Between Dawn and Dusk Read online

  I want a family. I want to see her stomach round and swollen with our baby.

  Minutes pass, and I keep my softening cock inside Zella while we catch our breath. I want to stay connected for as long as possible.

  I resume cleaning her body, massaging her muscles along the way.

  Turning her head, she fuses her lips to mine in a passionate kiss. It’s hungry. Needy. By the time we part, my erection has returned.

  “Thank you,” she whispers against my lips.

  I chuckle. “I think that’s my line.”

  Her teeth nip my jaw. “I mean, thank you for coming to get me.”

  As if I’d had a choice. “I’ll always go to you. Wherever you are, whatever the risk.”

  She smiles, and there’s barely any hint of sadness. “As long as I have you, nothing else matters.”

  “As long as we have each other,” I agree.

  Zella

  Days have gone by since we arrived in Delaveria, and we haven’t left Keryth’s room yet. Well, our room. I’ll have to get used to calling this place home, which won’t be hard to do.

  The stars in the Night Realm sky are beautiful. I often find myself going to the window, just to gaze at the bright orbs and the three moons.

  So far, the staff I’ve met have been wonderful.

  After the first secluded day, Keryth’s second in command came by just to make sure he was uninjured. A palace designer discussed my ideas with me over lunch. When a council member came to visit, Keryth sent the man on a mission to find the wizard who enchanted the locks to the room.

  An older brown-haired woman named Hyla brings our meals to us. She also delivers fresh towels and soaps for bathing, changes our sheets, and styles my hair for me. She’s been serving the royal family for three generations.

  Although Hyla’s a valued employee, Keryth seems eager to shoo her out.

  I suspect this is for two reasons: He wants me all to himself and he doesn’t want too much information getting out to the rest of the palace.

  Twice, Keryth has caught curious fae snooping around—one was flying outside the windows and another was lingering in the hallway. Both times, he ordered their arrest until he could question them about their motives. I thought it was a bit extreme, but his paranoia isn’t unwarranted.

  The rumors in the kingdom must be rampant by now.

  Keryth has told them nothing about me. The only person who knows the truth about who I am is the first soldier who visited us, and he’s loyal enough to keep a secret.

  I look at my sleeping mate. The glow of dusk on the horizon casts a pinkish hue over his face. He hasn’t shaved, and his scruff has turned into an alluring beard. I wouldn’t mind if he grew it out a little longer. I like the way it feels when his face is between my thighs.

  “You’re thinking dirty thoughts, my sweet,” he murmurs, his dark eyelashes fluttering as he peeks at me. “I thought it was safe to take a nap, but you’re insatiable.”

  He’s not wrong. I can’t get enough of him. When we’re not sleeping, we’re making love constantly. We’ve even been eating meals with me sitting on his cock.

  Since he’s shirtless, I take the opportunity to lick his nipple.

  He growls, and his chiseled abs quiver when I bite down on his flesh.

  That wakes him up, in more ways than one.

  When he rolls on top of me, his massive cock prods my inner thigh. I spread myself wider for him. I’m sore from how many times we’ve made love, but I don’t care. It’s almost as if the sensitivity heightens the pleasure.

  Keryth’s lips come down on mine, and the tip of his erection finds my soaked center.

  He’s about to push forward when a loud knock thunders on the door. The boom is so loud it shakes the crystal chandelier.

  Alarmed, I look at him with questioning eyes.

  “There’s only one person who would be so rude.” Letting out an annoyed huff, Keryth gets up and pulls on some tan lounge pants.

  He ties the drawstring, unhurried as he saunters into the sitting room to answer the door. As soon as he opens it, a man bursts in.

  I hold in a scandalized squawk of embarrassment because I’m naked. The only thing covering me is the blanket. Groping for Keryth’s white button up shirt draped over the end of the bed, I yank it over my head, just in time.

  When the man comes into view, I’m taken aback by how much he looks like Keryth. They both have the same long dark hair, sculpted lips, and sharp jaw. Identical icy eyes.

