Chapter 204 Chapter 203
"I'll place my faith in your words." She muttered, letting out a breath. He nodded, flicking away the tear that had slipped down her eyes.
Gathering a semblance of control, she continued with her embroidery, while Xenon watched completely transfixed at her work. They settled into a comfortable silence until the sound of someone approaching broke it. Xenon turned to see Morvan making his way toward him. He frowned.
"I thought I told you I didn't want to see anyone else for the rest of the day."
"Yes, you did. But this person insisted on seeing you." Morvan informed him with a bow of his head.
"Who is it?" Xenon growled.
Morvan's gaze darkened. "It's Lady Ysolde." He announced.
Rayena froze. "Ysolde?!" She repeated. Snapping her head to look at Morvan. "What's she doing in the palace?!"
A muscle ticked in Xenon's neck. "Did she tell you her reason for coming to see me?"
"No she did not. Only insisted on seeing you, your majesty."
Rayena opened her mouth to speak but no words made it past. She didn't want Xenon to see that vile woman. She prayed he gave orders to have her dismissed anyway. But her wish didn't come through. Xenon shook his head, letting out a breath.
"Fine, I'll see her."
"No, don't go!" Rayena cried out without realizing it, seizing his hand as he stood to his feet, stilling his movements. Xenon glanced at her, surprised at the displeased expression she was wearing.
A pout had started to form. She didn't want Xenon near that woman for any reason. It baffled her, however, where these feelings of possession were coming from.
"I don't want to see her either..." he rasped in a low tone. "But at least let me hear what she has to say. Who knows? It might be of importance."
"What importance could it be?" Rayena mumbled under her breath, averting her gaze. Xenon tilted his head, a smile forming on his lips. It pleased him to see her so disgruntled.
Lowering himself back to his seat, he placed a finger under her chin, turning her face so she was facing him, and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Don't be so mad. This is just one of the many duties I have to fulfill. I won't be long, I promise."
Moisture had already rimmed her eyes. "Promise?" she mumbled in a trembling voice.
"I promise," he stated solemnly.
"Then I guess it can't be helped. You can go to her," she muttered, rolling her eyes and folding her arms. His smile grew. He leaned in to kiss the mark on her neck, and she gasped, her body flinching.
"Do you want me to carry you in since I won't be here with you anymore?" he growled against her skin. When he peeked a glance at her, he saw her cheeks had reddened.
"Yes, please," she mumbled, her voice now breathy. Xenon stifled a chuckle and rose to his feet. Glancing at Morvan, his expression hardened. "Tell Ysolde to wait for me in my study. I'll be with her soon."
To Rayena, he swooped her into his arms, carrying her basket along. With a leisurely pace, he took her back to his chambers. Just before he laid her down, Rayena reached up and bit his neck.
"Ow! What was that for?!" he groaned, surprised.
Rayena wore a smug expression. "You marked me first. I'm only returning the favor."
Xenon couldn't help chuckling. Unbeknownst to her, he could feel every emotion that was going through her thanks to the mark—including her jealousy. They intrigued him.
"Well, you didn't do it properly," he murmured, narrowing his gaze. She eyed him but brought her lips to his neck and bit again, this time harder.
Xenon growled at the arousal that lashed through him, at the dainty teeth sunk into his flesh. Closing his eyes, he controlled his breathing, his grip on her tightening. When she pulled away, he saw the dent on his skin.
"Let's stop here before we take things too far," he growled, his voice husky.
The flush on Rayena's cheek deepened, but she nodded. Already, the part she'd bitten had started to redden, and for that, she was pleased. He set her down on the couch and handed her the basket.
"I'll be back soon," he said softly, lowering himself to kiss her forehead before walking out of the room.
Rayena watched him go, missing him already.
.
.
.
Lady Ysolde sat quietly in the king's study, fiddling with her fingers while her heart rattled in her chest, cold sweat rolling down her back. She had begun second-guessing her decision to see the king despite his command not to entertain visitors. Her stubbornness had prevented her from obeying, and now she wondered if it was a wise decision.
The wait was nausea-inducing, and the silence unsettling. At this rate, she was sure she would embarrass herself if he showed up. But her need to confirm her suspicions overrode any sense of fear she might have had.
She couldn't sit idly anymore.
The door swung open without warning, and the king's presence filled the room before he even entered. Ysolde instantly jumped to her feet, gaze pinned to the ground as he casually strolled to his seat, his long robe trailing behind him.
Anger simmered within her when she picked up Rayena's scent wafting in the air. Why did he reek of her so? What had they been doing these past few days?! She waited for him to settle into his chair with a displeased grunt before performing a deep curtsy.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. I apologize for coming here without your permission."
He didn't offer a response. "You wanted to see me. Why?"
She peeked at him, doing her best to appear cool and collected. "Um, it's just... It's been a while since I last spoke with you and... " He cut her off.
"Get to the point." He snapped, jaw clenched. "Why did you come all the way here and insist on seeing me?" He growled.
Ysolde swallowed tightly, but took a deep breath and tried to calm her fraying nerves. Yet, she clamored for the right words under his intense gaze. "I'm here because of the human you have in your residence." She whispered, unable to keep the displeasure off her voice.
"Human?" Xenon repeated, a brow furrowed. "Who are you addressing as such?"
"It's Rayena, your majesty." She ground out, feeling her displeasure rise.
"Then call her by her name!" He thundered, his voice like a whip lashing across her skin. She flinched, all the blood draining from her skin. His eyes narrowed menacingly. "Her name is Rayena. Do you understand?"