Family

Bertrand waited until the next time Micah was assigned to him. He didn’t have to wait long.

When he was up to mischief, she was their first choice. The only Erembour agent that could pace his magic.

He waited until they were alone deep in the castle.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Where are you going? There are no royal guards here. This is dangerous.”

“Yes, it is.” Bertrand grinned, pulled her against him, and kissed her.

Lady Micah disappeared into the shadows, and Prince Bertrand’s breath was coming fast as his magic leapt within him.

His magic never leapt.

He was an earth mage. It was strong. Solid. Enduring. It did not leap.

But it did for her.

Her wanted to start something. He probably couldn’t finish it, and it very well might kill him, but it would be worth it.

Lady Micah grabbed his tunic and pushed him against the stone wall of the palace. His earth magic jumped within him.

As the dark magic did within her.

She kissed him with the same ferocity as a chained lioness.

Pulling away, she stared at him in the darkness, and her magic caressed over him as she stroked a finger across his chest.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish, Frostlear.”

Prince Bertrand invited Lady Micah out to the gardens with him.

Despite the red of her gown, it faded into the shadows.

She was an Erembour. Queen of the dark runes and a lioness.

He turned to her and drew her into his arms. She didn’t stop him. He leaned down and kissed her. An inexperienced kiss, but it was his first.

As it was hers.

Prince Bertrand knew Lady Micah Erembour.

She wore men’s clothes and struck from the shadows.

She was an Erembour. Had been training to protect the crown since she had been old enough to hold a dagger.

Was ruthless. Efficient. Loyal.

And a little bit crazy.

Suddenly he wanted a little crazy in his life.

Lady Micah felt good in his arms. Too good. Prince Bertrand never wanted to let her go.

Not even when Hugo Aldarius and Leander Essen came to rescue him.

She was an amazing dancer.

Another fighting stance, she had told him as she had helped him practice.

He wanted to practice a whole lot more with her.