Present Day
Sylvin drew Yelena through the courtyard, into the hallway into the royal apartments. The king’s mages, his guards, and the usual cluster of nobles seeking audience immediately gathered upon seeing Macedius, but the king ignored them.
Yelena’s eyes dropped to the glossy tiles on the floor. She could feel Sylvin’s breath hot against her neck as he curved over her, using his body to propel her along the hallway whilst Macedius repelled his followers.
They stepped into the king’s chambers, and she spun from Sylvin’s grip, backing away from the door, which Macedius closed behind him.
Sylvin stalked her, every inch the predator, until her back came up against a wall. His eyes narrowed and he placed his hand over her heart, cupping the underside of her breast. “Your heart is racing,” he murmured. “You are afraid.”
“I am sore,” she told him honestly. “My throat and… Verina could only heal so much.”
Understanding widened his eyes. “I am sorry.”