The Fae King's Dream (Between Dawn and Dusk #2) - Jamie Schlosser Page 0,94

raising shields and holding spears.

When they realize it’s Zander, they break the line to flank either side of the road.

I knew soldiers would be here, but I didn’t realize there’d be so many. Zander’s brought quite the army. At least forty men stand shield to shield as we ride onto the field. I count twenty beige tents in a circular formation. The largest is in the middle. The royal tent, I’m assuming.

There are about half as many firepits. Some have meat roasting over the flames and others have covered cast iron pots hanging above the hot coals.

The appetizing smell wafting through the air makes my stomach growl. I’m ready for a warm meal.

Sniffing, Maisel pops her head out. “Do I smell balkyn?”

“You do,” Damon replies behind me on the saddle. “We’ll eat as soon as we get settled.”

Everyone’s eyes are on Maisel as she goes to town on the balkyn. Watching a sprite eat is one of the most impressive sights in all of Valora. I never would’ve guessed such a small creature could pack away so much food.

When Damon asked if she wanted to dine with us in the royal tent, she’d simply requested the leftovers.

I thought she was being polite. But by leftovers, she meant stripping every last bit of meat off the carcass. Groping around inside the chest cavity, she pulls out an organ. Her sharp teeth tear into it as she crouches on the large blanket on the ground.

Who knew a picnic with a ravenous sprite could be so entertaining?

Sneaking a peek at Damon, I send him a look that says, is this normal?

Amusement dances in his eyes as he leans close to my ear. “They’re carnivores, and their ability to digest food is on super speed. They mostly hunt small birds and rodents, so when they get the opportunity to eat a larger animal, they’re quite enthusiastic. The innards are their favorite part.”

“At least nothing will go to waste,” I whisper back, returning to my soup, which is surprisingly good. It reminds me of a cross between French onion soup and baked beans.

“Are you going to eat that?” Maisel points at the half-eaten drumstick on my plate.

I lift it from my lap in offering. “All yours.”

She grins. Some of the bird skin is stuck between her teeth, and grease is all over her face and hands. Someone’s going to need a bath.

“Well.” Zander sets his plate down, and a soldier quickly steps forward to take it away. “King Kirian. King Damon. I’m ready to be briefed on what we’re dealing with. We can meet with the commander of my guard. Thayne’s tent is where we do all the planning.”

Damon nods as he wipes his mouth with a napkin. “I’m ready.”

While dishes get cleared away, a soldier heats a metal bucket of water for Maisel—with his hands. Yeah, firepower is a thing, apparently. As Quinn and Isla leave, I hear them making plans to ‘pretty up’ their tents.

When Damon pulls me in for a goodbye kiss, I expect a peck or two. But after a deep, searing kiss, he gazes down at me with an expression so filled with love, it takes my breath away. His green eyes soften as he caresses my jaw with his thumbs.

And he just stares.

I wouldn’t have thought simply being looked at could be such a turn-on, but my face flushes. Chills race over my body, and heat blooms between my legs. My nipples tighten.

My stomach flips and flutters.

Heart pounding, I sift through the blond scruff on his face. He hasn’t shaved during our journey, and I’m a fan. Damon could definitely rock a beard.

When my finger drifts to his lips, his eyelids get heavy. My craving for him intensifies, and I can tell it isn’t just my needs I’m feeling—it’s his, too. We’re feeding into each other.

I love it when that happens.

Touching his forehead to mine, Damon’s lips quirk up, confident and sexy. He knows exactly how much he’s affecting me. Cocky bastard.

I half-heartedly push him away. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?” Relentless, he presses our bodies together.

“Get me all worked up when you have places to be.”

“I just want you to miss me as much as I do you. Being away from you is torture.”

“Then hurry back.”

“I will.” He delivers another kiss to my lips. “Stay here with Astrid and Maisel.”

As he saunters away, I admire his backside. “I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave.”

Turning in the doorway, he grips the open flaps overhead,