Chapter 18 Sasha #2
The journal entries revealed a disturbed mind. Someone was convinced that authentic emotion was weakness, that the court would be stronger and more stable if feelings were muted and controlled.
“They think they’re protecting the fae by killing what makes them special,” I said softly.
“Emotion is our power.” Anger came through in Dominic’s voice. “Connection, joy, and passion are what feeds our magic. Taking that away doesn’t make us stronger. It makes us nothing.”
“We should go,” I said, though I made no move to step back. “Plan our next move.”
“Yes.” His gaze dropped to my mouth, then back to my eyes. “We should definitely do that.”
Neither of us moved.
Savory’s caw from the entrance broke the moment.
The investigators who forget their investigation become the investigated, she said. Save the mating rituals for when you’re not standing in a villain’s lair.
Heat flooded my face. When I repeated what she’d said, Dominic laughed, but he eased away from me. “She has a point.”
“She usually does. Even when I wish she didn’t.”
We made our way back up the steps, emerging into afternoon sunlight that felt startlingly bright after the dim underground chamber. The garden around us looked different now, a mystery we finally understood.
We linked hands as we walked back toward the manor house, both of us talking quickly, interrupting each other with observations and theories.
“We need to determine who has the knowledge and access to create something like that,” I said, my mind racing ahead to next steps.
“And who would believe dampening emotion is beneficial rather than destructive?” Dominic squeezed my hand. “That’s a very specific philosophical position.”
“Someone who values control over authentic feeling.” I thought through the court members I’d met. “Who fears vulnerability enough to systematically eliminate it.”
We reached the manor house and were making our way toward the main staircase when Lady Kenneth strode from a side corridor, carrying a load of leather-bound books in her arms. Her silver hair caught the afternoon light streaming through the tall windows, and she wore her usual tunic and pants, though today in a deep forest green.
“Your Majesties,” she said with a warm smile, shifting the books to one arm as she nodded. “So pleasant to run into you. I was just returning these to the library after my correspondence with the Court of the Eastern Winds.”
“Research?” Dominic asked, glancing at the titles on the spines.
“In a way. I’ve been trying to convince their head librarian to loan us some of their historical texts on ancient magical theory.
” Lady Kenworth’s eyes lit up. “They have a fascinating collection on pre-kingdom magical practices that our library lacks. The librarian there is notoriously particular about who gets access, but I think I’ve finally worn him down with my persistence. ”
“That sounds like valuable research,” I said.
“Oh, it will be. Especially their treatise on emotional magic theory from the Third Age. I’ve been hoping to get my hands on a copy for years.” She shifted the books again. “Sometimes the best battles are fought with letters and scholarly persistence rather than swords.”
“When do you expect to hear back?” Dominic asked.
“Within the week, if the fates allow. Cross your fingers that my charm offensive worked.” She grinned and strode down an adjacent wing, calling out over her shoulder. “Enjoy your afternoon.”
We watched her go, then headed straight for our suite, too energized to do anything but keep planning.
“What are your thoughts on us bringing in new flowers in pristine condition and using them as a trap?” Dominic asked as we climbed the stairs. “We could create a scenario that would draw whoever it is back to their underground chamber.”
“Magical surveillance versus physical observation,” I said. “We need to weigh the pros and cons of each approach.”
“Savory could do aerial reconnaissance. Early warning if someone approaches.”
We burst into our suite still talking, the words tumbling over each other in our rush to build the perfect trap.
Savory flew out through the balcony. I’m going hunting.
Dominic frowned her way. “Doesn’t she want to be part of our planning process?”
“She’s giving us privacy,” I said, heat rushing up my chest to my face.
“Ah.”
We stood in the middle of our sitting room, finally, completely alone. The energy that had been crackling between us all afternoon intensified.
“We actually figured it out,” I said, giddiness bubbling up my throat. “We found a big clue.”
“Your idea about the literal interpretation was incredibly savvy.” Dominic moved closer, his eyes bright with triumph and something that made my pulse race. “I never would’ve thought to try magical tracing without you.”
“We make a good team.” The words came loaded with meaning.
He closed the remaining distance between us. “The best team.”
Our hug started innocent enough, a shared celebration and mutual pride in what we’d accomplished. But the moment our bodies touched, everything shifted. Our laughter faded, triumph changing to something hotter.
I tilted my head back to gaze at him, and the look in his eyes made it very hard to breathe. This wasn’t the charming king or the serious ruler. This man was pure want, and he was focused completely on me.
“Sasha,” he breathed, and his mouth claimed mine.
The kiss was soft at first, as if we both needed a moment to believe this was actually happening. When I moaned, Dominic snapped.
He deepened the kiss, his hands coming up to frame my face, tilting my head for better access. I opened for him, tangling my fingers in his dark blond strands.
He groaned into my mouth, the sound vibrating through my body.
We broke apart only because breathing became necessary. I stared up at him, my chest heaving, watching his pupils dilate with desire.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said. “Not just today, but every day. The way your mind works and how you see patterns no one else notices.” He kissed me again, quick and hard. “You’re amazing.”
The praise made me ache. “I’ve never felt a connection like this to anyone before.”
“Me either.” His hands slid from my face to my waist, and he pulled me flush against him. “I’ve wanted to do this since you moaned while eating those cakes in the kitchen.”
Laughter burst from me. “That’s what pushed you over the edge?”
“Among other things.” He walked me backward until my back hit the wall. “But mostly it’s been watching you work. Seeing how you light up when you’re solving a problem. How passionate you become when you care about something.”
His mouth found mine again, hungrier this time. I arched into him, wanting more. I explored his back through his tunic, stroking his muscles.
One of his hands slid into my hair, angling my head as he kissed me deeper. The other traced down my side, leaving fire in its wake.
When he nipped my lower lip, I gasped, and his tongue swept in to tangle with mine. The kiss turned demanding, desperate, both of us trying to make up for days of restraint.
When we broke apart this time, we were both breathing hard. Dominic’s hair stood up where my fingers had been, and his pupils had blown with need.
“Let me give you pleasure,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Let me show you how much you mean to me.”
The request sent heat pooling low in my belly. This wasn’t just desire. It was trust, vulnerability, and care wrapped up in physical want. Seeing the genuine emotion in his eyes along with his desire made me realize I didn’t want control. I wanted this and him.
“Yes,” I breathed. “Please.”
His smile was equal parts tender and wicked. He scooped me up in his arms, And I snuggled into his embrace as he carried me toward the hallway with our bedrooms.
“My room or yours?” I asked
He paused, looking down at me with so much warmth it tugged at something soft and aching deep inside me. “From now on, if you want, it could be ours.”
The promise in those words made me dizzy. This wasn’t just about tonight. It was about building something real together, sharing space and life and everything that came with genuine partnership.
I kissed him, pouring everything I felt into the press of my lips against his. He responded with equal fervor, somehow managing to get his bedroom door open while still kissing me breathless.
We tumbled through the doorway together, laughing and kissing and completely lost in each other. The investigation could wait until morning. The trap we needed to plan could be discussed later.
Right now, there was only heat and want and the beginning of something I’d never let myself hope for.
Dominic laid me on his bed and followed me down, bracing himself on his forearms to keep his full weight off me.
“Tell me if anything is too much,” he said, his voice serious. “If you need me to slow down or stop. This is about you, about showing you how extraordinary you are.”
The care in his words made me fall a little bit more in love with him.
And that felt completely right.