Chapter 24. His Values
SKYLA.
She's gorgeous. There's no denying that the woman in front of me is fucking fine. She's wearing a red dress to her knees, and a cropped black leather jacket. Her eyes are on me, and I dont need an introduction to know that she is Jade...
“The Lycan King's... it's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Skyla. I am Owen Benjamin, a protector of the court, and this is my daughter, Jade Benjamin. She's a warrior and will soon be initiated to become a protector of the court too,” he says proudly.
“Nice... pleasure to meet you, Owen,” I say, holding my hand out to the man. He takes it, but instead of giving it a shake, he touches his forehead to my knuckles and kisses them softly. I cock a brow at Royce, who is frowning slightly. He gives me a small smile.
“It's the way the greet those of rank around here,” he explains.
"Hi, nice to meet you,” she says, holding her hand out to me. She gives me a smile that looks forced, but it doesn’t disguise the sadness in her eyes.
“Likewise,” I reply, accepting the outstretched hand, and giving it a quick shake before I let go.
Our eyes meet, and Owen clears his throat. “Ah well. The car is ready, shall we?” He asks, looking at us. “Jade, sit in the front.”
She nods and quickly moves out of the way as Owen reaches to open the door, but Royce beats him to it, holding it open for me. I can’t help but smirk.
Owen chuckles before he steps back politely and I lock my arms around Royce’s neck, tugging him closer and kissing his lips deeply. His arm instantly wraps around me, and my core knots when his hand squeezes my ass.
'I like you in no underwear,” he murmurs, making my pussy clench.
“Me too... All I'm missing is you yanking this dress up and fucking me all over again."
“Don’t worry, Love, I plan to do so tonight,” he murmurs as we break apart. He holds my hand, helping me into the car and then closes the door before walking around to the other side.
I can see Jade watching him as he walks around the car, but her long hair covers her face. I don't know what to make of her, but she’s obviously not over him.
Royce gets in, kissing my lips as Owen starts driving.
“I appreciate the effort, Owen,” Royce says, placing his hand on my thigh.
“Not an issue, King Royce... The court is not too happy, but when I mentioned the issues with serpents and Apophis, they agreed. It was a smart suggestion, your majesty,” he says, glancing in the rear-view mirror at Royce. “After all, Apophis is a known enemy of the sun god.”
I frown, was Leo on to something. Royce and I exchange looks.
“There's a link?” Royce asks.
Owen nods. “I'm sure the court will have more answers, but in the old testaments when Helios resided in Ancient Egypt and went by the name Ra, he and Apophis became enemies. However, it was something that continued for thousands of years. I am not too certain, as there are things that only the court will know. I am sure this is why they agreed,” he explains.
“I see...” Royce replies. He looks incredibly handsome as he sits there, but there is something that niggles at my mind. “Leo was on the right track.”
“I thought the same." I reply.
We're all silent but there's something on his mind, I can see it from the way he’s frowning.
“What's wrong, Magic Fingers?’ I ask.
He glances over at me. 'l apologise for the way I introduced you.’
I look at him in surprise. I have to admit, it's not like Royce to mention my father to introduce me. I did notice that, but I didn't think much of it.
He's always been a person who's never cared for titles, and he knows I'm tired of being in my father's shadow. He himself said you are your own person, you are not his shadow.
“It isn’t an issue, I know you Royce, I also know you don't see me as a trophy.’ I say.
His frown only deepens. “It was rather shallow, and it still doesn't sit right with me, but I was trying to get a message across.’
I cock a brow as I reach over and kiss his jaw. “To whom?" I ask, observing him sharply.
He pauses and his eyes meet mine
The entire court will not be on my side. I've risked it by calling a meeting without their head — my father. I told Owen not to tell anyone I am the King, but there is a low probability that he may have.” He frowns as he continues.
“The chances that someone there may try to harm me is a high probability... but now that you're coming with me. I just needed the message to precede us that you aren't just my woman, but the daughter of someone they don’t want to mess with. I will not refuse you coming with me. You are made to stand beside me... however, I won't risk your life for me and if that means using your father's name as an extra precaution, then I will do so.”
I frown. It makes sense... You're enough to protect me, Royce.’ I remind him.
“I will do everything in my power to protect you, but there's no harm in being careful because if anything happens to you, Sky... I will bring this world to its knees.” His words are quiet, almost as if he doesn't want to voice them.
He pulls me close, lifting my legs over his, but his words remain in my mind. So, he knew the risks, yet he had come here... alone, but for me, he’s concerned.
I rest my head on his shoulder. “So it was a risk coming here, yet you never told me that," I muse.
“I can handle myself. We are going to be fine, or I would not take you, it's just an extra precaution. I'm not going in there unprepared.’ He frowns. “How did you get over here?’
I tilt my head up, and he pecks my lips. “Leo got me over. I have two guards with me, but aside from that, I'm just here until you are able to come back.’ I reply. “Dad was like fine, go.’
“Glad to hear it. I truly missed you.’ He says, kissing my jaw.
I smile faintly. I love you,’ I say softly,
“Love you, Doll," he replies through the link, as he grips the side of my neck, burying his face into the crook of my neck, peppering it with sensual, soft kisses.
From the corner of my eye, I spot Jade tilting her head slightly and although she’s given me no reason to hate her; it doesn't mean I have to like her.
I run my hand along Royce's thigh. I can feel his slight tension through the bond and in the way he’s sitting, he relaxes under my touch as he continues to kiss me. A distraction he clearly needs...
I just hope everything goes well...