  This must be Silas, the Night Realm prince.

  “Aha!” Looking into the bedroom, he discovers me, pointing an accusing finger in my direction before aiming an angry look at Keryth. “You stole the princess of the Day Realm? Are you insane?” He doesn’t wait to hear an answer. “And King Zed is dead? There will be a war. I go to the Dream Realm for a week and come back to this mess! What’s gotten into you?”

  “It’s not what you think,” Keryth responds calmly, as if this kind of outburst from his brother is normal.

  “Oh, really?” Silas lets out a humorless laugh. “Tell me where I got it wrong.”

  “She’s my fated mate.”

  Silence.

  My eyes volley back and forth between the men as they stare each other down. I guess Silas is stunned speechless, and I don’t know him well enough to read his pinched facial expression.

  “Her, of all people?” he finally mutters. “How long have you known?”

  “Four years.”

  “That’s why you never let me go on the trade missions.” Shaking his head, Silas rakes a hand through his hair. “You were running off to see her in secret.”

  “First of all, she has a name. It’s Zella.”

  They both glance my way. My mate’s eyes soften, while Silas’s narrow.

  And I really wish this meeting was going differently. Here I am, no pants on, looking like I’ve been tumbling around in bed all day—because I have.

  I can’t even use the manners that have been drilled into me my whole life. It’s not like I can get up and curtsy.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” I say meekly.

  All I get is a curt nod before the guys move on with the conversation.

  “I’ve gone to Dawn and Dusk myself every month because it was my duty,” Keryth says. “And let’s get one thing straight—my mate is my business. I was never obligated to tell you about her. She’s the one thing in this life that will always be mine, just as Tehya is yours.”

  Seeming to finally accept the situation, Silas hangs his head. “When is the ceremony?”

  “There won’t be one. We already said our vows on sacred ground. It’s done.”

  “And the Day Realm? Will they retaliate?”

  “No.”

  “No?” Skeptical, Silas lifts an eyebrow.

  “My brother is supportive of the union,” I speak up. It’s not a complete lie. “King Zarid wants peace.”

  He straightens his shoulders. “Well, good. When do you two plan to inform the people?”

  “When Zella is ready,” Keryth states protectively.

  “You can’t keep this a secret. They have a right to know, especially when they’re worried about being attacked—”

  “I’m ready,” I interrupt, self-consciously smoothing down my rumpled hair. “Not now. Tomorrow.”

  “Are you sure?” Pacing over to me, Keryth picks up my hand.

  I appreciate that he’s so concerned about my well-being, but I’m not weak. Yes, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this time alone with him and I’m still adjusting to this new life, but Silas is right. It’s unfair to let the people panic about a war that isn’t even happening.

  “Yes.” I add some conviction to my answer. “Tomorrow.”

  Zella

  My head feels naked without my crown.

  Not for long, though.

  The official coronation will take place at the ball tonight, and Keryth offered to give me his mother’s crown. As new queen of the Night Realm, it’s rightful
ly mine. I accepted. It won’t be the same as my old one, but this one will have sentimental value, too. It belonged to the woman who birthed Keryth, who raised him, turned him into the man he is today.

  I just hope I can live up to Queen Veena’s legacy.

  “You’re going to wear a hole in the carpet, Your Majesty.” Giving me an understanding smile, Hyla puts herself in front of me to stop my pacing.

  I look down at my feet. They’re comfortable in dark blue slippers. They match my gown. Gold thread is embroidered throughout the bottom of the hem, the corseted waist, and the sweetheart neckline. My breasts are pushed up, and a necklace—a hollow jewel glowing with stardust—sits in my cleavage.

  I’ve never worn such dark clothing before, but these are the Night Realm colors. For a first introduction, I felt it was appropriate to show my loyalty. Plus, Keryth will be wearing a matching suit.

  Speaking of my mate, I think about him now.

  He’s on the other side of the double doors just ten feet away. He, along with all the Night Realm nobles, wait for me in the great hall for my grand entrance.

