Daisy didn’t walk through the door of her home in Virginia until almost midnight. She was emotionally and physically drained, but even just two steps inside, and she felt at ease. Memories of Nyle came flooding back. Everything had been so perfect. Every day was filled with smiles and laughter. She made her way up the spiral staircase, taking in the beautiful architecture of the home. Beautiful, polished logs acted as support beams with walls constructed from logs and stone. The home was serene and cozy, completely out of touch with everything around them. Just the way she liked it.

She walked to their bedroom, shuffled over to the massive bed, and curled into the light gray duvet. Daisy cried so much that day that she had no tears left. Her body ached for sleep, yet her mind was restless. Her eyes went to the glass wall, taking in the beautiful view of the night sky and the silhouette of the dense forest that surrounded the house. Nyle and Daisy had spent countless nights lying in bed cuddling, taking in that same view while they chatted happily about their future together.

She wished with all her heart that they could be taken back to those days. Her heart couldn’t handle that so many people wanted them to end their relationship. They were good people, and yet everyone seemed disillusioned to that. She cuddled into the pillows. The scent of Nyle’s shampoo filled her nose, which brought her comfort and pain at the same time. Without thinking, she hugged it to her. She wasn’t used to sleeping without him.

Then, she paused, realizing she was doing the exact thing Asalei had been doing after her husband’s death. Her cheek pressed to the pillow, clutching it. The loneliness started to crush her, unable to get her mind off Nyle. Reaching onto her nightstand, she grabbed the stereo remote and turned on some music, hoping that it would help her drown out her thoughts.

Daisy finally passed out. Her dreams were the perfect escape. She dreamt of Nyle and being together on his yacht off the coast of Florida. They laid on a couple’s lounge chair, her head resting on his shoulder. She could feel the warmth of the sun and hear the ocean waves. They talked light-heartedly about nothing in particular. He combed his fingers through her hair. It was simple and peaceful, her mind finally easing after so much chaos.

As she slept, Daisy’s back grew warmer. She cuddled into the warmth instinctively. Then, she felt fingers gliding down her arm. At first, she thought she was dreaming, but slowly she became more aware of her body and could feel the touch. Daisy’s eyes fluttered open, her head turning to see a familiar pale face peering down at her.

Nyle’s honey eyes were glossed with tears as he looked at her.

“You scared the shit out of me,” he breathed, a couple tears falling from his eyes. “I thought something had happened to you. I didn’t know if the Elementals or someone got to you.”

Daisy was riddled with guilt, frowning deeply as she reached to stroke his cheek. “I’m sorry. I panicked. I didn’t know what else to do.”

“You should have called me.”

“You would have tried to get me to stay,” she rebutted and shook her head. “I had to get away, Nyle. Your sister, my mom, your mom…”

“I know,” he sighed. “I wish they all would have just stayed quiet.”

“What if they’re right?” she asked.

“They aren’t,” Nyle stated plainly.

“You don’t know for sure,” Daisy insisted. “Because it feels like the odds are all stacked against us, Nyle. No one other than Evryn approves.”

“That’s not true. My father did,” Nyle pressed. “I know you don’t understand our culture yet, but decrees are strict laws. They aren’t taken lightly. Even traditionalists will honor our union because they respect the ruling of a king.” His index finger traced her cheekbone. “I’d never let anyone hurt you, Daisy. Ever.”

“That’s another problem,” she groaned. “I don’t want you to die because of me. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”

“What are you saying? That if we get married, I’m going to die? Why would you think that?”

“Because it’s a possibility, Nyle, and it terrifies me,” she explained, her eyes filling with tears.

“Hey, hey, don’t cry,” Nyle cooed, bringing her into his chest.

Nyle held Daisy as she wept. Tears rolled down her cheeks, her shoulders shaking as she cried. “Can’t we just stay here? Can’t we just give up the kingdom?”

“I wish we could, baby,” he breathed out, his voice gripped with anguish. “I made a promise to my dad, though, and I don’t plan to break it. I know that this is a lot to ask of you, and it doesn’t seem fair, but I need you to trust me, okay? Put your trust in us, and know that no matter what happens, we will be together. We will be safe. Just bear with me a little while longer. If we aren’t going to stay king and queen, then I have to at least prepare the kingdom for a new ruler. If I abandon it, it will fall into anarchy and put my mother and sisters in danger. I can’t do that to my family. When things get settled, we can step down and spend the rest of our days here if that is what you want.”

Daisy knew he was right. He had promised his father and knew just how much it meant to him. Maybe she was being ridiculous. Nobody had even threatened them. In fact, most people had treated her with respect since their return—except for his family. The entire palace staff were working diligently to ensure the wedding was a grand affair. Surely if they had a problem with it, she would be able to detect their reluctance, even if they didn’t verbalize their disapproval. Yet, they didn’t.

When a couple of minutes went by and she hadn’t replied to him, Nyle moved her back from his chest and looked down at her.

“I’ll be fully honest with you. As royalty, there is always a possibility of danger. I’m a high-priced target. Even if the kingdom were to fall to another Royal family, Elementals and even some Royals would be willing to hunt us down to make some kind of statement or to get revenge. You’re a target as well. Nobody has even known a dragon hybrid, and it’s possible that they might want you dead because of it. I just don’t want to live my life in fear. Do you? We need to stand strong and prove them wrong, as well as show them that together, we are a strong force. You will be an amazing ruler, and I would be unbelievably honored to call you my queen. Like you told my mother, I would rather love and cherish you for as long as I can, than to never have love at all.”

