Chapter 78

Ellery

My mouth partedat this revelation as my mind spun for a response. "I knew you fought beside King Leonidas during the war, but I didn't know you were so close."

"I was twenty-five when I joined the king's army and the son of the only duke left in the land. At first, I was treated like the other soldiers because I insisted on it, but over time, I moved up through the ranks and separated myself more. And I also grew closer to the king.

"There were often nights, before the war, we'd go out drinking and carousing together. Usually, not in Tempest, as no one would leave him alone if he tried to go into the taverns here, so we traveled the realms. We got into fights, we protected each other, and we spent many nights talking, planning, and sharing stories.

"Over time, he became more than a mentor and father figure to me. He was my friend, one of the few I trusted completely, and I knew he felt the same about me.

"One night, after a nasty battle against the ghouls, we were both badly wounded and healing from our injuries as we sat by the fire, sipping wine. Leo was unusually melancholy and made me promise that if anything ever happened to him, I would look over Tempest and keep the amsirah safe.

"I considered it a foolish request at the time, but I humored him and told him I would protect the realm. Leo was larger than life, strong, and unwavering; I didn't think anything could destroy him. I was wrong. And now, after what Ivan and the aristocrats have done to the realm, I don't know how to keep my promise."

I stared at him as his words sank in and unexpected anger bloomed in me. "It wasn't fair of him to ask that of you. What are you supposed to do against the newly crowned king and the rulers of this realm?"

"I don't know, but I will find a way to uphold my promise."

I managed to stop myself from scowling. Ryker considered King Leonidas a friend, and I thought he was an asshole for putting that burden on Ryker when the fallen king must have known his brother was a complete asshole.

However, there was no way King Leonidas could have foreseen what his brother and the aristocrats would unleash on us. He'd chosen Ryker for that promise because he was powerful and a good man. Still, it wasn't fair Ryker was beating himself up over this.

"Maybe, instead of putting that kind of pressure on you, he could have used his many years of life to create a legitimate heir to rule the realm after him. If he had, he could have raised the child to be a good ruler. It was his mistake for not doing so, and since he failed to do it, then he should have killed his greedy asshole of a brother. Everyone in Tempest has always known Ivan is an idiot," I said angrily.

His eyes twinkled when he smiled at me. "You're sexy when you talk fratricide and treason."

I couldn't help laughing as I rested my forehead against his. The stubble lining his jaw prickled against my palm, but I liked the sensation.

"You said King Leonidas was like a father figure to you; was your father not around while you were growing up?" I asked.

A muscle in the corner of his jaw twitched. I frowned at him, but before I could understand what made him so angry, he kissed me.

At first, I resisted the desire he so easily provoked. I was curious to know what happened and why he didn't want to talk about it, but if he was willing to tell me about Doomed Valley while trying to distract me from this, then it was something he wouldn't talk about.

I decided against pushing him further on the issue and started to melt into him when my stomach rumbled… loudly. Ryker chuckled as he broke the kiss and leaned back to rest his head on the backboard.

"I think it's time for a break and to eat. It's been a while," he said.

"I'll go make us something."

"No, stay. I'll do it."

"We don't have anyone working in the kitchen anymore."

"I spent a year fighting ghouls and another year in Doomed Valley; I can make us something to eat. You should stay and relax, because once we finish eating, I have plans for you."

I shivered in anticipation as he shifted his hold, swung his leg off mine, and slid out from behind me. I hated the sense of loss that accompanied his departure as cool air rushed in to replace where he'd been.

Pulling the sheets closer, I settled back on the pillows as he strode toward the door with no intention of getting dressed. "We do still have others around here," I told him. "Scarlet and her family come and go as they please."

He smiled at me over his shoulder. "Are you suggesting I get dressed?"

I'd prefer for that not to happen as I liked admiring his muscular back, thighs, and fantastic ass, but… "It would probably be for the best, unless you plan on scaring them out the door."

He returned to tug on his pants. "I had planned to spend the next few days completely naked, but if you insist."

The next few days. My heart melted at this revelation. We hadn't talked about how long he would stay; we'd both just been enjoying our time together.

My mother might return while he was here, but that was a concern for later. Until then, I was happy to accommodate him for a few more days… or more.

Don't get ahead of yourself—this can never last.

Why don't you shut up and just enjoy this?

I liked the second half of that conversation with myself better and decided to listen to what it had to say. Ryker waved at me before slipping out the door.

When he was gone, I tugged my blanket up from the bottom of the bed and pulled it around me. I rolled onto my side to watch as the sun sank lower; storm clouds hovered on the horizon, but I didn't smell rain in the air.

He soon returned with a platter laden with cheese, fruits, slices of salted meat, and bread. My stomach rumbled as he set the platter on my nightstand, and I scooted closer.

He held up a bottle of honey. "I brought this for dessert."

"You plan on drinking honey straight out of the bottle?"

"No. I plan on licking it straight off you."

My eyes widened at this revelation, and for a second, I forgot my hunger as his words reawakened my lust. I was going to eat fast.