Page 9 of Crown of Draga

Nash stepped forward and took the bracelet from her hand. “I had some spare time.” The joke fell flat but she couldn’t look away as he took her hand and slipped the rosanera bracelet over her wrist to settle perfectly against her gold one.

Adelina looked up and was pleased to see the difference in their height was far less than before. The top of her head almost reached his chin now. The red and gold of Nash’s eyes flashed at her when he realized it as well.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” she breathed, unable to look away from the intensity of his eyes. “Thank you so much for such an amazing gift.”

There was so much she wanted to say, that she wanted to ask, but they didn’t have much time. Adelina inspected the way he stood, held his shoulders back, and then stared at where he’d been shot as if she could see it through the fabric of his coat. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

The way he stared at her, into her – held such intensity. Her hands tingled in anticipation of his touch.

“I’m much better, thank you Princess.” The sun had started to set and the twilight made Nash look dark and mysterious. He offered her his arm. “I am not going to stand in the dominant position,” he said roughly. “This is your party, and I want there to be no threat viewed from me.”

Adelina didn’t know what to say. He knew their ways as Nadyah had said. She glanced at her courtesan who nodded that the prince was correct. Adelina felt awkward in the dominant position with such a delicious predator at her side, but somehow, they managed.

They walked to her doors and Nash paused for a moment. She looked sideways at him and saw the determination on his face. This wasn’t easy for him either. Adelina followed her instinct and leaned over to kiss his cheek. The surprise lightened his scowl.

Her shrug was brief. “You looked nervous. I wanted to reassure you.”

The green flared in his eyes and there was hunger. “If we didn’t have to be somewhere on time I would return the favor.” Nash pushed open her doors before either of them could think too much about the meaning of his words.

Adelina glanced over her shoulder at Nadyah. Her courtesan gave her a reassuring smile. Knowing she would be down in the ballroom soon eased some of the tension between Adelina’s shoulders. She was not looking forward to being the center of attention for the night-long celebration.

Alpha gave her a nod as she passed with Nash and then she heard Nadyah murmur her thanks as her guard offered her his arm. The two of them looked exquisite in gold and black as they trailed behind her, their reflections on the plas-glass in the twilight.

Nash led Adelina through the halls of the east wing to the main palace. The center dome, the atrium connecting all wings and buildings was a magnificent twelve stories tall and ensured the royal family’s wing could only be entered from the safety of the fifth floor. Adelina stared straight ahead as they took the hall towards the attached ballroom. The mountains loomed and blocked out any remaining sunlight. Not even the glittering stars could distract her.

She stopped outside the royal lift that would take them two stories below. Once they reached the platform above the sweeping staircase there would be no going back. The recorders would be right on her and follow her for most of the night. The party was in her honor after all.

Mala hung heavy in the sky, full and round. The purple of the moon cast a different glow on the palace than normal and Adelina sent a silent prayer to the mother for guidance and strength. With a wave of her hand the lift noted her genetics and opened silently. Prince Nash stepped in and she followed, hesitating only briefly as she crossed the threshold.

Both Nadyah and Alpha gave her a nod as the lift doors closed. They would go a different route to the ballroom and be there with her family as she descended the sweeping staircase for her grand entrance.

As they descended, Adelina shook out her hands. The nerves were back in full force and she began to pace. Nash gave her a curious look but the tic helped ease the butterflies roaring back to life.

Suddenly he grabbed her and pulled her towards him. His mouth was on hers before she could protest. By the time he had her pressed against the door of the lift she didn’t want him to stop. Nash was pure, crackling fire; spicy and hot. She took everything he gave her and more. As the lift slowed he stepped back and she smoothed her hair. The hunger in his eyes pleased her and Adelina felt settled inside, confident once more.

When the lift doors slid open, Nash was back on her left and she faced forward with her mask in place. The music swelled up the sweeping staircase from the ballroom. “Please don’t let me fall,” Adelina murmured.

Nash’s hand tightened on her waist. “Never.”

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