Daisy melted at his words, knowing by the look in his eyes that he was as sincere as he could be. They really couldn’t escape danger altogether. His words managed to lift her spirits, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time since it had all began. Maybe they would be great rulers.

“You must think I’m such a mess,” she mumbled, hiding her face in his shoulder.

Nyle forced her back to look her in the eye. “I don’t think that at all. You’re stronger than anyone else would have been in your situation. Honestly, I’m surprised you held to your sanity as long as you have.”

She cracked a smile. “I have to admit, it’s been pretty tough at times.”

“I bet so,” Nyle chuckled softly. “So, what do you say, will you come back with me?”

Daisy nodded. “Do you think we can stay here until the wedding?”

Nyle thought about it for a moment, but then nodded. “Yes, of course we can. It’s only a couple days. They can manage without me.”

Relief washed over her, and she embraced him tightly.

“I love you,” she said, her voice muffled by his warm chest.

His hand ran down her back, “I love you too, Daisy Doll.”

Nyle’s fingers then trailed down her spine, tingles left in the wake of his light touch. Her hand rubbed against his chest and slowly stroked down his stomach. His other hand brushed her hair behind her ear, exposing one side of her face. Leaning down, he kissed her cheek sweetly. A new energy dominated the air around them.

Daisy lifted her head, peering up into his honey eyes. She leaned in then and kissed him feverishly. Nyle’s hands explored her body eagerly, taking in every dip and curve. Her hands were already on his pants button, unfastening them.

In a sudden move, Nyle was on top of her. They never could keep their hands off one another when emotions ran high, and this moment was no exception. Their lips continued to move in a perfect rhythm, lust filling Daisy’s entire body. Every touch drove her senses wild, her body craving his. He pulled open her shirt, buttons flying in every direction.

Daisy giggled against his lips, “Will there ever be a time you don’t ruin my clothes?” she asked.

“I’ll buy you more,” he said, kissing her again as he pulled down the shorts she wore. As he peppered her collarbone with kisses, his hands reached around her back and unhooked her bra, leaving her in just her panties. Nyle trailed kisses down her torso, sucking and licking the spots he knew turned her on. She squirmed with anticipation as he made his way to her hips. He hooked a finger into one of the leg holes and pulled the fabric to the side.

His warm, wet tongue dragged along her sex, making her entire body tremble. Nyle’s large hands massaged her thighs as he held them apart, continuing to lick her sex in slow, repetitive motions. When her pelvis bucked into him, Nyle pushed the tip of his tongue inside of her. Daisy gasped loudly, having to force herself not to squirm from the pleasure. He swirled his tongue and pushed it in as far as he could, grazing her swollen walls with precision. Her sex screamed for more, completely lost in the eroticism.

When she whimpered from the teasing, Nyle withdrew his tongue and licked her lower lips lovingly, trailing up to her clit. He took it between his lips and sucked lightly, sending intense waves of pleasure rocking through her body. Already, she was starting to feel a climax approaching.

“Nyle,” she moaned. “I want you.”

He sucked harder on her sensitive bud, her hips continuing to wriggle at the sensations coursing through her. Her hands grasped at the bedsheets, ecstasy building exponentially. Just as she nearly peaked, Nyle pulled back from her and quickly turned her onto her stomach. Bringing her pelvis up into the air, he freed himself from his boxers and pushed into her. Daisy moaned loudly, her sex tightening around his member. She was completely lost in the pleasure, his member hitting her g-spot every time he thrust into her. Biting her lip hard, she quickly lost self-control and climaxed. Her breathing was ragged and her legs quivered.

Nyle pulled out of her and moved to sit against the headboard. Before she realized exactly he was doing, he pulled her onto his lap and down onto his member. Her flesh was still sensitive and swollen from her orgasm, making it almost tickle to feel his skin against hers. Nyle guided her hips for her until she started to move them on her own. Rapidly, it became enjoyable again, her arousal heightened even more than before. She bounced her hips against his, occasionally swiveling when she reached his hilt. His hands fondled her chest, craning his head in and seizing one of her nipples.

Her fingers gripped the roots of his hair, moaning as her body easily became overthrown by pleasure again.

“My queen,” he whispered into her skin, glancing up at her.

Her eyes locked onto his, a blush coming over her face. “My king,” she purred right back.

Leaving her chest, his hands went to her bottom, pushing her down faster on his member.

“Say it again,” he whispered.

Daisy cradled his face in her hands, letting her lips hover just above his while looking deep into his eyes. “My king.”

Nyle closed the gap between them, capturing her lips with his, kissing her until she was breathless.

He helped rock her hips into his rapidly, his nails lightly digging into the skin on her bottom. She called him her king in whispers against his lips again and again, sending him right over the edge. He peaked, moans and groans sounding from him liberally. Daisy cuddled into him, her arms wrapping around his neck.

“You’re so perfect,” he said, still trying to catch his breath.

“So are you,” Daisy smiled.