  It’s funny, we’ve only been apart for a couple of hours while Hyla helped me get ready, but I already feel a sense of wrongness after being separated from him. It’s a disturbing empty sensation I can’t quite explain. The feeling has eased somewhat now that I’m near Keryth, but it won’t be gone until I’m touching him.

  There’s a quiet click, and the hum of voices in the hall get louder as the door cracks open.

  My hearing picks up a few comments here and there. One man is glad I’m Keryth’s fated mate—after all, I am royalty. Another is peeved about it—I come from a rival realm. And one woman laments about the fact that she isn’t Keryth’s soul mate—she thinks she’d have been a better fit for him.

  That last one really gets to me.

  Keryth’s heart would never stray, and fate doesn’t make mistakes. Who the strike is this woman to think she knows better than destiny?

  I’d never describe myself as cruel, but I’m imagining scenarios of punishing her. I don’t even know what she looks like, but I envision her wrists wrapped with iron shackles. Blisters and blood. Agony.

  And suddenly, I understand my father a little better. I’ve only been bonded for a short time, but I’m already changing. I’m wrathful in a way I’ve never been before. If anyone ever tried to take Keryth from me, I wouldn’t hesitate to gut them with my own fingernails.

  My unsettling thoughts are interrupted when a man with a stick-straight spine appears and announces, “Queen Zella, it is time.”

  “You look lovely.” Hyla fluffs the curls in my hair one more time. With an encouraging smile, she gives me a pat on the back with a slight push forward.

  Oh, right. I’m supposed to be walking.

  You’re a princess. No, a queen. You’re bonded to the king. You belong here.

  My little pep talk helps with some of my nerves, and I put one foot in front of the other. With every step I take, I close the distance between Keryth and me. I can’t see him yet, but I can feel him.

  As soon as I make it through the doorway, I realize a few things. Keryth isn’t on the second-story balcony I stand on—he’s below, sitting on his throne next to Silas. A beautiful honey-haired woman is in the ornate chair next to the prince. Tehya, I conclude. There’s a vacant throne for me on Keryth’s other side.

  The ballroom is much larger than I anticipated, and it’s full of people. The Night Realm is bigger than the Day Realm so it makes sense that there would be more citizens. Therefore, more guests.

  It wouldn’t be so intimidating if everyone looked happy to see me.

  They don’t. At all. When I scan the crowd, I see narrowed eyes, crossed arms, and frowns.

  It seems the optimistic gentleman who was supportive of my presence here is in the minority.

  Well, I’ll just have to prove myself then. I stand tall, squaring my shoulders as the announcer rattles off my new official title.

  No one cheers. I actually think I hear a cricket chirp.

  Heart pounding, I look out at the elegance before me. The balcony goes all the way around the large, oval-shaped room. On the lower level, there’s a harp and an area where the musicians will be set up to play songs for dancing. A long table is covered in food and beverages. Steaming meats, desserts, and wine.

  Too bad I no longer feel like partying and my appetite is gone.

  Getting to his feet, Keryth’s expression is dark. Lightning flashes outside, startling several guests.

  “You will welcome Queen Zella.” His command booms off the high ceilings.

  Everyone springs into action, clapping and whistling.

  That’s better.

  I can’t contain my small smile as I descend the stairs. My slippers pad over the soft dark-blue carpet, and the marble railing is smooth under my fingers. I hold eye contact with Keryth until I make it to the bottom, and he finally leaves his place to greet me.

  “You look handsome,” I whisper, finally feeling at peace as I slip my arm around his. I’ve only seen him in formal attire once—when he asked my father for permission to marry. To be honest, I prefer the leather pants.

  “There’s no sight more beautiful than you as my queen,” he responds.

  He guides me to the throne, but before I can sit, we have to go through the coronation.

  Luckily, it’s a short process. Keryth does the honors, uttering words in the old Fae language before producing my new headpiece.

  Only, it’s not new.

  I blink at it.

