Royally Not Ready(83)

“What?” I ask her.

She taps her lips with her finger. “I’m going to need a kiss. That’s unless you want me chasing behind you, looking for one.”

I smirk and lower down as I say, “You’re absurd.” I kiss her lips sweetly and then lift off the bed. “Stay put. I’ll be back to get you.”

Pleased, I head down the stairs to where Brimar and Lara are sitting on the couch together, Lara holding a pack of ice on Brimar’s palm.

“How are you?” I ask.

“Fine,” Brimar answers in a clipped tone. “It’s weird to think this is the first time I’ve had blood drawn since protecting the crown. And funny enough, it was from the person I’m trying to protect.”

“Brimar, it was an accident,” I say.

“I know, just frustrating is all. I think being in this castle, cooped up, unable to do our regular activities, it’s starting to get to me.”

“I think it’s getting to all of us,” Lara adds.

I pull on the back of my neck. “Yeah, me too. Only a few more days, though. How about this? Why don’t you guys take off tomorrow to grab some last-minute supplies we might need for food, spend some time out, and maybe hit up the hot spring just down the road? I can handle Lilly.”

“That’s not a good idea,” Brimar says. “We’re here to serve and protect. I won’t leave Lilly like that.”

“Do you not trust me?” I ask him.

“I do, but my responsibility is to her.”

“And you haven’t had a day off in weeks. Take just the morning, the both of you, and come back refreshed.”

“It might be a good idea,” Lara says. “And we’re running low on supplies. We could try to make it until we leave, but we’d be pushing our luck. Plus, it might not hurt to have someone else look at your wound.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my hand. A butterfly stitch is all that’s needed.”

“Still, please take the morning,” I say. “You need it. I promise, we won’t go anywhere and we’ll keep everything locked up. We’ll be safe.”

“Are you sure?” Brimar asks.

“Positive.”

He nods his head. “Okay.”

“And I’ll be taking care of dinner tonight,” I add. “Just sit back and relax, Brimar.”

“Thank you, Keller.”

“Hey, what are brothers for?” I ask as I walk away.





“Are you sure you’re okay?” Lilly asks.

“Positive.” Brimar offers her a curt smile. “I’ve had worse wounds growing up. This is nothing. Don’t worry about me.”

“Can I at least hug you? I won’t feel right until I do.”

Brimar nods and opens his arms to her. Lilly sinks into his large embrace and rests her head on his chest.

I made some simple sandwiches for dinner, nothing fancy, just used up some of the bread Brimar baked and leftover turkey we had in the fridge. Along with an arugula salad lightly dressed, it was a quick dinner.

We talked more about Torg, and by the time we all finished and cleaned up, it was time for bed. Long day, and we needed an early bedtime.

“Don’t hate me,” Lilly says.

“I don’t. Now get some sleep. I heard you have a history quiz tomorrow.”

Lilly’s head picks up and swivels around to face me. “Really?”

“We shall discuss that tomorrow. Now say good night.”

“Good night.” Lilly gives him one more hug, waves to Lara, and then we walk up the stairs together. When we reach the top, she heads toward her room and I head toward mine. “Wait,” she calls out. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to my room.”

“But . . .”

“Lilly, get ready for bed.”

“Excuse me, but I don’t expect to go to bed alone.”

“Lilly,” I say steadily. “Listen to me . . . get ready for bed.”

“Urgh, you’re frustrating.” She storms into her bedroom. Can you tell she’s feeling just fine?

When I reach my room, I take off my shirt and pants and stick them in my hamper before I head into the bathroom, where I brush my teeth. Shortly, Lilly joins me and does the same. I spit my toothpaste into the sink and rinse my mouth. When I’m done, I lean against the doorframe, watching her. She’s in the shirt she borrowed from me, her hair tied into a loose bun.

When she’s done brushing her teeth, she turns toward me and asks, “Are you going to make me say good night here, in this sterile bathroom?”

So fucking sassy when she doesn’t get exactly what she wants.

I shake my head and walk up to her. I gently kiss her knuckles before pulling her to my bedroom. I make sure my bedroom door is shut and then pull back the covers of my bed. She lies down, and I remain standing.

“I had different plans for you tonight, plans that involved tying you up to this bed.”

“Why are you saying that as if it’s past tense?” she asks. “Because being tied up sounds yummy, especially if I’m naked.”

“Because after today’s events, that won’t be happening.” I slip into the bed with her and pull the covers over us.