Knightqueen - Page 79

Sten made an annoyed sound.

“And I was an orphan with no family. It doesn’t change my achievements or the man I am.”

“But the woman you love isn’t the knightqueen of Oron.”

Ashtin’s gaze narrowed. “So, you’re fine with her making an alliance? Marrying some foreign prince or planetary leader?”

Something exploded inside Sten’s chest. He whirled, then pressed his forearm to his friend’s neck and shoved him against the wall.

Ashtin just smiled. “I thought not.”

“She is…everything good and beautiful.” Sten stepped back, releasing Ashtin. “In my heart, she’s mine.” He released a harsh breath. “I’m not king material, Ashtin. Like I said, I’m not polished or diplomatic.”

“Does Carys care about any of that?”

“The people will care.”

“You’re a good man, Sten. Don’t worry about the people. All you need to worry about is Carys and how she feels.”

“I can’t be king.”

“A king supports his queen. He cares about the planet. He protects the people.” Ashtin cocked his head. “That’s exactly you. You already do all of that.”

Sten felt like a knot had tied itself in his chest. “I don’t have tact or diplomacy.”

“No, but Carys does.” Ashtin slapped his shoulder. “I think the two of you would be a great pair. You’d complement each other. Stop fighting so hard.”

His friend left him standing there, and Sten turned back to the window. He stared out over the city for a long time, his thoughts churning.

Then he turned and headed down the hall. Aimlessly, he took several twists and turns. That’s when he realized that he’d headed to Carys’ personal quarters.

As he approached the door, he saw two of his best knightguards flanking it. When they saw him, they snapped to attention.

“Knightguard Sten,” the female guard said.

“As you were.”

“Did you need something, Knightguard?” the older man asked.

Sten looked at Carys’ door. “Well—”

The door was wrenched open, and Carys stood there wearing a long, loose dress in a pretty blue. “Oh, you’re here, Knightguard Sten. You’re late for our briefing.” She reached out and gripped his arm. Then she yanked him inside.

She slammed the door closed behind them.

“Carys—”

She leaped on him. He caught her, then her mouth was colliding with his as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Her hungry mouth moved against his, and with a groan, he angled his head and took over.

Her lips parted, and he plunged his tongue into her mouth. He pulled in the taste of her, feeling like everything in his world had just righted itself. She rocked against him, her hands digging into his shoulders.

“I missed you,” he murmured against her lips.

“I missed you too.” She nipped his bottom lip. “Sten, when all this is over, and we’ve defeated the Gek’Dragar…we’ll talk. About us.”

He pulled in a breath. “All right. Do you want an update on the Gek’Dragar?”

She pulled a face. “I know the ship still hasn’t been located. We’ll know when they do find it. For now…” she pressed harder against him, her fingers skimming into his hair. “I don’t want to think about the Gek’Dragar.”