Chapter 40
Forty
RONAN
ELLNESARI, PRESENT DAY
C heryl and I are given only a few hours to ourselves before a soft knock comes at our door.
We didn’t rest, but we did use our time wisely doing more pleasurable things than sleeping.
We’re in bed, recovering from our fifth round…
I think. I stopped counting. All that matters is that she’s in my arms, snuggled tightly against my chest.
“Ugh. I don’t want to get up,” she says.
“It’s okay. I’ll check who’s outside.” I throw my legs to the side of the bed and sit up.
She turns on her side, propping her head against a closed fist. “Aren’t you going to get dressed first?”
I arch a brow, noticing the upturn of her lips. “Do you want me to?”
“No, but we don’t know who’s outside. What if it’s one of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting? It’d be a pity to gouge their eyes out for ogling you.”
“I love how feral you get,” I say through a smile. “But I just got you back. I can’t have you sent to Nightingale jail for committing murder.”
She shudders. “Ugh. I’ve had enough of captivity to last me several lifetimes.”
I put on the pants I was wearing earlier because they’re the only pair I have and walk to the door. “Who is it?” I ask before opening.
“It’s Castiel.”
“One moment.” I look over my shoulder. “Cher, you’d better get dressed.”
“In what? That dress you hate?”
I grumble, forgetting that detail. “Right. Well, stay under the sheets, then. I don’t want to be sent to jail either.”
She laughs, shaking her head, but pulls the silk sheets up so her lovely breasts are covered.
When I finally open the door, I find Castiel looking downright annoyed. “May I come in now?”
“Of course.” I step out of the way and notice he’s not wearing fancy attire. His clothes are pristine, midnight blue, but devoid of any embellishments. They match the somber expression etched on his face. “What’s the matter?”
“There’s been a change of plans. My brother’s trial will happen tonight.”
“What about King Ruel’s reception?” Cher asks.
“He’s been detained and won’t arrive until tomorrow.”
The severity of the situation descends upon me like a heavy blanket of doom. “I see. How long do we have?”
“An hour. I’ll send you fresh clothes.”
“Can we see the children first?” Cheryl asks from the bed.
“I’ve been told they’re sleeping now, but you can naturally see for yourselves. There’s a connecting passage to their room.” He walks toward a wall with a huge tapestry hanging from the ceiling. He presses his palm against the embroidery of a lynx, and a door opens inward.
“A hidden door, you mean,” I say. “Does it work the same way from the other side?”
“No.” He turns on his heel and veers for it. “Your clothes will be provided shortly, and an escort will come for you in an hour.”
He walks out of the room without a glance back.
Cheryl stares after him. “Boy, was it me, or was his mood fouler?”
“It wasn’t you. I think this trial won’t be easy for him. I can’t imagine having to prosecute my own brother.” I return to bed, thinking about Connor.
“You still miss him, don’t you?” Cher reaches for my hand, knowing what’s on my mind.
I swallow the lump in my throat, fighting the sadness that threatens to choke me. “Yes.”
“He’s with you… right here.” She flattens her palm against my chest, and my heart skips a beat.
Looking into her eyes, I take her hand and bring it to my lips.
Her gaze softens, and she leans forward and kisses me tenderly.
It starts sweet, but when it comes to us, we seem unable to keep things slow and easy.
I curl my fingers around a lock of her hair, twisting it around my hand while I deepen the kiss.
I’m hard again, as if I didn’t spend the last few hours making love to her.
I’m about to get rid of my pants when there’s another knock on the door.
“It must be someone with our clothes,” she whispers against my lips.
“Yes.” I bite her lower lip, unwilling to move from my spot.
She pushes me back. “Unless you want me to answer the door in my birthday suit, you’d better get that.”
With a groan, I stand up. “Fine. You win.”
This time, it’s not one Nightingale attendant but a group of five—three females and two males—who are standing outside our door. They come bearing several options hanging from fancy clothing racks.
Cher jumps out of bed wrapped in the bedsheet to inspect the array of dresses. Her eyes are round with wonder as she runs her hands through a myriad of sheer and glittering fabrics. My heart swells with love for her as I watch her happiness on display.
“There are so many,” she says in awe. “I don’t know which one to choose.”
“They are all yours, my lady.”
She turns to the female who spoke. “What? I couldn’t possibly keep them all.”
“Is there a dress code required to attend the trial?” I ask the male closest to me.
My question sobers the entire party. “Yes, my lord. You must wear the trial robes.” He pulls out a dress suit similar to the one Castiel was wearing.
It has a high collar and is solid blue, just a shade lighter than Castiel’s.
Cher’s dress is cut from the same fabric, with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a full skirt.
“It’s like we’re dressing to attend a funeral,” she murmurs.
I don’t want to say it loud, but I have a feeling it will be like a funeral. I’m not looking forward to it.
E xactly one hour later, an escort comes to take us to Lord Indigo’s trial. Cheryl and I are in the children’s room when they come for us.
I’m sitting in a chair, watching Ollie brush Luna’s fur with unwavering focus.
The shadow wolf seems happy with the attention, putting me completely at ease.
I get it now why Cheryl agreed to let the children be taken to their own quarters.
A strong sense of protectiveness radiates from the giant wolf.
Luna wouldn’t let anyone harm Ollie and Rio.
I glance at Cheryl sitting in a rocking chair, captivated by the sounds the baby in her arms is making.
My heart beats faster at the sight, spreading joy through my chest. She looks so happy, it’s easy to pretend our future isn’t uncertain.
I never want her to feel anything besides joy and peace, and I’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt her.
“Who’s the most adorable baby in the word?” she asks Rio. “You are.” She tickles the baby’s tummy, and he raises his tiny arms in delight, making cute sounds.
I can’t stop staring, and I bet I have the goofiest expression on my face.
She turns to me and blushes. “What?”
“Nothing.” I smile.
Now that I’ve allowed myself to be true to my feelings, they have taken over. I can’t believe I survived this long without acknowledging that Cheryl is everything I’ve ever wanted or needed.
One of our escorts clears his throat.
“I guess that’s our cue to go,” Cheryl says.
She puts Rio in his crib while I try to get Ollie’s attention to say goodbye. The child is still entertained by Luna when I crouch next to her. “Hey, Ollie, I have to go now, but I’ll be back in a bit, okay?”
“Okay,” she replies without looking at me.
“It seems you’ve lost your place as her favorite,” Cheryl muses.
I stand up and pull her closer to me. “As long as I’m still your favorite, then I’m fine.”
She kisses me softly on the lips. “You’ll always be my favorite.”
Another throat-clearing—louder this time—makes me sigh and step back. “We’re ready. Let’s go.”