Page 32 of Heir of Draga

“They are watching,” Elara promised.

Then Varan was there, holding her close as he led her through the final steps with such skill she barely even noticed they moved.

“After this song I want to leave,” Adelina told him.

Varan nodded, wiping away the wet marks on her face with his thumb. “Whatever you wish, wife.”

At that she grinned, loving the sound of the word on his lips. It was hard to believe he meant her after everything they’d been through to get to where they were.

The song ended and Varan bowed when she curtseyed. The cheers uplifted her spirit when her husband led her towards the sweeping staircase, the same one she’d come down for her coming-of-age party.

They paused at the top and waved their good-byes to all the guests as well as the recorders. Adelina tugged Varan towards the lift, anxious to spend time alone with her husband for the first time without a thousand other things to be done.

“Come husband,” Adelina said. “I’m ready to get out of this gown.” She felt a blush heat her neck and cheeks at her boldness, but Varan only chuckled and escorted her into the lift.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered, bending down to brush her ear with his lips. “I’ll take my time removing the dress. Don’t want to ruin it after all.”

Adelina licked her lips as she imagined the slow torture she knew he would dole out. “I don’t care if you cut the dress off me. I want my skin against yours.”

Varan’s hand tightened on her waist. The lift doors opened onto the fifth floor. The palace was completely barren except the guards posted at the beginning and end of each corridor. They laughed like schoolchildren when Adelina picked up her skirts to run down the hall as she had when she was barely older than a tot.

The royal wing was sealed off but Adelina’s gold mark on her palm opened the door while Varan gave the guards a sweeping bow and a wink. She laughed and tugged him into the dark corridor, lights slowly coming to life as they sensed her presence.

But Varan tugged her back and swept her up and into his arms so quickly she gasped in surprise and delight. His strong arms wrapped around her back and under her knees. He held her tightly to his chest and stared down at her with such heat and love she shivered.

“Allow me, darling.” Even his voice was deeper, more feral – nearly a growl as he stepped over the threshold into his new home.

Adelina couldn’t look away from his hungry gaze. Her heart pounded against her chest and her breathing quickened as anticipation filled her. The ache between her legs grew nearly unbearable, but she had patience and control now. Adelina knew how to wait.

From the main door to her rooms was the longest walk she’d ever experienced. Neither of them spoke a word. It was as though they both knew it would somehow break the spell. Varan’s usual cocky smile was gone as he stared so deeply into her eyes Adelina knew he could see all the way into her soul.

She placed her hand on her door and it opened without a sound. Once more Varan carried her across the threshold into the space they would share until his own rooms were prepared. When the door closed behind them he still didn’t put her down.

“I can hardly believe this is real,” he whispered.

“It’s like a dream,” she agreed. “Too good to be true and soon I will wake up alone.”

Then Varan set her down gently. “You will never be alone again, love.” His strong, sure hands found the buttons along her spine and he took such care undoing each and every one. “I will never leave your side. My heart and soul are yours for the rest of eternity.”

Her breath caught at his words, at his warm hands slipping the dress from her shoulders. Adelina allowed the tears of happiness – letting them fall instead of blinking them back as she usually did. Varan deserved to see all of her. She would never hide behind a mask with him ever again.

He helped her step out of the gown and then Varan draped it lovingly across the couch. “I want you to wear this for every anniversary we have. It suits you.”

Adelina smiled. “As you wish, my love.” It was the first time she’d been able to say it to him, and it left a pleasant warmth in her chest.

Varan turned back to face her and he studied her from head to toe, noting the cream-colored corset and the way her breasts spilled over the top, the silk skirt that had protected her dress from her skin, and the creamy lace heels she wore.

Adelina set her hands on her hips. “There seems to be quite a feast here,” she said, nodding towards her small dining table stacked with champagne, platters of fruit and chocolate. “As well as all our good wishes.” Gifts lined one complete wall of her sitting room. It was a bit ostentatious, but Adelina was curious what thieves would get a princess.

“I don’t believe that’s quite the feast I’m interested in,” Varan murmured.

It sent shivers up and down her spine and a low heat flared in her belly, spreading between her legs and Adelina clenched her thighs together to ease the ache. “Then tell me what it is you want,” she demanded – needing him to touch her.

Varan crossed the distance between them in two large steps. He grabbed her face, kissing her with such heat and passion her knees went weak and Adelina held onto his shoulders. Varan’s tongue dipped into her mouth, tasting and exploring. He bit her bottom lip and then sucked it hard until it was swollen.

“Varan,” Adelina gasped. “I don’t want to wait anymore.”

His growl of frustration and desire rippled through her and Varan lifted her up in one smooth motion. Adelina kissed his neck, his jaw, and nipped at his throat until there was a constant growl deep in his throat – his wolf so close to the surface.

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