Chapter Thirty-Six

Felix

Ilean closer, so close I can practically taste her divine sweetness on my tongue.

Her back arches reflexively when my fingertips dance lightly down her spine and come to rest on the small of her back.

"Dance with me," I purr, fighting back a smirk as tiny bumps erupt over her skin.

Although fulfillment only her closeness can bring nestles deep into my bones, I'm unable to prevent my gaze from flickering to her face every few moments.

Any traces of the anger within me wink out of existence with her mere proximity. The ethereal vision of her with each glance more than outweighs the distance and silence that has smothered me over the last five hundred years.

Desire overwhelms me as I take in the gown that clings to her form. The neckline is low and I long to run my tongue over every inch of the smooth expanse of creamy skin it exposes. My cock twitches with the remembrance of how she tastes, how she feels beneath me.

I'm enthralled as I look into her honey eyes. They betray her, churning with flecks of starlight despite the scowl that rests upon her face. The thread that binds us transfixes on the faint traces of serenity behind them.

No matter her protests of the life I have created for us, a part of her soul is given rest. I find no shame in the measures I was forced to take to bring us together once more as she looks up at me.

I gently take her hand and clasp it in my own as pairs begin to dance in time to the music around us. Taking the lead, I guide our feet with a singular step backward, then forward. The movement evokes a sense of remembrance that I once believed would be left in the past forever.

Memories of a time when the stars shone bright, and a young prince and princess were surrounded by a lake of starlight. I had taken her into my arms and held her in a vise-like grip with a prayer that the stars would deliver her to me. I'd guided our steps exactly like this, the creatures that chirped through the darkness our only melody.

At one time, when the kingdoms were still a bloody place, there wasn't a moment we were apart. When my father sent me to shadow General Easol, I'd often sneak away and ride to the edge of the forest that bordered Minalis and Risian.

Ellesandra had always been of a serious nature, never laughing or smiling as other young girls did. Even from an early age, I could feel the heaviness, the sadness, that lingered around her. Headstrong and determined, I had made it my personal agenda to see her bright smile, hear her laugh.

Her scowl deepens when her gaze wanders to the people around us. Many glances are cast in our direction. Most are filled with curiosity, though envy reflects in the quick glances of Lady Oleen's daughters.

I swallow the laughter that simmers in my throat and choose what was once my favorite pastime instead. Earning her ire.

"Sianna is right, you know." My nose skims the side of her cheek. "You are capable of bringing a man to his knees in that gown." A primal sense of satisfaction swells in my chest as she shivers.

Ever a flaming star, she shuffles backward to put distance between us. Challenge dances behind her eyes as she peers up at me through thick lashes.

"Perhaps I will." Her gaze wanders over my shoulder. "You have some fine specimens among your ranks. Are they dreadfully boring? Perhaps." I keep my expression void of all emotion, though my blood sings with the promise of violence.

The music swells to a crescendo, but she is not yet finished. Pure and malevolent fire blazes in her eyes as she speaks. "But, in my experience, their imaginations are certainly not lacking in matters of pleasure."

Though her words cut through me like the sharpest of blades, I chuckle darkly. Ellesandra inhales a sharp breath as I pull her to me. With a slowness that drives her mad, I angle my head downward and allow the heat of my body to seep into her.

"I'd hate to paint such a lovely evening with the blood of my own men. But that would excite you, wouldn't it, Lumina?" I whisper.

Her pulse flutters as my words fan across the side of her neck.

I bend down and plant a kiss on her collarbone. "I asked you a question, Ellesandra."

"I don't know what you mean."

My tongue darts out to sweep over my bottom lip as I resist the urge to chuckle.

"It's not that you enjoy violence." My hand moves to run up the length of her spine, ensuring our steps are in perfect alignment with the melody. "You find enjoyment in driving me to the brink of madness at every turn." My lips curve into a smile against her cheek.

"That's not true," she breathes.

"Isn't it? If I were a betting man, which I am, I'd wager all my gold that the sweetest honey drips between your perfect thighs as we speak."

"I despise you."

I once believed she was stunning when furious. I was wrong. There are no words in written language to describe her beauty when she's looking at me like this. The skirts of her red gown flare as I grasp her wrist and twirl her around to the fading harmony.

The scowl on her face vanishes as I tighten my grip on the small of her back and lower her into a dip. "Telling yourself you despise me doesn't make the nights we spend together any less pleasurable, Lumina."

The tension in her spine ebbs as the ends of her lustrous, cocoa curls brush the stone with the motion. Planting a light kiss to the column of her throat, I guide her upwards as the final chords are struck and the ballad comes to an end.

Something inside my chest fractures as she stares at me with those big, honey eyes. The softness of them speaks a thousand words, the most beautiful flower blooming beneath the moonlight.

Joyous noise swells to life as the musicians begin to play a more lively tune. Her queenly facade slips back into place as she glances at the couple who approach us.

"A lovely evening, Your Grace," Lord Doranton says, dipping his chin in a show of reverence.

Lady Doranton's smile is warm and gracious, stretching further as Ellesandra and I turn to face the couple.

"Indeed," I say, my eyes trained over Lady Doranton's shoulder at Thorin who dances with my sister a few couples away.

Although Sianna surely learned different mannerisms during her time in Ellesandra's court, the flutter of her lashes and wide doe-eyes are all too familiar. Thorin clings to each word she speaks. Lovestruck fool.

Ever vigilant, Thorin lifts his head and meets my stare. A mischievous glint appears in Sianna's eyes as her gaze flickers from me to the queen beside me. Laying her hand on my best friend's chest, she turns and moves in our direction with a satisfied smirk on her face.

