EMBER’S POV

And goddess, it’s tempting. The herb is singing in my blood too, making everything hotter, needier. But I shake my head and press my mouth to the pulse hammering in his throat instead.

“Nice try,” I breathe against his skin. “But I’ve waited all day for this, and I am going to enjoy it. You’ll get your turn.” I pull back and smile down at him. “Eventually. When I decide you’ve earned it.”

“Ember—”

“Say please.”

He glares at me, chest heaving, pride warring with want. I wait, patient, savouring every second of watching the King lose.

“…Please,” he finally says, wrecked.

And I lean down to give...