11. Zarin

He could barely believe how perfect she was. He couldn’t stop reaching out to touch her as they set their clothes to rights. She kept giving him little glances that, if he hadn’t just had his world blown away by this woman, he’d have her naked and up against a tree again in a heartbeat. His cock tried to rally, but gave no more than a sad twitch.

Soon, he promised himself. It wasn’t like she was going anywhere. While he had faith in the power of his cock and his ability to give her all the orgasms she wanted and deserved, he knew that what had truly convinced her to stick around was the sorry state of his mother’s olive trees and what needed to be done to ensure the survival of the ancients at the heart of the grove. His brows drew together as he watched her pat the trunk of the old tree they’d fucked against, obvious love and affection in her touch.

Was he jealous of a tree? Surely not. He wanted to thank the ancient for helping him out this morning. Hells, he’d plant a thousand more trees if it meant she stayed with him. They’d make naked outdoor sessions like this their thing, so she could be close to her trees and he could be close to her.

He scrubbed a hand through his hair, tugging at the tufts on the end of his ears. Fuck, he was so far gone on her, it wasn’t even funny. He wanted to marry her, to fill her with his babies, to make her laugh and tease her, to make love to her and give her as many orgasms as she desired. He would do anything to ensure she felt the same.

Behind him, someone gave a polite cough. He turned to see Iraj, standing at parade rest.

“Sorry to disturb you, sir,” Iraj said, his eyes glimmering with humor.

Zarin growled at him.

“Here to give us a ticket?” Seraiah said, gracing Iraj with a wicked grin as she threaded her fingers through Zarin’s, her bright scent suffusing his senses.

Iraj snorted, covering it up with a cough.

Zarin narrowed his eyes at him, daring him to say something. They would have words if Iraj embarrassed Seraiah.

“No ticket today, ma’am,” Iraj said, ignoring Zarin’s glare and returning Seraiah’s grin with a cheeky salute.

She playfully smacking Zarin’s arm. “See, I told you there was such a thing as kingly privilege.”

“And I told you I’d gladly pay that ticket,” he reminded her, stroking his thumb over the back of her hand.

She blushed and ducked her head, her teasing boldness overcome with a flush of abashment. He loved the interplay between the two sides of her. As she grew more comfortable with him and his people, he bet her bolder side would make more frequent appearances. He looked forward to it.

Giving her fingers a squeeze, he turned his attention to Iraj. “Report.”

Squaring his shoulders, Iraj said, “Reports of an attack, majesty. A homestead about five klicks from the edge of town. No survivors.”

Seraiah gasped, a hand going to her throat. “Trolls?” she asked.

“Or bandits. As you probably know, ma’am, the mountains are lousy with both,” Iraj said. “Sir, I request permission to take a team and suss out the situation.”

Zarin could say no. After all, Iraj was the head of his personal guard and tracking bandits and trolls didn’t technically fall under his purview. He also knew that Iraj was bored as shit in this job. The first cycles of Zarin’s reign had been difficult and filled with danger, but now that things were settling into place, the job no longer held the challenge Iraj needed to stay interested. And Zarin wanted his friend to stick around, even if that meant throwing him at some trolls.

“Granted. Assemble a team and head out as soon as you’re ready.” He paused, eyeing Iraj. “Safe home.”

“Majesty,” Iraj said with a smart salute. “Damsa will hold the fort while I’m gone.”

Zarin waved him away. “Go. We’ll be fine.”

Once they were alone again, he turned to Seraiah. “Ready to head to the palace?” he asked. “I’ve sent word that you are to be pampered within an inch of your life. Clothes printers are standing by, ready to outfit you with whatever you desire.”

He was pleased with himself for that particular detail. After all, women loved to be pampered and given their choice of clothing, right? His two younger sisters did, anyway. Printed clothes weren’t as good as handmade ones, but they would do for a start. He noticed she seemed to have a particular attachment to his silk shirts. Soon enough, he would have her outfitted in the finest silks, if that was what she desired. And he’d be sure to include several of his shirts and pajamas. He liked her wrapped in his scent.

