Page 45 of Chaos Tempted

Wyn sucks in a breath and holds her head high. “Prince Eldrin, I accept this responsibility with the understanding of its role to represent the human realm to the best of my ability.”

“I hereby bestow upon you the title of Human Ambassador to Ryven.”

Wyn bows low to the ground. When she rises, I place a simple golden circlet on her head. I hold my hand high for her to grasp so that I might show her off.

She smiles politely, as Oakes has taught her. Not too big. Not too small.

Wyn nods to the other dignitaries as we make our rounds in the room. Each noble announces their name and status, and some make quick, dutiful conversation. From the look of concentration on her face, Wyn is doing her best to memorize their faces and names.

We are both surprised that many of them don’t seem hostile to her presence.

In fact, one noble-born elf smiles widely and invites her to his next party. “I would love to hear more about your recent adventures with the humans.”

I clear my throat. “I hope I’m invited too.”

“Of course!” the elf chuckles. “Bring your advisors as well, Your Highness!”

After an hour of introductions and conversations, I walk Wyn to the side to meet with Oakes and Jaden. “Well?” I ask Oakes.

“Better than I anticipated. Many were genuinely open to Wyn’s new title.”

Wyn’s shoulders visibly release their tension. “How much longer do we need to stay?”

“You can go with Jaden, but Oakes and I should stay longer to solidify alliances.” I squeeze her hand. “You were perfect.”

21

REPERCUSSIONS

WYNSTELLE

After we’ve made our way inside his suite, I ask Jaden, “How bad is it that King Magnus wasn’t there tonight?”

“Well, on one hand, he wasn’t there to cause a scene…”

“Will it sway everyone against me because he didn’t acknowledge me?” I ask, nervously biting my lip.

“For some. However, not everyone is fond of King Magnus. So, perhaps it worked in your favor with quite a few.”

“Politics.” I shrug. “I’ll never really understand all the scheming.”

Jaden wraps his arms around my waist. “And that is one reason why I love you. You are too honest for your own good.” His lips capture mine before I can respond.

I pull back after a moment, still dizzy from the kiss. “But if I’m in this ambassador's role, shouldn’t I be better at scheming?”

“No.” Jaden trails kisses down my neck and herds me toward his bedroom. “However, you could be better at spottingothers’scheming. You are supposed to show the elves that humans are trustworthy creatures, not underhanded schemers. So, be you, and the rest will fall into place.”

“Creatures, huh?” I cock an eyebrow at him, knowing he uses the word to tease me.

I glance backward at the approaching bed. “Is ityournight to have me to yourself?” I eye him playfully.

“Do you not want me?” Jaden asks, with no doubt that I do, then he nips at my neck with his sharp canines.

“Of course I want you.” I run my hands down to cup his round ass. “But I want to share my affections equally. Make it fair.”

“Well, I won’t stop you from sharing some of your affections when they find us here. Besides, we have the rest of our lives to make sure we are all loved equally.” Jaden grins as I moan when he presses his heavily muscled body closer to mine. “But in the meantime, you’re here. I’m here. And I want to show you what a naughtycreatureI can be.”

I laugh heartily.

---