A Kingdom of Venom and Vows (Stars and Shadows #3)(30)

I didn’t let go of his hand as I followed his every step, and Thalia kept her shield firmly in place until we moved through the passageways of the palace, Sorin killing two guards who tried to block our path. Chaos was consuming the fae kingdom, guards scurrying to protect their king and prince who had abandoned them.

Evren kept his hand in mine, and he shielded me every step of the way as we dodged the guards as best we could and escaped the kingdom.





CHAPTER 12





ADARA





E vren didn’t stop until we reached his horse. He, Sorin, and Thalia climbed upon their horses quickly, and Evren reached down and pulled me up until I was settled in front of him on the saddle.

He kicked his heels into the mare, and we were off, the ride harsh against my bare thighs below my dress. But I didn’t dare complain.

I was with him, and I could handle any pain it took to get back to our kingdom.

The journey was grueling; time seemed to slow as we rode, Evren’s strong arms keeping me safe from the jolting of our galloping horse. Exhaustion seeped in, but I refused to give in. Evren was determined to get us back home, his grip tightening as we raced against the ever-darkening sky.

My hands trembled in front of me, clinging to the saddle, my arm still stinging from Gavril’s touch. Evren’s hold on me never wavered, and the safety I felt in his arms was overwhelming.

His breath was heavy, its warmth pushing and pulling against my skin as I felt the rise and fall of his chest with each heave. His heart raced against my back in a rhythm that matched my own. The wind rushed past us, rustling the dark leaves of the Onyx Forest, and I clamped my eyes shut, letting go of everything but being in his arms.

“We need to stop,” Sorin called from beside us, his own voice rushing out of him with the exertion from our ride. “The horses won’t last at this pace.”

“No,” Evren’s voice rumbled behind me. “I’m not stopping until we reach the safety of our kingdom.”

I forced my heavy eyelids open and glanced over at Sorin. His eyebrows were furrowed, and his lips pressed together in concern.

I felt the heat of Evren’s hand on my own as I twisted to look at him over my shoulder. His gaze was tense, with deep creases from his eyebrows to his mouth. I took a weary breath and said, “I need a break. I’m not sure if my body can take any more.” It was true, but I would have powered through if not for the worry in Sorin’s expression.

Evren’s face softened as he peered down at me, and the horse slowed almost immediately. My legs ached against the movement, but I didn’t look away from him.

“You should have said something earlier.” His gaze darkened, but I shook my head and leaned forward to press my lips against his.

The kiss was brief but searing, and I didn’t want to move away from him when he finally pulled away from me and brought the horse to a stop.

“Over here,” Thalia called out to us, and Evren led the horse in her direction, deeper in the woods.

I could feel the exhaustion in Evren’s body as we stopped, but he helped me down from the horse before pulling me back into his arms.

He hadn’t released his hold on me since we left, and I didn’t argue because I had no interest in leaving it.

Evren handed the reins of the horse off to Sorin, and he quickly led the horses to the small stream of water once Evren pulled his things from the saddlebag.

He laid a small blanket on the ground before pulling me down to sit on it, and he opened a small canteen of water and held it in my direction. I took a small sip before handing it back to him.

The night air was heavy and oppressive, and my lungs burned as I tried to catch my breath. The jeweled bodice of the wedding gown I was forced to wear scraped against my skin, and the moonlight glinted off the intricate beading. The heavy fabric was meant for royalty, but in the middle of the dark forest, I felt ridiculous.

Evren didn’t seem to care though. He took a long pull from the canteen before pulling me back into his arms. My back pressed against his chest, and he ran his nose along my shoulder. Chill bumps skated over my skin, and I twisted to peer up at him.

He looked so angry, so conflicted, and I raised my hand to smooth out the deep crease between his brows.

“We’re together,” I whispered the words that were only meant for me and him, and he nodded once.

We were together, and nothing else mattered.

The moonlight hit his face just right, and I reached up to take his face between my hands, pulling his lips down to mine. The kiss was sweet, a soft caress that didn’t last nearly long enough.

My hands were still caked in the queen’s blood and my dress was soiled, but Evren didn’t seem to notice either.

A shiver rushed through me as Evren’s hands moved up my arms and shoulders. He squeezed my sore arm, and I winced. Evren sucked in a breath and released my arm, gripping me by the elbow and turning my arm so he could get a better look.

My arm looked burned from where Gavril had touched me, his magic branding me.

Evren’s fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white, and his lips curled into a sneer. His fingers traced lightly against the skin around the burn. Every muscle in his body tensed. “I’m going to kill him.”

His rage clouded around me like smoke, and I choked it down.

“I’m okay, Evren.” I laced my hands through his hair and tugged on the strands until he was forced to look up at me. “I’m okay,” I repeated the words because he didn’t look convinced.