Page 44 of Daughter of Shadows and Ash

A knock sounded at the door made me turn when Magnus held it open for a delighted Luella, who skipped in, anothergorgeous gown in her arms. "We need to get you ready, Prince Oryn will be here any minute to escort you." She was more excited than I was for the ball.

"Will you be attending?" I let her help me slide the gorgeous, silky fabric over my head. She led me to the vanity to paint my face and sort my dark hair into something presentable.

"And risk the wrath of Miss Gregoria? I'll have to live vicariously through your stories later and what I happen to see as I'm ordered around."

"How about we trade places? I can hide in here and you can pretend to be me and dance the night away." I chuckled, knowing I would happily stay in my room.

"I think Prince Oryn would notice you weren't you." She shook her head at me as she took a comb to my hair, coaxing it into waves that fell down my shoulders. The pieces near my face she braided into a crown that curled on top of my head. Little glittering gems were added between the plaits. "Besides, all eyes will be on you tonight. It will be wonderful!" She beamed as she assessed her work.

The thought of all those eyes on me made my stomach churn.

During our return, Oryn spoke of his closest friend's impending return. His longest companion, who'd fought alongside him during his father's missions. Apparently, this was the friend he had met when I thought he'd abandoned me at the tavern. Oryn explained his friend hadn't been celebrating the night prior—he'd been investigating something.

A flutter of anxiety rippled through my chest. Not only would I have to face the entire court tonight, but now I'd have to meet Oryn's dearest friend. Someone whose opinion of me would matter deeply to my mate, whether I wanted it to or not.

I glanced at myself in the mirror, unable to recognize the woman before me. Luella had dressed me in a silver dress, so light it was almost white. Two glittering straps held it up andplunged down my back, not meeting the remainder of the fabric until just above my rear. The silk felt cool on my skin, showing a hint of my peaked nipples. Luella had gone a bit dramatic with my makeup, dark kohl lined my violet eyes, making the strange color stand out. My cheeks held a hint of pink in just the right spots and my lips were painted a sultry red.

"You're an artist," I murmured, my hand barely grazing my cheek as I stared in wonder.

"Oh, hush," Luella chided. A knock at the door alerted us it was time. Luella rushed to the door with a squeak and opened it, revealing my handsome mate on the other side. He was dressed in a black coat, adorned with a shiny sun pin. A golden crown rested upon his unbound blonde hair. His eyes traveled from the ground to my face, drinking me in.

He gazed at me as though he loved me, and it made my heart both soar and shatter, each beat a war between hope and harsh reality. I had to remind myself the only reason I was in this situation was because his father thought our marriage will bring him a victory in this dreadful war. Did Oryn view this the same? Our mate bond was happenstance, something that wasn't accounted for and wouldn't have mattered. Our union was the key.

He seemed to find his words as he walked to me, his hands grazing my bare arms. "You look amazing." He placed a kiss on my cheek, then traveled behind my ear, humming as he trailed his nose along my neck. The intimacy of his breath on my skin peppered me with goosebumps. "Ready?" His eyes found mine as he held out a hand to me. I placed mine in his awaiting palm and smiled.

"Please don't leave my side tonight." I begged as we left my rooms and headed down the hallway.

"I wouldn't dream of it, Love." He assured me. Magnus trailed behind us quietly.I was hoping you'd want to stay by my side after the ball as well.

You mean stay the night?

He nodded at my perplexed look.Only if you want. You're under no obligation to do so, Lor. I won't force you.

I would very much like to spend the night with him again if it was like the tavern. Every moment we had spent I had found myself wishing for his touch all over my body, my body demanding to writhe beneath him.

I'll consider it.I gave him a sly smile and squeezed his arm with my hand reassuringly.

He grinned, eyeing me all over again. I suppressed a groan at how he was undressing me with his eyes. This dress would likely not last the night.

Upon reaching the ballroom, we were announced by name and cheers erupted. Oryn and I led the first dance, and I was surprised by how much I was enjoying twirling in his arms. We enjoyed a few more songs before we joined his family at the head table set up on the dais. Beside Oryn's smaller throne, another seat was placed for me. I was thankful he was a buffer between the king and me. The king had not held back his glee for the match and excitement for the prophecy to come to pass upon our wedding day, his calculating eyes gleaming with barely concealed triumph as he watched us. I caught Oryn roll his eyes at his father's words.

Everyone found a seat at the surrounding tables and the grand feast began. Davian came over to me, insisting I try all of his favorites. His older brother tried to shoo him away but the young man dismissed the attempts, telling him I was his friend first. Oryn grumbled his annoyances as he continued to eat, the corner of his mouth lifting up in amusement. Davian finally left me to the rest of my food after I told him each item he'd chosenwas absolutely delicious. I could hear him relay his triumph to his mother at the other end of the table, pride swelling in his chest. The Queen always had so few words to share, but her ears belonged to her youngest son.

This constant battle over your attention is getting a bit tiring, just tell Davian I'm your favorite,Oryn chuckled in my mind as I tried not to spit my food out.

Who said you're my favorite?

A deep growl rumbled down the bond.It sure seemed like I was when my tongue was between those delicious thighs.

The room suddenly felt warm, my thoughts flashing back to the night we spent together. Oblivious at the time of our bond that had solidified. The way he kissed me, touched me, a never-ending montage of heat.

You're ridiculous for being in a competition with him. He's your little brother.

And yet, I still feel jealous when he's trying to sit beside you or has your attention. My place is at your side.

I thought it was my place by your side. A quiet little wife for the prince to sit pretty upon the throne.

I'm not that kind of male, Lor,though I was only teasing, his voice was stern,we'd be equals, rule side by side. And I much prefer you not be quiet. Especially when you start making those delightful little noises...

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