Page 113 of Fated

The dress was perfect, as if it had been made for me.

I had never felt so beautiful in my entire life, and suddenly, I was longing for the moment Ash would see me. My heart raced at the thought of his gaze taking me in, the way his eyes might linger. The mere idea sent an uncontrollable flutter through my stomach. For the first time since I’d met him, I felt as if I might actually be beautiful enough to stand beside him.

Smiling, I opened the door and stepped into the bedroom. Keltra zipped up the back of my dress and stepped back beside the other ladies, all of whom were grinning proudly at their work.

I took a seat at the vanity as Thea slipped sparkling diamond heels onto my feet, while Ava fastened a dainty silver necklace and matching earrings on me, complementing the delicate leaves woven into my hair. I felt absolutely giddy, barely able to contain my excitement as I stood in front of the full-length mirror, turning this way and that, admiring the view of myself from every angle. The gown shimmered with each movement, the soft fabric whispering around me. A soft chuckle came from one of the ladies, and I turned toward them, my face glowing. “Thank you so much! I’ve never felt so beautiful.”

They smiled and bowed before Keltra stepped forward, speaking softly.

“His Majesty awaits you in the sitting room.”

My eyes widened, and I placed a hand over my mouth as a rush of excitement surged through me. I took a deep breath, shaking my hands slightly at my sides, trying to gather my composure.

Then, with one final deep breath, I turned and opened the door to the sitting room.

The moment I stepped through, all thoughts abandoned me. Ash stood there, and the sight of him took my breath away. He was dressed in solid black, his long coat draped elegantly over his frame, adorned with intricate silver embroidery that caught the light. But it was the crown on his head that made me stop in my tracks.

It was pure silver—simple yet undeniably sophisticated—with deep blue gemstones embedded within it, their gleam perfectly matching the color of my gown.

Power radiated from Ash in waves, the air around him seeming to hum with authority and prestige. It wasn’t just his presence—it was the way he carried himself, commanding without effort. A shiver coursed through me as I absorbed the sight of him, the undeniable aura of a true king standing before me. My fingers absentmindedly brushed against the goosebumps that had risen on my arms.

His gaze locked onto mine, darkening as it slowly traveled over me, taking in every detail. A slow, appreciative smile curved his lips, sending a flutter through my chest. In that moment, with his eyes fixed on me, I felt like the only person in the world.

I was vaguely aware of the soft shuffle of footsteps as the servants quietly exited the room, the door clicking shut behind them.

The moment we were alone, Ash was there, standing so close that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body,his presence an overwhelming force that made my pulse race. His eyes were dark with longing as they searched my face, his fingertips brushing a loose strand of hair from my eyes.

“Ash,” I managed to whisper, my voice trembling with the overwhelming sensation coursing through me.

“Areya,” he answered, his voice low.

His fingers found their way to my chin, tilting it up as he leaned in, barely grazing his lips over mine in a touch so light it sent a shock of chills rushing down my spine.

Then he leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear, his voice a molten whisper. “You’re exquisite, Areya. Every time I look at you, I feel like I’m losing myself.”

A soft gasp escaped my lips as his mouth brushed my neck, his lips trailing slowly down to the curve of my shoulder.

“I don’t think I can let you leave this room,” he murmured. His lips moved up to graze the shell of my ear. “Not when all I can think about is laying you on that bed, taking my time, and discovering exactly what unravels you—” his voice dropped lower, rougher, “again and again.”

My knees weakened, my breath quickened, and my pulse thundered in my chest as his words sank in, each one more devastating than the last.

Then he claimed my lips in a slow, deliberate kiss, his control and hunger blending in a way that left me trembling. “I want to make you forget everything,” he whispered against my lips, his voice a low, husky promise. “Everything except for me.”

A soft knock echoed from the door, startling me, pulling me from the haze of desire.

My heart was racing, thudding wildly as Ash pulled away, his gaze lingering on my face. His thumb brushed over my lower lip,pressing gently before he leaned in to place a tender kiss to my cheek. Then, with one last look, he turned toward the door.

The tension in the air immediately lifted, and I released a breath.

Focusing on calming my pulse, I tried desperately to appear composed, willing myself to bury the heated thoughts still swirling through my mind.

I recognized Humphrey’s voice behind the door and though I could barely make out Ash’s words, it sounded as if he had told him to give us a moment.

I hadn’t moved an inch from where he had left me, still caught in the spell of his presence. When Ash turned back from the door, his eyes softened as he strolled toward me. “In case it wasn’t obvious,” he said, his voice low and sincere, “you’re beautiful.”

I wanted to open my mouth and tell him how impossibly attractive he looked as well, but my mind struggled to form the right words; nothing seemed worthy enough. He took my hands, and with a deep, steadying breath, his demeanor shifted into calm authority. “The palace grounds are packed with people waiting to hear the royal news. I’ll speak directly to the crowd, but the broadcast will be sent to every household in the kingdom.”

“Like on TV?” I asked, my voice still unsteady.

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