Frozen Tides (Falling Kingdoms 4)

“Yes, Madhosha,” Amara admitted. “Many. But I know it has to be done.”

Neela pressed her cool palm against Amara’s flushed cheek. “Then there’s no reason to wait.”

• • •

She finally saw Felix again in the halls near her chambers and went to him immediately. He eyed her with uncertainty.

“So . . .” he began. “That was rather unexpected, wasn’t it?”

“Perhaps for you. But not for me.”

“You’re a dangerous girl.” He cocked his head. “But I think I already knew that. Perhaps that’s what I like best about you.”

“So you do like me.”

He let out a nervous laugh. “Was that ever at question, princess? Haven’t I shown you how much I like you on a nightly basis?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Apologies, I’m being crude. I rely on my roughness when I feel off balance. And that’s exactly how you make me feel.” He cleared his throat. “Congratulations on your marriage. Quite the match.”

“It is, isn’t it? For now, at least.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I need the king so I can acquire the remaining Kindred and learn how to access their magic.”

“So you’re telling me the king isn’t safe around you? Are you sure that’s wise, princess? To be so open with me, his bodyguard? It’s my job to protect him.”

“You don’t fool me, my pretty beast. The day he dies, you’ll be cheering right alongside everyone. You really should have agreed to work for me when I gave you the chance.”

“I suppose I do work for you, now that you’re his wife.”

Amara took his arm, making him flinch. “Apologies. You’re still hurt?”

He rubbed his forearm, which she knew was bandaged underneath the sleeve of his shirt from an injury he’d recently obtained. “I’m healing.”

“Good. Now come with me. I need you.”

He glanced nervously up and down the hallway. “I’m not sure this is a good time, princess. You were, after all, just married to the King of Blood. I don’t think he would approve of our arrangement. In fact, I’m quite sure he’d chop off certain parts of my body if he knew about it.”

“How strange. I wouldn’t have thought you to be a coward.”

His eyes sparked with passion. “I’m not.”

“So prove it.” She went up on her tiptoes and kissed him. He grabbed her by her waist, pressed her up against the wall, and kissed her back. Hard.

“Careful. I’m getting addicted to you,” he breathed. “Considering an addiction like this could lead me to my doom, I’m not sure I like that very much.”

“The feeling’s mutual. Now come with me. I have something important to show you.”

“I’d follow you anywhere, princess.”

She led him to the grand foyer before the main entrance to the Emerald Spear. They were surrounded by windows that sent sparkling green light down upon the glossy floor.

“Is this it?” he asked, eyeing their surroundings. “It’s a bit too public for my tastes. How about we go somewhere more enclosed?”

Amara’s smile faded. “Guards!” she shouted sharply. “Here he is!”