“Sure.” She offers me a half-smile, and I’ll gladly take it.

Lacing my fingers with hers, I lead her past the stone fireplace. It isn’t necessary for warmth, since faeries aren’t bothered much by cold, but the glow is nice.

“The maids light the logs every morning, because I like having it on during the day. I won’t need them to do that anymore with you around.” Winking, I pat her hand.

Nodding, she pulls the glass door open and the low flames immediately burn brighter when she puts her palm near them. While she’s down there, she notices the opening goes through to the other room. “You have a sitting area and a dining table?”

“I like my privacy. I only eat in the great hall if there’s an official reason for it.” Putting my arm around her shoulders, I enjoy the way she feels pressed against me as we walk through the doorway. “One of the perks of not having much family is the fact that my company isn’t required often.”

“What about your brother?”

“Silas and I have a complicated relationship. You know he was born just twenty-five minutes after me,” I remind her. “He’s bitter because such a small amount of time makes me king.”

Humming, she cants her head to the side as she runs her fingers over the white brick walls. “You’re lacking décor in here. No paintings. No sculptures. Even your tapestries are just plain white.”

“It’s a blank slate,” I spout optimistically, hoping a project might give her something to look forward to. “You can do whatever you want in here.”

“Gold. And marble,” she says before pointing at the stardust lights hanging from the walls. “We could use a few more lanterns. Your couch is a beautiful blue. We should get some vases filled with midnight roses to match.”

I love how she’s already saying ‘we.’ “Done. I’ll tell the designers what you wish for.”

“But not now.” Facing me, her hands roam the exposed skin of my arms. “I just want to be alone with you for a while.”

I couldn’t agree more. “How about a hot bath?”

“As long as you’re in the tub with me.”

Dragging her behind me, I rush to the bathroom so fast it makes her laugh. The happy sound is everything to me. I want to hear her giggle every day.

“Do you know what it feels like to have wet leather stuck between your ass cheeks?” I ask, playing up the dramatics by tugging on the back of my pants.

Her laugh echoes off the ceramic tiles of the walls and floor. Covering her mouth, she holds her contracting stomach as she continues to cackle.

I’m glad. I’ve cheered her up, and I feel I’ve done my duty as her mate.

Until her emotions start to mix.