Auren's POV:
Kael stood by the doorframe, still buttoning the last of his uniform jacket. The golden clasp at his collar glittered in the morning light, catching on the silvery tones of dawn filtering through the open balcony. I hated how good he looked this early in the day.
He turned back to me and I could see his eyes softened. He reached out to brush a thumb over the mark he'd left at the base of my neck. Possessive, faintly smug.
"I have to be gone for a week," he murmured, voice husky from sleep and something else more primal. "Border patrol. The council insists I show my face."
I blinked, still bundled in one of his massive black cloaks that engulfed me down to my toes. "A week?"
His expression tightened faintly. "I wouldn't leave you if it wasn't necessary. But no one will touch you here. They know who you belong to."
I tried not to squirm at the words. 'Belong to.' I mean... he wasn't wrong. My body still felt the aftereffects of just how thoroughly he'd claimed me.
Kael bent down, capturing my lips in one of those lingering kisses that left my knees unreliable. He pulled back only to murmur, "Stay out of trouble. And don't let any noble get too close. I'll know."
System Notification:
"WARNING: Possessive Male Lead Levels Increasing. Lust-Overprotectiveness Ratio: 89%." —System 707, loading jealousy filters.
Kael left by horseback with a unit of his elite guards. The sound of hooves faded, but my pulse hadn't.
I wandered back into the massive chamber, flopping onto the bed that still smelled like leather, spice, and him.
It was too quiet.
That was, until...
System Notification:
"MISSION STATUS: Unfulfilled. Time remaining: 2 days. Host is reminded that idly getting dicked down is NOT a legitimate strategy to complete world objectives."
I groaned and pulled the pillow over my head.
"You couldn't have said this before Kael rearranged my internal organs?"
System Notification:
"I tried. You were a little... preoccupied." System 707 has receipts.
"Okay, okay. What's the mission again?"
System Notification:
MISSION OBJECTIVE: Discover the identity of the informant feeding the Queen information about Kael's army strategies. Progress: 0%.New Lead: A suspicious noble has been sighted in the archives late at night. System recommends investigating.
Suspicious noble? Archives?
Wait. I had seen someone ducking into the side corridors when Kael was leading me through the west wing. Maybe that had been more than just a flirty noble avoiding chores...
System Notification:
"Wow! A functioning brain cell detected! Would you like to engage it for stealth investigation mode, or continue daydreaming about your lover's abs?"
I sighed. "Can I do both?"
System Notification:
"Multitasking: Unlocked. Activating Stealth Mode + Kael Abs Distraction Protocol."
I changed into something less obvious. A dark tunic and soft-soled boots. The corridors were mostly empty this time of morning, nobles still asleep or nursing hangovers from last night's feast.
The west wing was cold, quieter, and dustier than the main halls. Honestly, it felt like another world.
I found the archive doors cracked open.
Light flickered inside.
I moved slowly, grateful for the silence of my steps, and peeked in–
A tall cloaked figure. Speaking to someone in hushed tones.
"...must keep the Queen informed. The Commander's absence is our chance."
I held my breath.
System Notification:
"Plot progression detected. Host, do not breathe too loud. Also, consider wearing something that doesn't scream 'Kael's nightwear.'"
I inched closer.
A map was being unrolled on the table. The Queen's insignia stamped on the bottom.
Bingo.
But before I could get a closer look, the cloaked figure snapped their head around.
"Who's there?!"
System Notification:
"RUN, YOU ADORABLE IDIOT."
I turned on my heel and bolted down the corridor, heart in my throat.
Because if I got caught snooping in the royal archives... Kael's promise that no one would touch me might be tested real fast.
And worst of all?
I kind of liked the danger.