Zarek's hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to his chest. He buried his face in her hair, breathing her in like a man dying of thirst.
Eliora turned in his arms, placing her hands on his chest.
"Zarek," she whispered, her voice thick with sleep and surprise. "You are not supposed to be here. The seers said the king must stay away until the six days are done."
"I do not care what the seers said," he murmured against her skin.
Then he started trailing hot and slow kisses from her jaw, up to her cheek. "I tried to stay away, Eliora, but I missed you."
She let out a soft breath as his hand slid up her back, his fingers tangling in her hair.
Even in the dark, she could feel the desperation in his touch. He was the cold, unshakeable ruler to everyone else, but here, he was undone by her.
