind. Her quirks only make me love her more.
The other door leads to a modest washroom with a tub that can easily fit us both. I want nothing more than to entice Darius into bathing together, but we have to meet Matteo far too soon for what I have planned.
Darius leans against the glass, arms crossed and relaxed as he watches me explore. I push past him to the spacious balcony and fill my lungs with salty air. A gentle breeze drifts by in greeting, lifting my spirits further.
I find where the sea and sky embrace in the distance and picture the land that rests just beyond. Kalisham.
“Wait until you see it at sunrise.” Darius studies the view, resting his hands on the balcony rail next to me.
“I look forward to it.”
The sight leaves me a little breathless already. Not just the sparkling blue sea, but the man before me. A rare, relaxed moment when the wind tousles his hair and the weight of an empire momentarily lifts away. His warm brown eyes scan the horizon, and a real smile touches his lips.
My heart trips over itself as Darius turns that expression on me and steps closer, wrapping his arms around my waist. He traces the side of my neck with his lips, leaving little kisses that make me shiver.
“Turn around and face the sea.”
I spin, and the iron balcony gently presses into my stomach. Darius works my skirt up slowly, callused fingers stroking my inner thigh until they find me wet and waiting.
Everything about Darius is a turn-on. The smugness in his voice says he knows it. “Did you have fun riding with Lady Victoria today?”
My yes is more of a mumble as he slowly circles my sensitive flesh. He kisses my neck with a low laugh. “I didn’t quite get that.”
He stops moving, and I press back into his erection with a pout. I turn my face toward his. “Yes, we had a wonderful time.” I enunciate each word.
His fingers continue their featherlight teasing, and my core clenches, wanting all of him. “Aren’t you going to ask me how my ride was?” he asks.
One finger slides into me, maddeningly slow, and my answer is part moan as I try to keep my composure. “How was your ride?”
He slides a second finger in and curls them forward. I melt into his firm chest as he holds me against the balcony. Voices drift up from below as merchants go about their day. I didn’t realize how close we were to the workshops.
“Uneventful. The conversation was quite dull.”
Surely the fresh air is messing with my hearing. Darius wouldn’t be jealous that I spent an entire day in the carriage. Normally we spend our time riding together, but I asked for Victoria’s tutelage before arriving.
Curiosity gets the better of me. “Careful, Darius, or I might think you missed me.”
His fingers still and silence charges the air between us. I try to shift so that I can see what kind of expression he’s making, but his hips pin me in place.
He reaches under the sides of my dress to trace the curve of my breast. My nipples tighten, instantly wanting more.
“What if I did?” His voice gives nothing away.
“Then show me how much.” I reach between us and grip his cock through his pants. He hisses my name in warning before yanking my hand away and placing it on the railing.
His words are a low growl against my neck. “Mind your surroundings, Mina.”
That is all the warning I get before he plunges his fingers inside me again, his lazy pace from before replaced by a punishing rhythm. Each curled thrust brings me closer to falling apart.
“Darius,” I plead.
His fingers disappear, and the front of my dress falls back into place. The sound of his belt buckle coming undone makes my thighs quiver. The same hand that brought me so close to an orgasm taps my lips.
“Open,” he commands.
My own arousal coats my tongue. I suck his fingers clean before Darius withdraws, clamping a hand over my mouth to muffle my moans.
A cool breeze kisses the backs of my thighs as he lifts my skirts and slides into me, hitting that deep spot that makes me dizzy.
He withdraws to the tip before plunging into me again and again with a controlled force that sends my orgasm crashing through me in time with the waves.
Darius buries his face in the crook of my neck as he comes, his hot breath tickling my skin. We stay pressed together, catching our breath to the rhythm of the ocean.
He kisses my shoulder and pulls out, then adjusts the skirt of my dress back into place. I turn to face him as he buttons his pants.
“For the record…” I cross the space between us and pull his lips down to mine, savoring his soft sigh. “I missed you too.”