Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
The bat chitters, and Kyran reaches out, grabs the fragile claws attached to his wing, and gives them the gentlest shake.
I love Kyran so much right now I can’t describe it. He’s incredible and impressive as he wields his princely power, scorching hot when he lounges in my room with leather pants open in invitation, but he’s also sweet and funny in moments like this one. I love all of him. I love him when he protects me, I love him when I see him reveal a soft spot for Flap, and I love him when he’s vulnerable enough to show me his weaknesses.
I reach over to stroke his face. “Would you like to have a family with me one day?”
Kyran’s breath wheezes when his gaze spears right through me, as if he's a man stuck in the desert and I—an oasis. “As in… children?” he asks, and I can distinctly sense his hands getting a bit damp around mine.
I nod. I never thought having children would be on the cards for me. Maybe I was just missing someone who I could trust with my future?
“You did say it’s possible in the Nightmare Realm?”
Kyran nods, but he remains quiet, as if he doesn’t trust himself to speak as he massages both my hands with his fingers. But there’s a glow in his eyes, and when Flap coos with encouragement, I rest my cheek on his shoulder. “Yes, we just need a bit of alchemy, and a lady willing to bear our child.”
“I’ve had… such a shitty family, Kyran. I want to make a good one. With you. I think you’d be a good dad. I see it in the way you are with Flap.”
He blinks, flushing, as if my comment embarrassed him. “I didn’t really do anything. You’re the one who always takes care of The Count.”
“You’re tender with him when you think I’m not looking.” I smirk, stroking his chest. “What will our child look like? Will it have shorter ears? Whose eyes will it have?” I ask, swept away by this idea. When I look up, I spot Kyran’s eyes glossing over, but I won’t tease him about it. He shouldn’t be afraid to get emotional around me. I will always be his home, the safe space where he can be himself, not the Lord of the Nocturne Court.
“Our child will be an elf, like me,” Kyran whispers, leaning in until our noses touch and I sense the warmth of his breath on my lips. “But I hope he’ll be as bright and beautiful as you.”
I kiss him, overcome by a tenderness I never imagined possible. I only ever envisioned falling in love as missing someone, being obsessive, wanting to fuck them all the time. But while that’s true when it comes to Kyran, I’ve also awakened to something deeper. A care for him that isn’t about how hot he is, or what he gives me. My love for him isn’t selfish, about the way he makes me feel. I want what’s best for him, I want him to feel good, and appreciate him for who he is.
“And we will take care of them. Even if they’re twins,” I laugh but also keep my voice down, because even saying that out loud feels dangerous.
A flurry of emotions passes over Kyran’s face. Joy, gratitude, love, are all there, but so is a great sadness, as if he's questioning why his own parents never cared for him enough. But then he pulls me into his lap, to Flap’s loud complaints, and I squeeze him back. Whatever happens, we will do everything in our power to make one another happy.
Chapter 38
Luke
Ihave a strange sense of déjà vu when I walk down the corridor with Reiner following me. This time though, Kyran is at my side, because we’re not hastily getting married. No, we’re holding a grand ball before the ceremony.
Kyran wanted tonight to be a surprise, and while I had much more input on my wedding outfit choice this time, I don’t know what else will happen. Kyran even ties a silk scarf over my eyes as he leads me by the hand.
Reiner trails behind us, adjusting my clothes every now and then, as if he didn’t add the “final touches” an hour ago by presenting me with shimmering green pauldrons made of hundreds of beetle wings and pearls. I don’t complain though, because he is a master of his craft when it comes to fashion. He looked both nervous and happy when sharing his ideas with me throughout the month. In a rare, unguarded moment, he admitted the wedding ensemble is always a crowning jewel when it comes to his creations, especially because it is always portrayed for posterity. He showed me his past designs with so much pride.
“It’s such a shame the silver rib cage got lost in the sea,” he huffs, but I know it’s a dig at me.