  “My mother’s crown?” I whisper-yell. “How did you get it back?”

  “These past few days,” he murmurs, low, “I had my men scouring the area where you lost it. They found it sitting on the staircase, as if the forest set it there just for you in case you came back.”

  My eyes sting with threatening tears. Laughing, I wave at my face. I don’t want to cry in front of everyone, even if it is because of happiness.

  “Thank you,” I say, overwhelmed with gratitude.

  Keryth grins as he finishes the last line of the ceremony. “Queen Zella, you shall have what is rightfully yours.”

  He places the familiar weight on my head, and then it’s done.

  Music starts up, and the guests are allowed to mingle and eat. No one is supposed to dance until we do, but right now, I need a moment to take it all in.

  At least my seat is so close to Keryth’s we can hold hands. I gaze up at the ceiling. The dome is lit with a stardust glow all around the border, and directly above us, I can see that an artist has started painting a mural. So far, it’s just a sliver of the Night Realm sky with a partial hand holding the hilt of a sword.

  My ears twitch when I hear a small group about twenty feet away speculating about whether I cast a spell on Keryth to make him think we’re mates.

  I scoff loudly. The sound draws the attention of everyone within hearing distance, but I don’t care. That’s just ridiculous.

  First of all, it’s not possible to bewitch someone that way. If it was, everyone would get to choose their fated partner.

  And we didn’t choose this. Of course, I would pick Keryth. Over and over again. He’s the perfect man for me, and that’s why everyone should trust destiny.

  Tired of being a sitting duck for the nobles to take shots at, I tug Keryth’s hand. “Let’s dance.”

  He doesn’t say anything, but he gives me a panty-melting smile before guiding me to the most illuminated spot under one of the big chandeliers. Taking our cue, the musicians change the song to a basic waltz. A safe choice. All people of Valora know these steps, regardless of their birthplace or social status.

  Keryth pulls my body close, pressing my torso to his. It’s the first time we’ve ever danced together, and a few notes in, I realize he’s good at it. His movements are flawless as we sway together.

  I blow out a breath, letting go of some of the tension I’ve been carrying. Keryth spins me around, covertly
copping a feel of my ass.

  I’m actually starting to have fun when someone yells, “Why don’t you show us a Day Realm dance?”

  Mid-twirl, I stop to find the man. His arms are crossed over his blue vest, and there’s a challenge in his eyes.

  He wants me to share a secret from my kingdom. He wants to see where my loyalty lies.

  Little does he know, one of the things I’ve been looking forward to the most is spreading my culture. Valora is one world. All of us have similarities—the same desires and goals. If we’re truly going to have peace, we need to share our customs.

  “All right.” I step away from Keryth and scan the crowd. “I’ll need six more sets of partners.”

  Nervous eyes dart around, and no one volunteers.

  Oh, they’re not so brave now.

  “Come on.” I motion to the man who spoke. “Do you have a mate?”

  “I do.” He reluctantly comes forward with a woman at his side. Both have red hair—something we don’t see very often in my realm.

  As more pairs walk closer, I’m struck by the physical differences of the people here compared to my home. Of course, I do see all shades of skin and hair, but there are hardly any blonds. If we were in my palace, light hair is what I would see most.

  It’s just evidence of how deep our rivalry runs. How far we are from real peace.

  What if something good could come from the plague? The Day Realm lost almost all their females, and there’s no shortage of women here. Maybe it happened so the realms would have to work together. Get along. Join forces instead of fighting.

  Keryth and I are proof you can find your soul mate somewhere far from home.

  I’m excited, because maybe I can make sense of the awful tragedy.

  “Let’s form a circle,” I instruct the couples, taking charge. “Face your partner. Can we get an upbeat tune? Something happy?”

  The flutist plays a few cheerful notes, and I’m satisfied. With Keryth, I show everyone the moves. Touching my right elbow to his left, I turn in a half circle before switching arms and going in the opposite direction. There’s some tricky footwork, but it doesn’t take long to learn.