27. Renowlf

Irritation surroundsme like a dark cloud, and I do not cover my nudity. I want Dolphus to witness my spiked erection, to know what Mia and I were doing when he dared to interrupt us.

I storm out of the sleeping chamber, slamming the door behind me. The sound reverberates through my quarters, echoing my anger. I confront my second outside the door to my quarters, hands clenched into tight fists at my sides.

"Is there an important reason for your untimely interruption, Dolphus?" I say through gritted teeth.

He does not cower before me, although he keeps his eyes diverted in respect. "Yes, sire. Bayliss was sighted within the kingdom, in the eastern forest land. It appears she did not flee after all."

I release a throaty growl, torn between duty and the desire still coursing hotly through my veins. The scent of Mia"s arousal clings to my skin, fueling my baser needs. Yet the threat Bayliss poses cannot be ignored.

"Find her," I bark. "And when you do, lock her in her quarters."

"We tried to find her. So far, she has eluded capture, and I worry she will try to enter the palace. I feel it is time for something, or someone, to lure her out of hiding."

"Speak plainly, Dolphus," I demand. "My patience is wearing thin."

His eyes finally meet mine. "I request that you join the search, sire. Bayliss will come to you, I am certain of it. With your help, we can find her before she makes it inside...or hurts your consort."

I curse under my breath, fearing that he is right. I cannot allow Bayliss" behavior to remain unchecked. "Very well," I concede. "Let us dress. Then, I will search for her."

I slam the door in Dolphus" face and stride back into my sleeping chamber. My cock throbs at the sight of Mia curled beneath the furs of my bed. I would much rather remain here with her, claiming her over and over again until I am certain my seed is planted in her womb, thereby sealing our union forever.

"What"s wrong?" she asks, sitting up with concern etched on her beautiful face.

I sit on the edge of the bed and take her soft hand in mine. "Bayliss has been sighted in the eastern forest lands."

"So?"

I brush my thumb over her knuckles, wishing I did not have to explain further. "There is no reason for her to be in the forest. She must be up to no good."

Understanding dawns on Mia"s face. "I thought you said Bayliss wouldn"t cause any more trouble."

"We thought she had left the kingdom." I bring her hand to my lips. "I must find her."

Mia"s brows furrow with worry. "Why you?"

"The searchers need me to lure her out of hiding. She will emerge for me."

"Right. Because your relationship with Bayliss is so "complicated,"" Mia says sarcastically.

I release a heavy sigh. "Yes, it is complicated. She will be curious why I have joined the search. She may even wonder if I have reconsidered my choice of intended queen."

"Using yourself as bait is a great idea." Mia rolls her eyes, which I have learned is a way for her to demonstrate mockery. "I"m sure she isn't at all pissed off at the guy who publicly shunned her."

"Do you doubt my ability to protect myself?"

"No." Mia shakes her head. "I just think you"re underestimating how unhinged Bayliss is. And..." She hesitates.

"And what?" I prod.

She looks at me pleadingly. "I don"t want you to leave me alone."

I pull her onto my lap, needing to feel her close. "I will leave Dolphus behind to guard you. He would give his life to keep you safe, as would I."

Mia leans against my chest. "Just promise me you"ll be careful with her. I don"t trust Bayliss at all."

I press a hard kiss to her lips, breathing in her unique scent. "I will proceed with every caution. Once Bayliss is contained, I will return so we may plan your coronation."

I help Mia dress, then don my own attire and my weapons, an effort to reassure her more than for my own protection. Then, I cradle her face in my hands and kiss her again, tenderly this time. "Do not worry. I will return before you have a chance to miss me."

Mia smiles, blinking rapidly. "What if I miss you already, my king?"

I return her smile and kiss her softly once more. "Then we have done an excellent job of consummating our union."

With great reluctance, I tear myself away from her and open the door to my quarters, motioning for Dolphus to enter. "Tell me what else you have learned of Bayliss" whereabouts."

My second paces nervously in the sitting room. "There is not much to tell. She was spotted on foot near the hunting cabin in the eastern forest by a small group of hunters. They tracked her, yet lost her scent when she crossed the Meshick river."

"I know that area well," I say. There is no doubt in my mind that Bayliss intends to harm Mia. "There is a long, winding path among the trees that leads to the palace. Her plan must be to follow that path, then find a way inside."

Mia tugs on my arm. "You should take guards with you, Renowlf."

I brush a tendril of hair away from her face. "Guards will spook her. This is something I must do alone."

Dolphus nods in agreement. "I will post extra palace lookouts and double the guards at the entrance. If Bayliss makes it to the palace, she will not get inside."

"No. You stay here and keep Mia safe," I tell him. "I will give those orders on my way out."

Dolphus bows his head and says, "It would be my honor, sire."

I turn toward Mia and take her small hands in mine. "Do not leave my quarters. If anyone comes to the door, lock yourself in the cleansing room until Dolphus tells you it is safe to come out."

She looks alarmed. "Is that really necessary?"

"More of a precaution." I glance at my second. "Trust Dolphus to protect you. I will be back as soon as I can. "

I leave my quarters without looking back. After nodding to the guards outside my quarters, I hurry to give the additional orders and get on my way. My plan is to follow the path into the forest and intercept my former lover before she can reach the palace.

Bayliss must pay for threatening what is mine.