King Liam — POV
The restlessness in my body wouldn't go away. I couldn't figure out what was wrong.
"Liam," Ethan said.
I gave him a nod.
"Go on, Ethan. What news do you have?" I asked.
"It's bad," he said grimly. "Kade Virel is alive."
I stared at him, stunned. How? I made sure to drive my sword straight through his heart.
"What else?" I asked, my voice tight.
"Your half-brother Jason is siding with your father," Ethan continued.
I frowned. I should've ended Jason when I had the chance. He never seemed like the rebellious type—or was I just blinded by his innocent face and loyal words?
"No wonder he didn't show up at my wedding reception," I muttered.
"Liam, the rebels want to destabilize your rule," Ethan said, his brow furrowed.
"They think if they take out Esme, they can weaken my power," I hissed.
"Lady Esme is your mate, Liam. Don't forget—she now shares half your power," Ethan reminded me. His words irritated me.
I never wanted a mate—at least not one who wasn't Cecily. I loved her. I was ready to mate her. But Esme... she doesn't give me that same feeling.
"Liam," Ethan placed a hand on my shoulder. "I know this arrangement with Lady Esme isn't what you wanted. But the truth is, she's your mate. You can't change that. The sooner you accept it, the better. Because if you neglect her…" He trailed off.
I didn't respond. Instead, I asked, "What are their next plans?"
"They're planning to attack Lady Esme during the Festival," Ethan said. "If they fail, I believe they'll go after the aristocrats to bring fear back into the Eastbrone court. I suggest we cancel the festival."
"No," I said firmly. "We're not letting them carry this out. We need to be ready. You should know by now—I don't cower from enemy threats. Our soldiers are prepared."
Ethan nodded.
"The soldiers of Ashford will support the Imperial cause and protect the Festival of the Goddess Faye," he said.
I nodded again, but a growing ache twisted inside me. The restlessness only got worse.
"What's wrong with you?" Ethan asked, concerned. Could it be… Esme?
"Ethan, handle the rebels. Gather more intel," I muttered and left the office, heading straight to the Empress's Palace.
Duke Edward was standing outside. He looked concerned.
"Lady Esme is resting. She's not well," he said, blocking my path.
"Get out of my way. She's getting worse," I growled. I could feel mate heat radiating off her. I shoved past him and slammed the door shut behind me.
Esme was curled up, moaning in pain—her body caught in the throes of mate heat. I knew this day would come. This must've been what Ethan was trying to warn me about—marking her to ease the symptoms. Half-human, half-dragon blood. It's maddening. Sometimes I wish I had magic like the mages instead of this damn animal spirit in me.
She was sweating, her body trembling. I glanced at the medicine meant to suppress mate heat, but I should've known better. The power in my bond would overwhelm her unless I kissed her and marked her with magic. But doing so without her consent—it felt wrong. Still, if I didn't act, she would be in hell of pain for days.
I touched her hand—it was burning hot. The moment I touched her, my own heat flared. I'd made a mistake. I had to end this quickly, or I'd torture myself trying to control it.
I gently placed my hand on her forehead and pulled her close. Her lips were parted, her breath ragged. The scent of roses overwhelmed my senses, making it harder to resist. I could've stayed there, holding her forever—the mate bond urging me to surrender.
I pressed my lips to hers, gently. My fingers traced the soft skin of her neck, finding the pulse. Something dark ignited in me—a raw need to consummate the bond. But I couldn't. Not with anyone else. I'd sworn an oath on Cecily's grave.
Her pulse throbbed under my fingertips. I whispered the marking spell, embedding magic into her skin. This was the second-to-last stage of the mate bond. The final step… I paused. I would never consummate this marriage.
Esme's breathing calmed. Though I'd marked her, the real challenge had just begun. From now on, she'd go into mate heat every month. And each time, I'd have to kiss her to ease the symptoms. What a cursed bond. But her health—her life—is at stake. I need answers. I need to speak with the High Priest to check Esme's health; can she outlive more than a year? If that happens, I need to plan ahead what I have to do.
I held Esme close, her rose scent still clinging to me. I hated that it calmed me. And yet… I couldn't resist it.