“I think either would stand out well,” she said, giving me a cheeky smile, which I returned.
“Okay. I’m going to go check on Knox,” I admitted, smiling at her as Basilius stepped up behind her, offering me a subtle nod.
“I am honestly impressed. Liliana would never have survived being on the battlefield, let alone fought beside us. She never did like being anywhere blood was let. But you? You wear it beautifully, My Queen,” he confessed, bowing.
“Thank you, Basilius.” I glanced at Killian, who winked before he threw a head toward Brander, who caught it. Within moments, the men were playing some twisted version of soccer. “That’s so wrong,” I muttered.
“Speak for yourself.” Esme laughed, darting over to steal the ‘ball’ from Basilius.
The others rushed forward, each one teaming up with one of the men. Exhaling, I turned to stare at the blue flames burning still. The white oak would burn for a thousand years, which was more than long enough for me to travel to the Kingdom of Fire and unearth the two final elements. It could wait until I had Knox back.
Opening a portal, I entered the silent library, spotting a sleeping Lore outside the chamber where Knox was. I stopped to cover him up and kiss his forehead, smiling at the peacefulness of Lore’s face. If I had to guess, I’d say his feeding frenzy hadn’t had anything to do with his other half being incubus. It had probably been the pain he’d endured. As quietly as I could, I let myself into the room where Knox slept and pulled the door closed behind me. Then I removed the crown and set it, as well as the bloodied head, on the table.
“We won, Knox. I led your brothers and your army onto the field today. I kept them safe, as I knew you’d have done if you’d been there.” Wiping both my face, and hands off, I leaned over, kissing his lips. “I missed you out there beside me. I should’ve enjoyed it, but I couldn’t without you. But I also couldn’t wait for you to wake up. I became a monster today, and I don’t feel anything. Numb, I guess? I just really miss you and need you to come back to me. You’d have some sage advice about holding on to who I was, wouldn’t you?” I peered down, frowning. “If I’m being honest?” I glanced at our hands, ignoring the tear rolling down my cheek. “I liked hurting you. Of course, I didn’t like that there could be innocent creatures within the citadel, or the city. But you were inside my head holding me steady.” Rubbing my thumb over his palm, I smiled as tears slowly fell without stopping. “Save one, or save many. Your people—who I guess are our people now—would’ve been her target. I couldn’t let that happen. A queen protects her king, that’s what you told me.” Chewing my lip, I released a shuddered breath. “I need my king back, Karnavious. I can’t do this without you with me. I love you. Do you hear me? I’m in love with you, and I need you to come back to me. Your chaos stirs mine, and I can’t be the queen if I don’t have my king beside me. You’re my King of Chaos.” His hand tightened against mine, and my breath stalled as I slowly dragged my eyes to his face. Black eyes with flickering crimson embers floating within them, watched me without blinking. My lips parted as a sob burst free from my lungs. Knox’s eyes slipped to the color of an angry sea, sending me adrift as the world seemed to mute. Then a loud, heartrending sob broke from my lips as a shattered breath of sound. “Knox."
The End, for Now.