The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2)(22)

“Toka?” Khalon blinked, as if he had only just realized Toka was there.

“Your Majesty, I do not wish anyone to be killed in my name. I won’t let either of you put yourselves or your kinship at risk for me.”

Rayner crossed the room in three strides. He took Toka’s hands in his. “Toka, you won’t survive—”

“Rayner….” Although his heart was breaking, Toka summoned a smile. “Should the worst come to pass, then I will die happy, knowing I have your affections, having been touched by your hands and kissed by your lips. Knowing you would have me as your mate if you could…. It’s more than I could have hoped for.” He turned to Khalon and bowed his head. “You are a kind and noble king. Forgive me for any pain I may have caused you and yours. Cherish our prince. He is like no other. And forgive my impertinence, but perhaps you might grant me one favor?”

“What is your request?” Khalon asked, his voice quiet.

“That you allow me to spend my remaining night with Rayner.”

Khalon nodded. “Your request is granted.”

Toka nodded his thanks and laced his fingers with Rayner’s. He bowed, nudging Rayner to do the same. A deep scowl came onto Rayner’s handsome face, but he bowed nonetheless, then allowed himself to be led out of Khalon’s study. Toka headed for Rayner’s bedchamber.

“Not there,” Rayner said, his voice laced with anger.

Toka turned and smiled, his heart swelling with love. He placed a hand to Rayner’s cheek. “I would have your bedchamber filled with sweet memories of us, Rayner. When you lie in your bed, it’s me I want you to think of. Please?”

Rayner let out a heart-wrenching sigh. “Yes.”

“Come.” Toka led him into the room and closed the door behind them. Rayner’s bedchamber matched him perfectly—all solid woods carved with simple designs. The room was adorned with a combination of rich navy and black, with silver accents. It was warm, inviting, practical. Bookshelves lined one wall and more books were stacked on the small table beside the chaise lounge that sat across the hearth. Toka would have loved staying here, lounging against Rayner before a roaring fire, listening to his husky voice as he read. It was best he not fantasize about what could never be.

Toka tugged at the rope by the wardrobe, and within minutes a knock sounded at the door. He answered with a warm smile and friendly greeting.

“Sansone, thank you for coming.”

Sansone bowed, his long sandy hair falling over his brow. He was a wisp of a young man, a tiny fennec foxling with big dark eyes. What Sansone lacked in size, he more than made up for in speed and agility.

“Good evening, Toka. How may I be of service?”

“Would you be so kind as to replace Rayner’s bedding? Have the old ones incinerated.”

“Right away, Toka.” Sansone bowed, and he was off, whizzing over to the bed, gathering all the bedding in his small arms, before dashing from the room, nothing but his slender legs visible as he hurried off. Within minutes he had returned with new bedding. How the foxling could see over the mound of pillows, duvet, blankets, and sheets was beyond Toka, but Sansone did not miss a step. He darted around the bed, until it was perfectly made, not one crease on the duvet or pillow. He bowed before Toka. “Is there anything else I may do for you?”

“That’s all, Sansone. Thank you.”

Sansone bowed again, turned, and bowed to Rayner before scurrying off. Toka closed the door. He found Rayner standing at the stone hearth. He stoked the dwindling fire and leaned one arm against the mantle. Toka joined him, wrapping his arms around Rayner’s waist and letting his head rest against Rayner’s back. Rayner’s hand covered Toka’s. They stood together in silence until Rayner’s soft voice broke through.

“You must leave.”

“I beg your pardon?” Toka released Rayner and stepped back. Rayner turned, reached for Toka, and brought him into his arms.

“Pack light and get as far away from here as possible. We’ll simply tell Pavoni you ran away. I would go with you, but then Pavoni would blame Khalon for allowing our escape. Most likely he would believe Khalon was involved. I cannot allow Khalon or the Soldati to pay for my crimes.”

Toka was stunned. Run away? Even now, Rayner was thinking only of Toka. “He’ll hunt me down, Rayner. What then? He’ll find a way to blame you, and who knows what he’ll demand next.” Toka shook his head, his heart filled with sadness despite his warm smile. “This is for the best.”

“For the best? This is a nightmare! I will never forgive Khalon for this. He—”

“Is like a brother to you.”

“A brother?” Rayner scoffed. “If he were my brother, he wouldn’t wound me in such a manner. He’d never allow this disgrace.”

“Don’t be cross with Khalon,” Toka pleaded. “He’s our king, with an entire realm filled with innocent people who depend on him to keep them safe. It’s his duty to put their needs before his own. Your brethren Soldati, Adira, Ezra, Riley… I would no more put them in harm’s way than I would you.” He put Rayner’s hands to his lips for a kiss. “You know I speak the truth. I want to do this.”

“You are better than all of us.”

Toka put his hands to Rayner’s cheek. “You will always have my heart. I love you, Rayner.”