Page 76 of The Vampire's Bride

His eyes flare with unmistakable hunger. “Among other reasons, our venom can be a potent aphrodisiac. If I gave you that much, it could make you desire something you may not truly want just yet.”

My pulse pounds. The times he’s already taken my blood, my entire body was aflame with need unlike anything I’ve ever known. I cannot imagine how much more intense the experience would be with his venom.

Valaric told me when we first wed that he would not touch me unless I asked. I wasn’t ready then, but now… I want so much to kiss him again, but when I reach for him, he pulls away and takes a small step back. “I’ll leave you to rest.”

He starts for the door, but I call out. “Wait.”

He spins to face me with a questioning look.

“I’m not tired. You don’t have to leave. We could”—I cast about for any reason to keep him here before settling upon—“have some tea perhaps.”

Valaric crosses the room in three steps and takes my hand, placing a tender kiss on the back of my knuckles. “I would love to, but I should probably find Aerlyx sooner rather than later.”He sighs heavily. “Preferably before he makes any questionable decisions or new enemies.”

I laugh. Now I really want to know more about this mysterious Incubus. “Can I come with you?”

His eyes sweep to the sigil sewn into my cloak, indecision written across his features. “You are not tired?”

“No.”

Nightshade is rumored to be one of the most beautiful cities in the seven realms. It is several hours until dawn, and I’m eager to explore. I’m especially interested in learning more about Valaric’s people and how they live.

“I don’t like the idea of taking you to the tavern.” He frowns. “The crowd can be a bit… rough.”

I’ve been in very few taverns before, and the ones I have reeked of stale beer and sweat. I don’t particularly want to go into the establishment itself, I simply want to spend more time with my husband and see some of the city. I’m also curious to meet Aerlyx. “What if I wait outside in the carriage?”

His brow furrows as if in deep contemplation. Worried he’ll put up some sort of resistance, I quickly add. “I have our sigil sewn on my cloak, but not on my dresses. Perhaps you could take me to a clothier to have them sew our sigil on the clothes I brought with me. You could return for me after you’ve located your friend.”

“All right,” he agrees. “There is a clothier across from the tavern. She caters to all species without prejudice. I’ll take you there.”

It doesn’t take long to reach the city square. In the center is a large seven tier fountain. Water spills over each level beforecollecting in a pool at the base and flowing into a small river that runs through the city.

At least half a dozen benches surround it, and I notice a few couples sitting together as they watch their children play near the edge of the water, floating miniature sailboats along the gentle current.

This is the first time I’ve ever seen Vampire children. They do not look that much different from humans. A smile tugs at my lips at their tiny fangs and little black claws, and I find myself wondering if a child from our union would look more like Valaric or like me.

Several buildings line the walkways, their outer walls covered by climbing vines with green leaves and tiny white, glowing flowers. Eben parks the carriage just outside the clothier’s shop. When Valaric helps me out, the raucous sounds of laughter and music assault my ears from the tavern across the way.

Ignoring it, Valaric offers me his arm and then leads me toward the entrance.

“Wait,” I tell him. “I left my dresses in the carriage.”

“I’ll fetch them in a moment,” he replies, guiding me into the building.

The minute we enter, a Vampire approaches. “It’s lovely to see you again, Lord Greyvale,” she says warmly.

Another Vampire walks toward us, but she waves him away. “It’s all right, Gregor. I will take care of these customers.”

Her gaze drifts to me and the sigil on my cloak, her eyes widening slightly.

“Lygra,” Valaric begins. “This is my true wife, Lady Juliet Greyvale. She is in need of your services.”

Lygra’s eyebrows go up in surprise a moment before she flashes a brilliant smile. “Welcome to my shop.” She bows low. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Greyvale.”

She is stunningly beautiful. Her long hair is a gorgeous blue color at the roots that fades into silvery-white ends, with lips painted the same shade as her blood red eyes that rake over my form in obvious appraisal.

She smiles at me, revealing two pointed fangs that on her somehow seem delicate and cute instead of intimidating. “Please tell me you are in need of a wardrobe, because I know just the material to bring out those lovely green eyes of yours.”

“She is,” Valaric says beside me.

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