JESSKA AWOKE TO an empty bed and sat up, her heart racing.

I’m downstairs, baby.

Why?

Because I have work to do.

Why didn’t you wake me?

Because you needed to sleep.

“Next time, don’t be so sweet,” she said aloud.

He chuckled. Take your time, baby. I’ll have someone bring you breakfast.

Where do you normally eat breakfast?

Typically in my office, unless I have guests. Ari and I ate together in the library this morning. Megan and Sophia were still sleeping.

Jesska climbed out of bed. Maybe I should eat with them.

Have you checked the time?

She grabbed her phone. Two p.m. Babe, seriously, why didn’t you wake me?

Because you needed to sleep. Your body’s getting used to the time difference.

Jesska smiled. I’ll shower and then I’ll find my sister.

What are you in the mood for?

She made her way into the bathroom. Bacon, eggs, hash browns, orange juice, waffles, and coffee.

It will be there when you get out of the shower.

I was kidding. She turned on the shower. I can wait to eat.

It will be there when you’re done, baby. I have a conference call, gotta go.

Okay.

I love you.

Love you, too. She undressed and slid into the shower, lingering because the cool water was far too delicious to interrupt.

She wrapped a towel around her head and then her body, applied lotion to her face and made her way back into the bedroom, letting out a surprised squeak to find a young woman standing by the bed. She was tall and thin, with dark-blonde hair pulled back into a tight bun at the nape of her neck, her dark blue uniform and crisp white apron something truly out of Downton Abbey, in Jesska’s opinion.

“Your Majesty, I apologize,” the woman said with a curtsy. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I brought your meal.”

Jesska saw that the table by the window had been moved from between the chairs, covered with a tablecloth, and was laden with covered plates.

“Wow, that’s a lot of food.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“What’s your name?” Jesska asked.

“Gíta, your majesty.”

Jesska smiled. “What a beautiful name.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Would you feel comfortable calling me Jesska?”

Gíta met her eyes and shook her head.

Jesska sighed. “I didn’t think so.”

“I apologize.” Gíta’s face dropped, and Jesska internally berated herself.

“No. I’m sorry, Gíta,” she rushed to say. “Ah, you feel free to call me whatever you feel comfortable with. It’s just going to take me a little getting used to.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Okay, I’m just going to get dressed. I’m sure you have things you need to do, right?”

Gíta shook her head. “I’m your lady’s maid, Your Majesty. I’m to serve you.”

Kaspar, help.

What’s wrong?

Gíta is in our room telling me she’s supposed to serve me. What do I do?

His chuckled sounded. You let her serve you.

“Your Majesty?” Gíta said.

Kaz?

Baby, I’m on my call. I’ll come up when I’m done.

No, I’ll figure it out.

“Sorry, Gíta. Um, I’ll just get dressed and then we’ll talk about duties, okay?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. What would you like to wear today?”

“I can take care of that.”

“It would be my pleasure, Your Majesty.”

Jesska bit the inside of her cheek to keep from groaning out loud. “Jeans, the ones with the S on the back pockets, and the long-sleeved blue T-shirt.”

“Anything else?”

Jesska felt the heat creep up her neck. “The underwear I’ll handle.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Jesska let out the quiet breath she didn’t realize she was holding. The thought of someone choosing undies for her was a bit much. She figured Gíta probably picked up on that.

Jesska grabbed her unmentionables and slipped back into the bathroom. She brushed out her hair and then wrapped her towel back around her, even though she wasn’t entirely naked, before heading back into the bedroom. She found Kaspar sitting at the table, pouring a cup of coffee. “Hi,” she said.

“Hi.” He rose to his feet and grinned. “Why are you in a towel?”

“Because I’m not an exhibitionist.” He laughed as she glanced around the room. “Gíta’s gone?”

“Yes. I let her know we’d talk with her later,” he said. “I’ll also speak to the staff.”

Jesska slipped the towel off. “I don’t want to hurt her feelings, Kaz. But I have been dressing myself for as long as I can remember, and I like the idea of our room being just for us.”

“You won’t hurt her feelings, elskan.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “And I agree with keeping our suites private. Unless we’re not in here or want room service. Deal?”

Jesska giggled. “Deal.”

“Come and eat, sweetheart, and then we’ll plan our day.”

“Don’t you have to work?”

“My work is done for now,” he said. “I’m all yours.”

“Yay.” She grinned. “Okay, I’m starving. I’m assuming you’ll be joining me, since there appears to be two of everything?”

“You’re incredibly smart, elskan.”

Jesska patted his bottom as she walked by him and sat at the table. He joined her and they took their time before joining Megan, Sophia, and Ari downstairs.

