Page 19 of Essence of the Throne

That catches my attention. My eyes snap to the dark irises of his as my forehead creases. “When have I never been serious? I said I’ll take care of him, and I will. But first, I’m starving, so we’ll have my usual.”

The man nods before knocking his knuckles against the table and stating he’ll be right back. He pauses mid-turn, looking back at me with obvious concern. “Just so we’re clear, I do not want you to kill Benny. It was a joke.”

I raise a brow. “And yet I’m not laughing.”

I examine Ronan’s face as he processes my words. His bright expression falters for just a moment before he forces out a chuckle. “Right, well…I’ll go put in your order then.” He hurries away, glancing back over his shoulder once before disappearing into the kitchen.

Caspian leans forward, his voice low. “You’re not actually going to kill this Benny person, are you?”

I meet his gaze steadily, forcing a smile down. “Why wouldn’t I? Ronan said he’s been causing trouble.”

“But he just said it was a joke,” Caspian protests, his brow furrowing.

I shrug, picking up a knife from the table and twirling it between my fingers. “Joke or not, if someone’s causing problems for Ronan, they’re causing problems for me. And I don’t like problems.”

The prince opens his mouth, likely to argue further, but I cut him off. “Relax, Caspian. I’m not going to murder some random drunk. Not tonight, anyway.” I smirk at the relief that washes over his face. “Besides, we have more important matters to discuss.”

He nods, leaning in closer. His aura engulfs me, the rest of the room falling away at his proximity. “Do you really think we’ll be able to find them?”We. As if I’d permit him to join me.

“I have to,” I mutter, my eyes scanning his face. He is far too pretty, and the bastard knows it, smirking at my examination. “I’m unsure of how else we’ll get the answers needed otherwise.”

I lean back as Ronan returns, setting down plates piled high with steaming food. The aroma of spices and roasted meat fills the air, making my mouth water.

Ronan looks the prince over, raising a brow before addressing me. “Enjoy,” he says with a wink before retreating.

Caspian eyes the spread with wonder. “This looks incredible. What is all of this?”

I gesture to each dish as I name them. “Roasted boar with blackberry sauce, herb-crusted potatoes and, of course, the tarts.” I pick up one of the flaky pastries, savoring the burst of sweet fruit as I take a bite. My satisfied moan draws the attention of those closest to us—I let them stare. Including Caspian, who bites his lip, looking pained.

“You’d do well to stop making such noises before I disregard my dinner and indulge in the taste of you instead.” Heat sparks low in my abdomen, and I nearly squirm in my seat at the promise in the prince’s eyes. Fuck, I may continue making those sounds just to see if he follows through.

“Perhaps I’d love to be ravaged by the Prince of Eldoria in the middle of a lesser district tavern.” I’m surprised at the breathiness of my voice, though Caspian doesn’t comment on it as his lips quirk and he bends forward. A moment later, I jolt from a featherlight touch on my inner thigh. Our table is thin enough that his fingers can trail just to the base of my center.

He continues to tease me, drawing circles around the area, creating an uncomfortable ache in my core. He knows exactly what he’s doing to me.

“Wouldyou like that, Ariella?” The hunger in his voice is too much—I cannot do this with him. “Because I’ll drop to my knees right now. Throw your leg over my shoulder while I hold the other open, and give the entire building a view of what they all dream about, but will never have.” Fucking Aether,his words. Heis so impassioned…something I’m beginning to appreciate. “I’ll drink your sweet fucking cum until you’re the only thing my body will accept as sustenance. Angel, I’ll stay between these exquisite thighs for as long as you’ll let me. Just say the word and I’m there, in front of all these people, status be damned.”

I am speechless. What do I say to such a confession when I want so badly for him to do everything he just said, but don’t want to give in?

I’m too stubborn for my own good.

“That is…intense.” What a pathetic response.

He shrugs, pinching the sensitive skin of my inner thigh. “I don’t care. I know what I want, and I’ll not hide what's mine.” I hum, nodding as I lift my glass of water and gulp it down.

“Eat,” I whisper, unable to get the word out without needing to clear my throat.

I finish my tart and the prince follows suit, his eyes widening at the taste. “Angel above, these are amazing.”

I nod, swallowing. “Of course they are. Now, about the…”

We discuss our plans in hushed tones as we eat, debating the best approach to finding the Palmluvela and what questions to ask once we do—well, onceIdo, but I don’t correct him just yet. The food and conversation flow easily, and I find myself relaxing despite the urgency of our mission.

As the night wears on, the crowd in the tavern thins. Ronan stops by every so often to refill our drinks and chat, his earlier wariness seemingly forgotten. He ignores Caspian’s title, treating him as he always has me: as just another customer.

As the last patrons stumble out, Caspian leans back with a contented sigh. “Thank you for bringing me here. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it.”

I shrug but can’t quite hide my pleased smile. It’s impossible to describe the satisfaction inside me at being the one to show the prince of life outside the castle. Why does it feel so good, and why do I want to have more nights just like this?

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