She scraped her fingers through her hair and twisted it into a knot at her nape. A few dark strands escaped, framing her lovely face. “Not yet. I’d like to see your city first, if that’s okay. I’ve never been to Tigros before, but I’ve heard it’s beautiful.”

His heart gave a little squeeze as she looped her arm through his and gave him a soft smile that warmed him to the very core of his soul. She wanted a tour of the city? She’d get the best damn tour of her life.

“Holy shit,there are a lot of stairs in this city,” Seraiah said with a breathless laugh. She paused on a landing next to a whitewashed house with a hot pink door flanked by a pair of planters, bright pink flowers spilling over the edges. “I mean, I knew Tigros was built into the mountainside, but wow. Good thing all that tree climbing has kept me in shape.”

He took the opportunity to admire her backside. “Indeed,” he said, his eyes heavy-lidded.

She rolled her eyes and took in the view. “Sure is pretty here.”

Zarin’s chest puffed out with pride. “My city is the most beautiful on the planet.” Granted, not many would call Cinzia a beautiful planet, considering it was best known for its endless deserts, intimidating mountain ranges, and lawless provinces. But there were many spectacular areas, as well. One just needed to know where to look.

“Okay,” Seraiah said, a smile curling her lips.

His eyebrows crashed together. She didn’t like his city? She had to. It was now her city, too. He swept out a hand, gesturing at the vista before them. “It is. You dare to suggest otherwise?”

The setting of the first sun painted the sky and the whitewashed cliff side houses shades of red and orange. Light played off the surface of the deep spring-fed lake that curved around the base of the city, making it sparkle like stars in the night sky.

“So defensive, your majesty.” She giggled and patted his arm. “You act like I pet your fur backwards. Don’t worry. I think your city is beautiful.”

With a satisfied nod, he kissed her wrist and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. “Good. I want you to like it here.”

She was quiet a moment, then said, “Because you want me to stay with you.”

“You are staying with me,” he said, resuming their climb. After the long day they’d had touring the city and meeting their people, he should take her back to the palace, but there was one more place he wanted to take her. “I believe I’ve made that perfectly clear.” Right? Maybe he hadn’t. Maybe he’d made a misstep along the way. “Do you not want to stay?” Please say yes, he thought, his chest tight. Dropping to his knees in the middle of town and begging her to stay would belie the strong, capable leader he fought hard to portray to his people. But if he had to do that in order to keep her here, he would.

Nibbling on her bottom lip, she gave a slow nod. “I do…”

“But?” he asked, his heart pounding in his throat. It was the closest to a solid yes he’d heard so far. He’d do anything to scrub away any doubts she was having.

She blinked those wide forest green eyes at him and whispered, “But my family.”

“Ah. Your family,” he said, relief washing over him. Family, he could handle. There were a multitude of solutions to deal with that problem. He puffed out his chest, giving her a regal look. “You needn’t worry on that score. Parents love royalty.” Granted, that was not always true, but he found that his title eased the way and greased the wheels in most situations.

“Pfft. Royalty,” she said, waving away the most powerful weapon in his arsenal. “My family was considered royalty before we were forced to flee our home planet. My sister is getting married to the leader of the Kalln Territory. Your title, even with its long and storied history, means little to them. What you ought to be worried about is how they’ll react to you when you escort me home.”

He cocked his head. “Why?”

“You abducted me, remember? I highly doubt my family is going to welcome you with open arms. You’re charming, there’s no doubt about that, but I’m not certain it’s enough to charm your way into my parents’ good graces. Not to mention my aunties, uncles, and cousins. Ooh, and my sisters.” She huffed out a laugh, her eyes sparkling with glee. “They’re going to a have a field day with you.”

“Ah,” he said, rubbing a hand over the stubble on his chin. “So, you don’t think I can charm your family? I do believe I will take that challenge.” He gave her a wink and slid his hand to the small of her back, guiding her under a rose-covered arbor. “But let us put the issue of your family aside for a moment while you experience the best afternoon tea of your entire life.”