* * *

Jesska sat in the library with her laptop and signed off a Skype call to Amanda. They’d talked for almost an hour, and it had been a much needed catch-up with her best friend. Ari had taken Megan and Sophia into “town”—the Kalt Einn town hidden in plain view behind Kaspar’s home, not the tiny town they’d flown into.

Jesska had been surprised to find out that there were tunnels that led from their house to the fjord where they could travel by ferry—or boat if you had one, which Kaspar did—to the Kalt Einn village on an island not far from them. Outside of helicopters, there was no other air travel onto the island and, once on the island, there were no cars allowed. The most popular mode of transport was by horse and buggy. Megan, being a horse lover, jumped at the chance to visit, so Ari took them over early that morning. They planned to stay in the village all day, not returning until after dinner. Jesska had chosen to stay behind, wanting to experience it with Kaspar.

A knock at the door brought Camilla. “M’lady?”

“Hi, Camilla. Is everything okay?”

“Yes, m’lady. Elna was wondering if she might have a word with you.”

Jesska stood and bit her lip. “Elna is the housekeeper, right?” she whispered.

Camilla smiled. “Yes, m’lady. His Highness asked me to assist you with a few logistics, if you are open to that.”

“You mean helping me with what I’m supposed to do as Kaspar’s mate?”

“Yes, m’lady.”

Jesska let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, yes, please. That would be amazing. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

“Follow me, m’lady, and I’ll walk you through the basics.”

Jesska grinned and flanked Camilla as they left the library.

“You have Eberg, who, as butler, is head of hiring and firing all staff. Then there’s Elna, who is head of the female house staff, so in a sense, she is Eberg’s equal.” Camilla smiled. “But don’t tell him that. He likes to think he’s in charge of everyone, including me.”

Jesska giggled. “I won’t tell a soul.”

Camilla pushed a door to the side patio open and Jesska frowned. “Aren’t we going to the kitchen?”

“No, m’lady.”

Jesska felt a prick, and then she registered excruciating pain as her body crumpled to the ground.

Camilla knelt beside her and smiled. “I’m sure you’re wondering what’s going on, m’lady, so I’ll give you an overview. As we speak, your sister and your niece are being taken to a secure facility in order to assist with our objective. You are needed to keep His Majesty in line. I apologize in advance, as the pain you’re feeling isn’t even the beginning, but be assured it will all be over shortly.”

Kaz?

“And by the way, don’t bother trying to contact His Majesty. He’s dealing with something of the greatest importance. Far more important than you.” Camilla glanced up and smiled again. “Jóvin, love. You’re just in time.”

Jesska felt tears leak down her face. Jóvin? The man she’d gone to bat for? The man she had trusted with her life and had fought with Kaspar over? Her heart broke. In a weird and naïve way, she had believed him to be her friend.

“What... what are you doing?” Camilla squeaked, and then Jesska heard nothing.

Jóvin appeared over her and gave her a sympathetic smile. “This is going to hurt, m’lady, I’m sorry.”

Jesska’s heart raced as he moved a pen-like device toward her. An EpiPen. That’s what Kaspar had said. The antidote. Jóvin was helping her. She didn’t get much further with her thoughts of relief. Fire swept her body as it contorted, and she cried out. Jóvin rolled her gently to her side, and she gasped for breath.

“I’m sorry, Jesska. You won’t be in pain for long,” Jóvin promised, and rubbed her back.

“Kaspar,” she rasped.

“He’ll be okay, m’lady. I felt it imperative to help you first.”

“Where is he?” She pushed herself up.

“Austri has him.” Jóvin made his way to Camilla, who was lying face up a few feet from Jesska, her body rigid.

“What do you mean Austri has him?” Jesska demanded. “What’s going on?”

Before Jóvin could respond, Kaspar’s bellow sounded as the side door slammed open, the glass in the windows shattering as the door hit the side of the house. Austri followed close behind.

Jesska was scooped up into Kaspar’s arms and she pulled him close. “I’m okay.”

He kissed her hair before laying his hands on her face and studying her. “How much pain are you in?”

“Not much, Kaz. I’m okay.”

“It’s the Red Fang wearing off.”

“I know, baby. Jóvin warned me.” She cupped his chin. “Hey, I’m okay.”

Kaspar glanced over at Jóvin. “Thank you.”

“No time for that, Your Majesty,” Jóvin said. “We need to find your brother.”

Austri lifted Camilla from the ground, her body a floppy mess, and carried her inside. Much to Jesska’s irritation, Kaspar wouldn’t let her walk back inside, and insisted on carrying her. Arriving at the library, Austri set Camilla on one of the sofas and sat by her feet.

“Put me down, Kaspar. This is ridiculous,” Jesska said.

He did, but he kept hold of her and pulled her close. She felt him waver, and gripped his waist. “Are you okay?”

