Toka's smile shone brighter than the moon itself, and Rayner's heart swelled, knowing he had caused it. He took Toka's hand and led him to the bed, then lifted the covers for him. He stopped at the small, tidy bathroom to fetch a washcloth. When he returned, he wondered what he could have done to earn the adoration in Toka's eyes.
For centuries, Rayner had done his best to avoid developing affections for Toka. As a Soldati of high rank and power, Rayner's place was to wed someone equal to his station or above. Knowing there was no future for him and his sweet foxling had Rayner turning to a string of meaningless affairs in the hopes he could lose himself in lust, and now the only lover he wanted in his bed was Toka.
Rayner pulled back the covers, then lay down before cleaning them both off. Finished, he neatly folded the washcloth and placed it to one side on the nightstand. He drew Toka against him beneath the covers, smiling when Toka snuggled up close, his hand on Rayner's chest over his heart. Rayner took hold of it and brought it to his lips for a kiss before returning it to its former resting place.
"Rayner?"
"Hm?"
"Why me? Of all the Soldati, of all the creatures in the realm, why did you choose me?"
"I didn't choose my mate, my little fox. My heart chose for me. The moment you walked into the throne room, I was lost. I had never been so terrified."
Toka pulled back to meet his gaze. "You? Terrified? Of what?"
"Of never having you in my arms." Rayner ran his thumb over Toka's bottom lip. "Of never knowing what you tasted like." He moved his fingers to Toka's cheek, caressing his jaw. "Of never knowing the softness of your skin or the sound of your sighs."
"Why did you wait?"
"I needed to know what I felt for you was more than lust. I wanted to know you, wanted you to know me. I needed to know you wanted me for who I was, not what I was."
"You said your heart chose your mate. Is... is that what I am to you?"
Rayner went thoughtful. When he imagined his life, he could not do so without Toka in it. But he didn't want Toka there; he wanted Toka to be a part of him, wanted him at his side as his equal, his claimed mate. He had never been drawn to another like he was drawn to Toka. For a long time, he'd attempted to ignore his growing affection, but at some point in the last year, he saw only Toka. Where most believed it was another one of his dalliances, he quickly knew that wasn't the case. Not only did he trust Toka with his life, but with his heart.
"Do you... think you might come to love me one day?" Rayner asked.
Toka blinked at him in surprise. "One day?"
Rayner swallowed hard, his face cupped by Toka. The smile on Toka's beautiful face sent Rayner's pulse fluttering.
"Rayner, I fooled myself into believing all I felt for you was desire, but the truth is, I have loved you for centuries, and with each passing day, my love for you grows." The love in Toka's heart showed through in his kiss. Rayner pulled Toka down against him, returning his passionate kiss. When they were forced to come up for air, Rayner brushed Toka's hair from his brow, his reserve fortified.
"We'll find a way. Riley isn't giving up on us, on pushing forward the changes that are needed. We mustn't give up either. Change is needed, and I will fight for that change."
Tears welled in Toka's eyes, his smile something Rayner would cherish. Rayner held Toka tight against him, his concerns regarding Pavoni once again plaguing him.
"We must be cautious, my little fox. It will break my heart, but I must treat you like any other servant, and you can't look at me in such a way. I am nothing but another Soldati to you."
Toka looked up at him, his amber eyes filled with worry. "I... I don't know if I can."
"You can, and you will." He brushed his fi
ngers down Toka's jaw. "I cannot risk you. Please, for us."
Toka nodded, and Rayner closed his eyes. As he brushed his fingers down Toka's bare arm, he contemplated their future together. Why should he and Toka lead half a life? How long until the next king appeared, intent on uniting their kingdoms, offering a match too good for Khalon to decline? As much as Khalon would wish Rayner happiness, he wouldn't understand why Rayner would choose Toka over someone of prestige, someone who could offer the Soldati a prosperous union. As if the Soldati weren't prosperous enough.
Chapter Four
IT WAS time.
Rayner sat in his seat beside Toka's chair, his expression guarded. Ezra was to Rayner's right, and Adira beside Ezra. In the center of the raised platform, Khalon's throne lay empty along with Riley's as everyone waited for them to be announced. Several seats were arranged to the left of Khalon's throne for Pavoni, Prince Merlo, and Princess Verity along with select members of their court. The grand banquet hall was exquisitely decorated, filled with ornate tables now occupied by Soldati and members of Pavoni's court. Dozens of Soldati warriors kept guard around the room, while an army of servants tended to the guests, offering an array of tasty morsels and fine beverages. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Ezra gasped, seizing Rayner's attention, and he quickly turned to him.
"Is everything all right?"
Ezra's eyes glowed white. The Eye was speaking through him. "I sense Pavoni's arrival. His presence casts a shadow over the Soldati Realm. I fear this visit will end in tragedy."
Rayner cursed under his breath. Bloody fantastic.