"Thank you both for attending. Excuse me." Removing my hand from Ellesandra's grasp, I clasp Lord Doranton on the shoulder and smile at his wife.

My sister's lips turn downward when I stride toward her. Many of the lords and ladies who gather offer greetings and praise for the ball as I pass. While the hall is decorated well and abuzz with excitement, I have yet to reveal the true purpose of the evening.

Sianna huffs when I stop in front of her and block her path. "Come. You'll stand at Ellesandra's side during the announcement."

Before she can argue with me on the matter, I turn heel in a silent command for her to follow.

Ignoring the words she mutters under her breath, I nod at Lord and Lady Wilder. Although the pair serve on my council, I'm grateful they smile and allow me to pass. The matter at hand is much more pressing than their polite conversation.

A smirk tugs on the corners of my lips as I spy Ellesandra plucking a silver goblet from the tray of a passing servant. Being her usual brilliant self, she scowls when Lady Aurelle, who helped Sianna with the ball, speaks to her. Her scowl deepens when the lady gestures at the decorum of the room, her bright golden curls bouncing with each movement.

I swallow back a chuckle when I wrap my hand around Ellesandra's waist and she shoots me a venomous glare. "May I borrow Her Grace for a moment?"

"Oh, yes, yes, of course!" Lady Aurelle nods enthusiastically and curtsies. "Your Grace."

Ellesandra turns to me as she wanders over and begins to speak to Sianna, leaving us alone once more.

"There's none in all the realm who could possibly be that cheerful," she says. Her eyes fly to mine when I chuckle.

Molten honey paints the depths of her honey eyes as I wipe away wine from the corner of her mouth. "I assure you, she is."

Tension of a familiar nature hangs between us as she peers up at me through thick lashes. Blood rushes to my cock when I drag my thumb across her bottom lip and she doesn't pull away from my touch. I lock the moment away in my mind with the understanding that my next words will shatter any semblance of peace between us.

Angling my head down, I plant a kiss on her cheek and take the wine goblet from her hand. She frowns, confusion creasing her brow when I press her closer into my side and pluck a silver fork from the lavish table setting behind me.

The music fades and conversation dies as Sianna comes to stand at Ellesandra's side. I tap the fork against the goblet.

"I hope you're all enjoying the ball this evening. Tonight, we celebrate the peace between two kingdoms who have been entangled in bloodshed for far too long." Ellesandra scoffs under her breath, though her gaze remains trained ahead when I glance at her out of the corner of my eye. "In light of this newfound amity, Queen Ellesandra and I will be wed in two days' time. I invite you all to attend the festivities that are to come."

Ellesandra's sharp inhale fractures the silence as whispers fly about the room. Pure, malevolent flames reflect in my Lumina's eyes as I turn.

The musicians strike a lively drum beat as she opens her mouth to speak, drowning out the poisonous words that rest on her tongue.

Her nostrils flare, and I tighten my hold on her waist, pulling her closer as lords and ladies begin to circle us.

I'm unsure Ellesandra even breathes as jovial greetings of congratulations are bestowed upon us. Although her spine is stiff, Ellesandra graces each lord and lady with a tight smile. Due to her upbringing as princess and heir, I knew she wouldn't showcase her anger for the people to see, but I expected a far more dramatic reaction than this.

I can't decide if it's a blessing or curse from the stars, but she seems to calm considerably as well-wishers continue to approach us. Sianna leans over frequently to whisper the identities of the lords and ladies that hold titles of importance, including those who make up my council.

"Good evening," says a tall, slender man with sandy brown hair. He steps forward and outstretches his hand. "It seems congratulations are due."

I attempt to discern who he is as I shake his hand firmly. While I don't know each lord and lady here this evening, his thick accent is telling. He doesn't hail from Risian.

Releasing my hand, his gaze flickers to Ellesandra before returning to me. "King Alardin offers his best wishes."

Though a brisk wave of energy pierces my skin, I return his smile. "Thank you."

A clamorous ring echoes through my ears as the man ducks his chin in reverence and turns heel. Cold settles into my bones when he glances at Ellesandra over his shoulder before disappearing into the crowd.

While I knew that Alardin Brunet's envoy would be in attendance, a sense of foreboding I can't quite explain lingers in the air as the next guests step forward.

"Your Grace," Lord Walingley booms, clasping me on the shoulder. "I was hoping I might have a word." Ellesandra raises a brow when I glance at her out of the corner of my eye.

"I haven't had one of Calista's lemon cakes in ages," Sianna announces, twining her fingers through Ellesandra's. "Come on."

My gaze remains on the two until they reach the table that is piled high with desserts. Although the main courses of the evening were served by the kitchens, Lady Aurelle insisted that dessert should be enjoyed at the leisure of each guest. Judging by the lemon cakes, strawberry tarts, beignets, and fresh fruit, I imagine Ellesandra's sweet tooth will be appeased.

After a lengthy conversation concerning the kingdom's supplies, Lord Walingley shakes my hand and makes to rejoin his wife on the dancefloor.

Turning back, I find that my sister is now in the center of the ballroom. A frown plays on her lips, annoyance stretching across her features as she speaks to Larkin. Scanning the ballroom, I search for Ellesandra. Assuming another one of my people engages her in conversation, she's likely in need of me.

Rage sparks anew when I turn and catch a glimpse of chocolate brown curls slipping out of the balcony door, Alardin Brunet's envoy in tow.

Ellesandra,

What must I do to make you see? The death of your mother is a tragedy. Your grief pains me. I would never intentionally bestow such agony upon you, Lumina. I'd kneel on my sword and tear the continent in half if it meant your tears would dry.

You must believe me.