Chapter 99
Gavriel’s words still lingered in the air. “Tell me, how should I deal with you p>
Althea’s heart hammered against her ribs. His voice was sharp, but his eyes—those eyes that never looked away—were heavy with something else. She swallowed hard, forcing her trembling hands to stay still.
“You deal with me,” she said softly, “by seeing me for who I am… not for what my father has done p>
His gaze darkened. He stepped closer until the space between them nearly vanished. “The world sees Cain’s daughter. They see betrayal in your blood. They demand I lock you away. Some even want you dead. Should I ignore them p>
Althea lifted her chin even as fear rushed through her. “I am not him. I saved those people. If I carried his cruelty in my veins, would I have done that p>
His jaw tightened. The fire in her voice seemed to disarm him for a moment, and that was all it took for her courage to hold.
“You ask me to trust you,” he said.
“No,” she whispered, her voice steady now. “I ask you not to throw me away before I can prove myself p>
That silence between them was heavy, but it wasn’t empty. She felt the pull again—the bond, the invisible thread between them.
“I should lock you up,” he muttered, but his thumb kept tracing slow circles across her skin, his touch belying the threat in his words. “It would be safer. For my throne… and for my sanity p>
Althea’s heart skipped. The weight of those words pressed into her chest, but she steadied her voice. “Don’t,” she whispered. “I can be far more useful to you than locked behind stone walls p>
She rose from her seat, her back straight, and met his stare without flinching. “I will serve you well in every way, My King,” she said softly but firmly. “My loyalty lies with what is right… with what protects the people p>
For a moment, his expression was unreadable, caught between admiration and something darker. Then he reached out and caught her chin between his fingers, tilting her face up until their eyes locked.
“Do you know,” he asked quietly, “how your father won my sister’s trust and the trust of those around her p>
A faint smirk tugged at his mouth, sharp and mocking. “He saved Riela’s life. Put himself in danger for her. Made her believe he was willing to sacrifice everything. It’s the same strategy you’ve just used Fınd the newest release on
His voice drifted lower, the smirk fading into something heavier. “Saving a town. Risking your life. Making me look at you differently p>
Althea’s breath caught at the closeness of him, at the roughness of his fingers still resting under her jaw. “That wasn’t strategy,” she said, her voice trembling but clear. “I didn’t do it for you p>
His thumb brushed the corner of her mouth, slow, deliberate. “Didn’t you?” he murmured.
Her lips parted, but no words came. The space between them shrank; his scent, his warmth, his power surrounded her.
“Tell me, Althea His voice was softer now, more dangerous. “Are you just playing a longer game like your father p>
She swallowed hard. Gavriel’s eyes searched hers, something fierce flickering behind them. For a heartbeat, neither moved. His thumb stroked her cheek again, rough callouses grazing soft skin. She felt her pulse race, her body leaning toward him before she could stop herself.
Althea barely had time to gather herself when Gavriel pulled back, his hand still lingering against her cheek. His gaze didn’t waver, dark and unreadable, before he finally straightened.
“Come,” he said simply, his tone leaving no room for question.
She followed him wordlessly, her steps quick to keep up with his longer stride. He led her into the adjoining chamber where a large copper tub waited, steam curling up from the surface of the hot water. The scent of herbs drifted in the air, sharp and soothing all at once.
Althea froze at the sight, realizing his intention. Her throat went dry. “You… want me to p>
“Undress me and bathe me,” Gavriel commanded. His voice was low, sharp, leaving no room for argument.
She obeyed, slipping open the ties of his tunic. The fabric slid from his body, revealing hard lines of muscle beneath. She kept her eyes down, though she could feel his gaze burning into her as if stripping her faster than her hands could.
Once he was bare, he stepped into the steaming water, settling into the tub with ease with his arms spread across the edges.
“Your turn,” he said. “Undress p>
Her breath caught. She already knew what was about to happen next, yet she still asked, “You want me to p>
“Join me.” His tone was calm, but his authority carried weight that left her no room to refuse.
Her heart pounded as she undressed, letting her cloak and gown slide down her shoulders. The air was cool against her bare skin, but the heat in his eyes almost seared her. She stepped into the tub, the water rising around her as she lowered herself slowly.
“Closer p>
The water sloshed around them as Gavriel shifted, dragging her closer until she was straddling him fully. The hard length beneath her pressed insistently against her core. Her breath caught, heat flooding her body at the raw contact.
“Feel that?” His voice was rough, steady as stone. His hands gripped her hips, forcing her to grind down against him. “That’s what you do to me, Althea. That’s what makes you dangerous p>
A soft sound escaped her, and she bit her lip. Her body arching when his mouth claimed her breast. His teeth grazed her skin before his lips closed around her nipple, suckling hard until she gasped his name again.
“Gavriel p>
He pulled back just enough to smirk, his breath hot against her flushed skin. “Say it louder p>
His tongue flicked across her peak before moving to her other breast, lavishing it with the same hungry attention. Her fingers tangled in his wet hair, tugging, but he only groaned against her, savoring her taste.
She shuddered as the thick length beneath her shifted, pressing more firmly against her. The sensation sent heat pooling between her thighs. He felt it too, and his grip tightened, guiding her movements.
“Ride me,” he ordered, his voice dark and commanding. “Show me how useful you can really be p>
Althea’s face dimmed. Her fingers flexed against his chest, nails grazing his skin as her eyes burned into his. “I’m more useful than just being your… breeder,” she said, her tone low and sharp, trembling but steady enough to make him pause. “Don’t mistake my body for my worth p>