Page 190 of What Lies Within Blood & Heirs

“Unicorns do exist,”Aiden argued with the bronze-skinned courtier dressed as a whimsical lavender butterfly. Leaning against a pillar near the tables of towered pastries, platters of mixed cheeses and meats, fountains of sweet syrups, and Kadamarian delicacies.

The female smiled sweetly at him. Batting her eyelashes as she shook her head. Entirely unfazed by his trickery while she twirled a lock of rich brown hair around her finger.

Jade stood, arms crossed and a resting scowling face, launching daggers with her eyes at males. One being the nobleman from The Ruby Crown.

His hazel eyes and fine jacket had followed her around Karanagar and now perused her gown like he desired to rip it off.

With one menacing cock of her head, the males turned and found a group of courtiers more interesting. They were much more used to docile females.

Sparkling crystal of amber liquid sat in Garrik’s fingers; condensation dripped around his fingertips as he reclined on his throne. His beast likeness had faded since he first graced the room. Face unreadable as he scanned the chatting crowd and subtly plucked his jacket from his abdomen.

You look lonely up there, mighty prince,she said to distract him from the phantom touches and memories lasting from Brennus’s camp.

Garrik blinked and shifted his eyes to her.

Come down and sit with me?Alora offered.

I think I would rather you sit on me instead.He wickedly grinned.You are breathtaking.

She lightly scoffed and sent a satisfying middle finger to his mind.

Silver glistened. A tender smile graced his face as his voice softened.Come here?

On the throne? Alora bit her bottom lip and surveyed the room when a smoke-covered hand misted an arm’s length in front of her, extending an open palm.They’ll see,she informed.

Garrik hummed as if he understood all the things she didn’t say.Even Magnelis flaunted my mother. Let them see.But when she said nothing…You wish for me to beg, clever girl?

Her heart leapt. The male she’d seen give no second chances to anyone before ripping them to shreds. Death itself, reduced to beggingher. Sapphires delightedly gleamed as she reflected his wicked grin.

The thought of making him beg…Ask me again.

Garrik hummed, then paused.Would you like me on my knees before your crown? Or shall I desperately await Her Majesty to bless the marble before me and shout it loud enough for Elysian to hear?

I like the idea of you on your knees. Her smile turned playfully cruel.But I shall be merciful this time.Wasting no breaths, Alora found herself at the bottom of the dais.

At those steps.

But these crimson rugs were not emerald splashed with golden threads. They didn’t sit upon redwood floorboards but polished stone. This ballroom didn’t hold memories of painful screams or the steady cadence of blood dripping. There were no curved handrails or spindles for limbs to catch in, nor three dark hallways waiting at the top with demons prowling within.

Alora didn’t watch her feet and took that first step. Her knees didn’t quake.

That drumming in her chest wasn’t in fear for what waited at the top, but in wonderment. Exhilaration. Antiquation. An eagerness that wouldn’t be quenched until she reached that final step.

Garrik was on his feet, hand extended with exultation and fervor in his eyes.

With the last step, she clasped her palm in his, so cold and lovely it surged lightning down her spine.

He bowed his head and escorted her to his throne, and then twisting, Garrik guided her onto his lap.

Removing her mask, he gazed upon her face as it fell to the floor.I … want to look at you.

Some of the gathered threw their attention to the dais, but none dared to gape as the Savage Prince met their eyes, tilted his head like a creature of night, and smirked.

An icy palm wrinkled the wintry fabric at her thigh as it explored up, up, up. Then, Garrik clasped her hip, palming it like a claim to his crown. Never once removing his eyes from those watching below.

They must’ve been a spectacle to see. A thing of ice and snow and frost draped on an Elysian nightmare. Light and darkness. Starfire and shadows. Perfectly flattering the other.

Ladomyr wasn’t so amused. Perhaps he’d seen his daughter stealing Garrik’s attention all week. Perhaps imagined a betrothal to gain more power. But seeing Alora draped on Garrik’s lap, the king’s face brightened to a pleasing shade of scarlet as the bear pelt ruffled around his shoulders and he stormed toward the open balcony.

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