He nodded.

“Sit down, Sire,” Austri ordered. “I had to give you twice the antidote, and it’s making you weak.”

“I’m fine.”

“Twice?” Jesska snapped. “You were dosed too?” At Kaspar’s nod, she tugged him to one of the chairs and pushed him down. “Sit down, Kaspar.”

Kaspar frowned, but sat down, pulling Jesska onto his lap.

“Why did you have to give him twice the antidote, Austri?” Jesska asked.

He glanced at Kaspar and then back at her. “Because whoever dosed him, tried to kill him.”

She gasped, her eyes filling with tears. “Why? Who are these people, and why do they want to hurt us?”

Kaspar’s phone buzzed in his pocket, and he shifted so he could slide it out of his pocket to answer it. “Kade. Já. Já. We have her contained, but I don’t know where my brother is currently. Skít. That’s the connection. She’s worked for me for fifty years. No, there was no warning. And Pepper and Charlotte? Okay. Thanks.”

“What?” Jesska demanded.

“The woman who stole Ari’s girls was Camilla’s mother.”

“What?” she said with a gasp. “Why?”

“If I’m correct, she was one of Alice’s friends and supporters in the attempt on Erik’s life. That’s all I know at the moment.”

“Are Pepper and Charlotte okay?”

“Yes, baby. Connall and Niall have them safely ensconced at home.”

“Where is Camilla’s mother?” Jesska asked.

“Kade has her.”

“And what is he going to do with her?”

“Jesska, please, just give me a minute to think,” Kaspar snapped.

“Don’t get all pissy with me,” she snapped back, and rose to her feet. “I’m just trying to figure this out.”

Dizziness washed over her, but before Kaspar could grab for her, Jóvin grasped her arms and steadied her. “Easy, m’lady. The antidote’s still working its way through your system. You need to sit down.”

Kaspar held his hand out to her. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

Jesska took his hand and let him pull her back down, but she shifted so her bottom was on the cushion, rather than his lap. He wrapped his arm around her and settled her against him, kissing her temple.

“This is what I dreamed,” she whispered.

“Yes, elskan.”

“I don’t think I like this gift.”

Kaspar gave her a gentle smile. “I don’t think I do either.”

“Kaspar!” Ari called, his voice frantic.

“I’ll get him,” Jóvin said, and stepped out of the library.

Ari, Megan, and Sophia rushed into the room, and Jesska stood to give her sister and niece a hug. Kaspar pushed out of his seat as well, but Jesska insisted he sit back down. His face was ashen, and he didn’t look steady.

“You’re okay?” Ari said.

“Yes, fine. How did you know to come back?” Kaspar asked.

“Sophia picked up on something on the boat,” Ari said.

Jesska looked at her niece, who blushed.

“It was nothing, Papa,” she said.

“It wasn’t nothing, elskan. You listened to your gift and told me. I’m very proud of you.”

Sophia lowered her head, but not before she grinned.

“What’s her gift?” Jesska asked.

“She can tell just by looking at someone, their intention. Whether it be good, bad, or neutral,” Ari said.

“Well, that’s kind of a nifty trick.”

Sophia giggled.

“Sophia got a weird vibe from one of the crew,” Megan explained. “She came to us right away, and as Ari will be less than willing to tell you, he listened to Sophia, something not a lot of people would have done. When the woman was detained, they found several doses of Red Fang on her. What she was trying to do or how she expected to get away with any of it is still a mystery.”

“Where’s the woman now?” Kaspar asked.

“Dreki has her under control,” Ari said, referring to his head guard. He stepped over to Kaspar and frowned. “You don’t look well, brother.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re hot, babe,” Jesska said, and felt his forehead. “And you’re so pale.”

“Get him on the floor,” Ari demanded.

Jesska jumped up. “What’s going on?”

“Red Fang poisoning,” Austri said. “The antidote’s working against his body now, instead of helping.”

Ari and Austri positioned Kaspar on the floor as Jóvin pushed one of the buttons for the staff. Eberg arrived, his face falling at the sight of his king on the ground.

“We need ice sheets, buckets of ice, and towels, Eberg,” Jóvin demanded. “Quickly.”

Jesska knelt beside Kaspar and forced her worry aside. “What can I do?”

Ari knelt on the opposite side of Kaspar and motioned to Sophia. “I need you to push the poison from his body, elskan.”

“How?” Sophia asked.

“This has to be a group effort,” Ari said as he positioned Sophia at Kaspar’s head. “Jesska, your hand over his heart.”

Jesska nodded and slipped her hand under his shirt, flattening her palm over Kaspar’s heart. Ari took one of Kaspar’s hands and held it between his.

“Sophia, you will need to lay your fingers on his temples. You need to imagine yourself forcing the poison down, does that make sense?”

