Chapter 25: Alkan - Fated to the Night King

The craving for this woman wasn't satisfied by my morning taste of her. In fact, that might have made it worse. Her neck is unmarked and the long sleeves of her tunic hide her wrist, so even if I had allowed my mark to remain there, none of my people would see it. An image of her with the proof of my bite on the slim line of her throat appeared in my mind, and it shocked me how happy I would be to have her wearing a reminder of my claim for all to see.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, leading her out of my study and back out into the main corridor. Watching her out of the corner of my eye, I saw the way she ran her fingers over the pulse point I'd fed from earlier and hid my smile. It was nice to know I wasn't the only one affected by the connection between us.

"I'm fine." Sena spoke firmly, but she didn't flinch away from me when I settled my hand in the small of her back. "I feel good, actually. Much better than even a day ago."

"Good to hear. There's a lot I have to show you, but if you need to rest, please say so."

There was no mistaking the challenging glance she threw me. "I've been out in the field, working for the Alpha, for years. I can handle a tour of your castle."

"Again, good to hear." And I meant it. The fact that she wasn't retiring or meek in our exchange confirmed I was right about the strength hidden within. It also reminded me why Thalon had wanted her here. Why he'd planted her in my court.

I led her through the castle, pointing out the wing where most of the guards bunked. A few had covenants with other members of the court, so they would often spend their off shifts with their partners.

From there we wound our way through to the kitchens, where Gus welcomed Sena with an overwhelming hug and a plate of her delicious cookies.

"Leah told me you were looking well. I made sure to tell our king here that he must bring you to my little part of our world so I could see with my own eyes that he was treating you right. You do look lovely. And there's some pink in your cheeks once more. I think between the healing and delicious food, there's hope for your recovery."

She gave Sena a wink and then pressed her into a chair. "Eat these while I have a conversation with our king before he snatches you away for whatever else he has planned."

It didn't escape me that Sena didn't bother to argue with Gus. Little would have been accomplished if she had. The woman rarely accepted no as an answer when she wanted something. Reassured that her patient was safely settled, Gus led me over to the pantry.

"Someone's been sneaking in here." Gus pulled me toward the back shelves and pointed at the gap she had found. "That's where I'd had the list you and Danvers gave me. I moved it a few days ago, but when I came in today, I found the tea boxes had been riffled through and one of them was missing. They were searching for it and somehow, had an idea where to look."

"What was in the one that was missing?" I asked her, keeping my voice down. I knew Gus trusted everyone that worked for her, but it was just as likely they could innocently share things they'd overheard, not realizing what it meant.

"Another list." Gus grinned when I folded my arms over my chest. "It's just what I needed for the upcoming Covenant Night. Nothing really new on there that would give anything away. But it seems to have worked as a decoy."

"You were able to get the specific items Danvers requested."

Gus leans in close, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "You've made a lot of progress establishing trade agreements with the Northern Lords. But don't forget, I have friends, too.  There were some ingredients he asked for that took a little bargaining, but I got it done. We'll have them soon, and Danvers can work his magic."

I nodded. "Good enough."

Gus nodded, then looked back out toward where Sena was sitting, talking with Leah and one of the other kitchen workers.

"Take that woman out to the garden. Leah told her about it earlier and I think it will help her see a lot of what you've changed around here."

I sighed. "Planned on it, Gus. I do sometimes know what I'm doing, even if you doubt that."

"When it comes to using a sword or negotiating treaties, I'd agree with you. But finding your own Fated Soul? That's a different relationship. One I don't want to see you make a mistake with. She's got some pain you'll have to contend with."

"I'll take her to the garden. Promise."

Gus patted my cheek, smiling in victory. "Good. I've packed food for you."

"Of course you have. I'd expect nothing else."

"It's how I show people I care. Don't fault me for that."

I shook my head. "As if I ever would."

"I didn't think so. Now go take care of her and show her that there's more to this place than stone walls and blood."

"I will. I swear, my friend, on all you know I hold dear, I will take the best care of Sena I can."

Gus gave me an approving look and then tipped her head back toward the kitchen. "On your way, then, my King."