Page 40 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

“Not your business.” I coldly respond.

She throws her hands up in defense, “Not trying to piss you off but trust me, it’s either her nerves getting to her or she’s making sure every hair and speck is perfect. That’s how I am. It’s Verena, right?” She asks and my attention snaps to her, confusion and anger rushing through me. She waves me off, “Calm down, Eryx. Can I call you that?” She asks before not waiting for an answer, “People talk and my lady’s maid heard another speaking about her. I heard she’s pretty and sweet to your staff. That alone is hard to find.”

I go to respond but get cut off from the Herald giving me a look as he bangs the staff onto the ground and silence falls over again.

“Announcing Princess Ruelle of Khyrel.” He stops and anger floods me. I told him only to signal me when it’sher.

Ruelle walks in, greeting everyone and arriving at my side to say hello and grab some wine, too.

Another bang of the staff. “Announcing Princess Verena.” She walks in, a flash of black catches my gaze at her gown.

In strips of black tulle flowing around her looking like my wisps of shadows, You can see her long toned legs through the sheer fabric as it drops from her waist. It sits snug on her torso, trailing up her bust before splitting into separate wide double layered pieces to continue over her breasts and across her shoulders to what I can assume is down her shoulder blades before connecting back together at her waist in the back, dropping elegantly down to the floor in a puff of black markih tulle— a rare stunning fabric from another continent in the court of art, Leatus. Her hair is the same black with it’s blue streak but the blonde is more prominent now. Starting at her scalp it grew a few inches before fading into the black.

I’ve never cared for clothes before. Not until now, as I stare in uncontrollable awe and lust as she steps off the single lifted step, gathering theattention of every being in this room. I feel eyes on me and I break the stare at Verena to look at my mother who stares at me in love, pride, and understanding, whatever that means. As I look back at Verena, I find her staring back at me. Silence ensues, or so I think it does. I can’t tell with my stupid cold heart pounding wildly in my chest, drowning out any other noise.

She looks calm and collected, until she is two feet from me. I unlatch my eyes from her bright indigo ones, trailing down her face, neck, her rapidly rising and falling chest that looks like mine feels. Her breasts are covered in the tulle as it sits thick enough to keep her intimate areas hidden from others. I continue my blatant perusal of her as my eyes track each inch of her skin all the way down to her feet. Thosedamnbare feet.

When I make my way back to her eyes with fire burning in mine, I see her doing the same to me, indigo blasts with amusement before her smile drops, lingering on the open section of my pitch black dress shirt that sits on my chest. The jacket to match, rests open on my shoulders and the same colored pants sit comfortably snug on my hips and legs— well, comfortable until her gaze sends warmth down my spine and blood rushes to my cock, tightening the fabric.

“Hello, I’m Princess Lieve of Sakaris. You are quite the beauty. Very…queenly.” She smirks and it breaks Verena and I from our reverie. Red travels over her, dusting Verena’s chest all the way up to her cheeks.

She shakes her head from her thoughts, giving us both a curtsy.

“Good evening. It’s nice to meet you. Sakaris, that’s over the sea right? Long travels.” She responds. Irritation bleeds through me as they converse. I want her to look at me again and then I want to slap myself for thinking so.

“Ask her to dance you brute.” Esmeray’s voice hits the back of my head right before she shoves me and I barely stop myself from toppling into the fae who won’t escape my mind.

Ruelle giggles as I glare daggers at them before holding my hand out to Verena, who now stares at me with confusion.

“Dance.” I blurt out, sounding as if it is a command. I can practically feelmy sisters roll their eyes at me as Esme smacks me from behind. “If you would like to.” I add softer.

A small smile plays on her face and my heart can’t take it. This female will certainly be the death of me. I just can’t decide if I like it or not.

* * *

Verena

Seeing Eryx upon my entrance was… confusing. Breathtaking. Mind-boggling.

I immediately feel his gaze as I stroll over to him to greet the king— per custom. You always greet the host first, especially if they are the ruler.

But he looks so good. The open shirt revealing his skin made me want to— honest-to-Gods— lick his smooth muscular chest. I’ve never felt this way before. Sure, many of the males in Zorya were attractive, Dryston and Hadeon included. But, my heart never beat faster over their presence, my eyes never wandered further and further down to wonder what was underneath, and I definitely haveneverwanted to taste anyone before.

His clothing fit him perfect, too perfect. It was tight in every right was, relaxed but still so elegant.

I was devastatingly nervous about the dress I don. The sheer fabric made me feel so open and while I never minded my body before, I did tonight. Especially seeing the stunning golden fae he stands by. The bare feet was my way of taunting him, trying to pull a reaction from him even if it were anger. I want his attention, another first for me. I don’t notice anyone else’s reaction but when I reach Eryx and his gaze licks flames through my body, I know I got the outcome I wanted. I can’t stop the amusement and while this party is a royal ball, for Calanthe’s birthday, I had to do it. I don’t even let Ruelle see me skip the shoes.

Eryx stumbles forward, his sisters quietly laughing behind him as he glares before holding his hand out to me. “Dance.” He commands and my brows raise in some sort of defiance. Esmeray groans out a sigh, slapping a hand to her forehead. “If you would like to,” He adds hastily, cheeks dusting in pink.

My heart beats so hard and fast I worry it’ll jump from my chest and run off. I nod, placing my smaller hand into his large one as he leads me to the middle of the room in the midst of other dancers.

Much to my dismay, they part for us and everyone stops moving, staring.

The Dark King dancing with some random girl. I’m sure it’s the talk of the kingdom.

When the Herald titled me as a princess, I was shocked but I saw Calanthe’s eyes meet mine with pride and I know she was the reason why. I don’t even have to tell him my name— like I was a staple here. Like it’s natural and normal and as if I had been here my entire life.

Something in my heart clicks and something in me feels the deja-vu, like this has happened before.

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