we're not…she's not…"
"She's not tossing us out," I finished for him, raising an eyebrow.
He nodded, eyes shut, skin golden under the sun. "You're of more use to her than I am at the moment."
His jacket was hanging open, sweat darkening the thin shirt beneath, and I groaned at the perfect picture of him. Thao was always temptation personified. He had been my weakness since the moment I stepped into the Mennary court and he watched my every step from his high seat with the rest of the royal family. I pushed off the door jamb and moved to his side, helping pull him free of the jacket.
"This is her court, not the one in Mennary. I don't think Bryony sees people as tools to be used. Besides, she has plans for you in winter," I said, grinning.
Thao huffed and gazed at me out of the corner of his eye. "Don't remind me. How will we wait that long?"
We. I loved him, and he loved me, and it was always we.
"Have I grown so boring in bed?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.
Thao growled, a familiar and favorite low sound at the back of his throat, and I stiffened for a moment—like the prey waiting for the predator. He lunged forward, hot hands holding my face as he stole the kiss from me, a deep and rough claiming of his mouth over mine. I pressed into him, laughing a little at the feel of the protective cup he wore while fencing, grinding into my leg.
"Never, you know that. It's just the anticipation. Let's go jump in the lake," he breathed, eyes bright on mine. His brow bounced. "Naked. If we're loud, she might see us out the window."
I laughed and Thao nipped at my jaw, cupping and squeezing me through my pants. "I want to tell her the truth soon," I moaned, bucking into his hand. "I hate not being able to shift with you. I miss my tiger."
Thao nodded and shrugged. "It's your decision. I trust her too."
I slid my arm over his shoulder as we left the room, my hand digging into his hair and making him groan as he palmed my ass. We were running for one of the southern exits toward the lake when I saw movement from the corner of my eye, a guard rushing forward to us, Cresswell Stark. My steps stalled, Thao glancing at me in confusion.
"Is the Princess in the training room?" Stark asked.
I shook my head. "She left a few minutes ago. Probably to her rooms or…" Or wherever her other Chosen were.
"There's a council carriage arriving." He looked so…dire, as if this were unexpected or terrible news.
I glanced at Thao, who was glaring back at the guard. "The council may wait on the princess," he said. "She doesn't answer to them."
I sighed and straightened. So much for our swim in the lake. "If there's more than three of them, we should see them in the grand hall, otherwise I think an informal visit in the greenhouse is more than suitable. Your Hi—" I paused, blinking at Thao, who only raised an eyebrow. "Would-would you go and see if you can find her, just to let her know there are guests?"
Thao grinned at me, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I was playing steward again.
"Of course," he said, heading for one of the side halls that would take him past Cosmo's studio.
"We'll await their arrival at the door," I said to Stark, who nodded as I moved to follow him. I was dressed carelessly, and the visit had obviously been intended to catch us off our guard with no warning of their arrival. "Who would've been following the princess?" I asked Stark as I fell into step with him.
"Guard Yorley. I'll track him down when this is done."
"Thao may run into him on his search," I said, and watched as Stark's hackles lowered and he nodded. He was genuinely protective of Bryony. That was good. If I had the opportunity, I would share that with her. She deserved to have devoted guards. "It's better that she's not at the door to receive them. A woman of the queen's line is expected to be…occupied."
Stark relaxed again, shoulders lowering, and he nodded once more. He was extremely handsome, with beautifully full lips and green eyes that were especially striking against his brown skin. Cosmo should sculpt him, I thought, my own lips twitching with my smile.
"I should be in armor," he said,