I spared a look at Roark. What darkness lived within the Sentry? It was there, I could feel it—dangerous and beautiful. I’d shown him a sharper piece of my desires tonight, admitted I wanted to slaughter Tomas Grisen.

Roark had not turned from me, even did the opposite by pulling me in and unlocking a new, greedy temptation with his wicked mouth and powerful hands.

Should he ever give up his darker edges, I hoped I would do the same.

“Roark, take Lyra to her chambers,” Thane said. “I will see to this, but expect both kings to have words about it all.”

Blood drained from my face. I jolted when Roark took hold of my hand, gently guiding me up the staircase.

Outside my chamber door, two Stav Guard were positioned for the night.

I bit down a laugh when Roark nearly snarled at the two men until their spines stiffened like rods of iron. If I had to guess, the Sentry was, all at once, regretting his choice to have more bodies near us tonight.

Roark slammed the door behind us. I stepped away, my back toward him, my arms around my middle. “Your men might tell the king if you…if you don’t leave my chamber tonight.”

Gods, did I want him to stay with me?

Yes. I wanted more, and feared what such a desire could bring. Damir would never condone it. Truth be told, if ever I wanted a lover, I had few doubts the king would take me for himself all to keep me close.

The way Damir coveted his melders, it was clear he did not want their attentions distracted by anyone else.

Roark’s slow steps came up behind me. His chest brushed against my back until he gently turned me into him and lifted my palm to his lips, kissing me there.

Too soon, Roark stepped away. Perhaps I ought to have feared such a brazen shift in my thoughts about the man I wanted to despise, but I was drawn to him—a moth trapped in fire-golden eyes.

Without hesitation, I cupped the back of his neck and slammed his mouth down to mine.

I kissed him, deeper and deeper, until sweetness faded to frenzy. Roark’s fingers dug into my hip bones, my back struck the wall. His tongue, his heat, his need pressed against me and I was lost to it.

I raked my fingers in his hair, tousling the dark strands. His teeth scraped along my bottom lip when he pulled back. For long, breathless moments Roark pressed his brow to mine, holding me close.

I lifted my chin when his fingers touched my cheek in his gentle words. I will keep watch on the corridor.

“You already have two men at my door.”

They are not me.

My lips curved into a sly sort of smirk. “A little possessive, don’t you think, Sentry?”