“Yes, Papa,” she said.

“Good girl.” He glanced up at Megan. “I need you to wrap your arms around my waist.”

Megan frowned. “I thought I couldn’t help without a blood bond.”

“That part’s for me,” he admitted. “But you will be able to help a little, sweetheart, because we are bonded, so you aren’t without power.”

Megan did as she was instructed and Jesska watched in amazement at her young niece, who inherently seemed to know exactly what to do. Sophia’s eyes were closed and her fingers were still at first, and then they began to move gently against Kaspar’s temples. His color was returning, the ashy gray turning to flesh color again. Jesska felt his heartbeat change from labored to steady under her hand.

She leaned down and kissed his cheek, whispering, “That’s it, baby. Please be okay.”

“Perfect, engill,” Ari encouraged Sophia. “You’re almost there.”

“She doesn’t look good,” Megan said.

“It’s okay, baby. She’s taking in some of the poison, but it won’t stay.”

Megan swore. “You said nothing about her taking in poison!”

“Mom, shush,” Sophia demanded. “I can’t do this and worry about you melting down at the same time.”

Jesska glanced at Megan, her sister’s face contorted in worry towards her daughter, and pure, unadulterated rage toward Ari. This was going to be a fun evening.

Kaspar coughed, then again, then continued to cough as Ari rolled him on his side. “Stay connected, elskan,” he directed Sophia, who set her fingers back on Kaspar’s temples.

“I’m okay,” Kaspar rasped. He reached for Jesska’s hand, pulling it from his chest and kissing her palm. “I’m fine, baby.”

Sophia sat back and Kaspar rose to his feet, Ari standing with him, his hand on his shoulder. “You look better.”

“I’m fine,” Kaspar assured him, and then turned to Sophia and pulled her against him, kissing her crown. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist. “You’re welcome.”

Kaspar cupped her cheeks. “Are you weak?”

Sophia shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”

He smiled, stroking her face. “You rest, elskan. Sit down.”

Sophia rolled her eyes. “I’m totally fine.”

“No arguments,” Megan demanded, reaching for her daughter. “Upstairs.”

“Mom.”

“Now, young lady.”

“Go, engill,” Ari said. “I’ll be up in a bit.”

“You.” Megan jabbed a finger toward him. “I will deal with later.”

Ari grinned. “I look forward to it.”

With one last scowl, Megan ushered Sophia from the library. Camilla appeared to be coming out of her paralyzed state, but Austri and Jóvin were quick to cover her with a blanket of some form. Jesska noticed the men had gloves on and were careful not to touch the fabric with any other part of their bodies.

“The blanket is covered in Red Fang,” Kaspar explained. “It will keep her still, but won’t take her ability to speak away.”

Jesska nodded with a yawn.

“Why don’t you rest, baby,” Kaspar said. “Ari and I need to deal with this for now, but you’re still working out the antidote, which will make you sleepy for a time.”

“What about you?”

“I’m fine, sweetheart.”

“I don’t want to be alone,” she whispered. “What if there are others?”

“There aren’t,” Jóvin said immediately. “I have been watching her, m’lady. She thought I was her ally, but as you can see, I wasn’t. Austri and I have eliminated the threat.”

Kaspar nodded. “Jóvin will walk you to our room. Lock the door, sweetheart, and I’ll be there soon.”

She forced back tears. “Are you sure?”

He smiled, leaning down to kiss her gently. “I’m sure.”

“Can I please stay?”

“I’d feel more comfortable if you rested.”

“M’lady, I will take you to your rooms and stay close,” Jóvin said. “You’ll be safe.”

“What about Kaspar?”

“I have his back, m’lady,” Austri answered.

She stared up at Kaspar. “Are you sure?”

He smiled. “Baby, I’m sure.”

Kaspar kissed her again, and Jesska reluctantly followed Jóvin from the library and up the stairs. She made it to the halfway point and had to stop. “My legs feel like jelly.”

“That’s the antidote,” Jóvin said. “You’ll feel fine in a few hours.”

She slid to her bottom, keeping hold of the handrail. “I just need a minute.”

Jóvin hunkered down beside her. “Will you allow me to help?”

“How?”

“I will act as a crutch.”

Jesska bit her lip. “Okay. Yes. Thank you.”

He wrapped an arm around her waist, guiding her arm around his neck. “Ready?”

Jesska nodded and forced herself to her feet. In the end, Jóvin had to carry her to her suite, setting her on the sofa in the sitting room. Kaspar had given strict instructions that their bedroom was off-limits to anyone but them. Apparently, that meant his security as well.

Jesska couldn’t keep her eyes open.

“Rest, m’lady. I’ll stay here with you.”

She nodded and curled into the sofa.