I inwardly groan. Walker told me about this before. The Earl of Acca runs the most powerful House in Antrum. Now he wants the throne too, which in his mind means Lincoln marrying Adair. Reason number 439 why this relationship is probably doomed.
Kamal snaps his fingers, a falcon swoops from the rafters to land on his shoulder. I stifle a gasp, but Lincoln and the Earls barely notice the animal. I guess the House of Kamal must do stuff like this all the time. “Take my advice.” Kamal runs his pinky down the falcon’s head. “Give Acca what he wants.”
Lincoln chuckles, but there’s no humor in it. “Really? Is that what he wants this week? You’ve seen what happened with my father. Give in once and there’s no end.” He gestures between the two men. “We all know what’s happening here. Acca sees my father as toothless, so now he’s coming after my canines.” He slams his fist into his hand. “I must stand my ground or I no longer deserve my crown.”
His phrase, ‘stand my ground,’ echoes happily around my brain. That means he won’t marry Adair. My mouth winds into a smile. Whatever happens, at least he’ll never end up with that loser.
Lincoln stares coolly at the two Earls. “You speak of the great houses. But are they the only ones in Antrum? The Houses Gurith, Zerihun, and Alura are all loyal to the King, perhaps many more.”
I remember reading about this in a Ryder library book. Thrax live deep underground. Lands below the old world—Europe, Australasia, Africa—are all ruled by Rixa. There are five major houses and hundreds of lesser ones. All follow the King’s law but pretty much run their own show. Excitement strums in my chest. Lincoln plans to unite the lesser Houses and create one great army to fight Acca. I steal a glance at his mismatched eyes and smile. If anyone can do it, he can.
Horus points at Lincoln, the hint of a smile on his wide mouth. “You’re a crafty one, I’ll grant you. So much like Octavia.”
Lincoln nods. “We return to Antrum tomorrow. I’ll reach out to the lesser Houses the moment I return.” He gestures from Kamal to Horus. “Don’t forget why you signed this Alliance in the first place. Once Acca takes down my House, he’ll come for you next. All I’m asking for is a little time.”
Kamal frowns. “And your father supports this? Word is he bows lower to Acca each day.”
Lincoln’s upper lip curls. “Have you ever seen me bow?”
Kamal steps to the Prince’s side. “No, my Prince. Never.”
“Nor will you.” Lincoln’s gaze shifts between the Earls. “We leave for Antrum tomorrow. There’s much work to do. If you’ll excuse me.” He motions to the exit.
The Earls pause, share a long look, and then nod. Lincoln opens the door. He’s only a few inches away from me now, but so are the Earls.
Yipes.
Kamal steps toward the exit; then he stops at the threshold. My heart thuds so loud, I’m sure they can hear it. “I’ll give you a month. I can risk no more with Acca.”
The desperate look in Kamal’s eyes sets my nerves on edge. The way everyone talks about Acca, you wouldn’t think this dumbass shot crossbow bolts at a Limus demon.
Next, Horus steps up to grip Lincoln’s arm, his features on edge. “You’re the last chance we have.”
The edges of Lincoln’s mouth round with a grin. He’s so not worried, it isn’t funny. “And have I ever failed you?”
Kamal scowls. “Not yet.” They finally leave; the door slams shut behind them. Lincoln exhales slowly.
That was close.
In one swift movement, Lincoln moves to face me, his mouth finding mine. The Prince’s tongue plays across my lips, quickly driving deeper with need. Heat flows through my veins, pooling in my core. Lincoln’s body shifts as presses me against the wall, the motion just rough enough to make me moan. Damn, that feels good. My legs tremble as I taste him over and over, his muscles flexing and releasing as me moves against me.
Lincoln sets his mouth by my ear. “You’re lucky those Earls can’t hunt worth a damn. I could hear you breathing from across the room.”
I lick my lips and smile. “Lucky me.”
The Prince stares at me for a long moment. “That was the part where I lose control because I didn’t expect to see you.” He shoots me a shy smile. “Next is the part where I say we take things slowly.”
“Thank you.” Although if I didn’t have such an awful reason for visiting him, I’d talk him into returning to the first part.
Lincoln links his fingers with mine, and then leans back. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Our arms swing in a happy motion. It feels insanely good to see him. I smile for the first time in what feels like years.
“Lincoln, what did my eyes look like yesterday?” I stay flush against the wall, careful to keep my head and hood in the shadows.