Page 95 of Essence of the Throne

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I attempt to roll away but he catches me, pulling me flush against his chest, and I lose a breath at the impact.

“I would, actually.” Heat fans across my face as he hovers over me. “I want to know everything about you, Ariella.”

The intensity in his eyes makes my heartbeat stutter—not the one in my chest. “That’s a dangerous thing to want, prince.”

A hum reverberates from him as he smiles. That fucking smile could melt even the coldest of souls. “I’ve never claimed to be particularly wise.” He leans down, pressing his lips to mine with devastating gentleness.

Nerves prickle all over my body as I melt into the kiss, allowing myself this moment of vulnerability. His tongue slides along my bottom lip and I open for him, groaning when his head tilts to deepen the contact. One of his hands tangles in my hair, tugging with a tight grip while the other skims down my thigh, hitching my leg over his hip.

A knock at the door has me immediately rolling to reach for a blade. He chuckles, amused by my reaction—it wouldn’t be so amusing if there were people here to kill him.

“Your Highness?” A staff member’s muffled voice calls through the door. “The queen requests your presence immediately.”

Caspian releases a heavy sigh before replying with a cold tone. “Tell her I’ll be there shortly.”

We listen as footsteps retreat before he turns back to me with a predatory grin. “Now, where were we?”

I press a hand to his chest when he moves to kiss me again, laughing when he nips my chin. “You should go. Your mother likely wishes to discuss what happened yesterday.”

“Fuck.” He drops his head to my shoulder, groaning as his arms encircle me—something I’m really starting to enjoy. “I hadn’t even thought about that. The entire kingdom saw me kill my father.”

“They also saw him admit to experimenting on people and controlling you with essence.” I run my fingers through his hair, surprised by my desire to comfort him. “No one will blame you for what happened.”

He lifts his head, searching my face. “Come with me.” Not a question, though his voice is hesitant.

“To see your mother?” I bark out a laugh. “I don’t think she’d appreciate that.”

“I don’t care what sheappreciates.” His jaw clenches. “I want youthere, so you’ll be there.”

The authority in his voice has me nodding before I can think better of it—fuck me and my newly discovered perversity. “Fine. But I’m not changing.”

His eyes darken as they rake over my body, lingering on my bare legs. “Good.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ariella

We dress—well, he dresses while I simply pull on a pair of shorts under his shirt. The walk to the queen’s chambers is silent, both of us lost in our thoughts. The wary eyes of sentries glare at us as we pass, though none dare comment on my attire or presence. I assume the visible blades on my thighs are deterrent enough.

The queen’s personal guard announces us before we enter her sitting room—who the fuck needs asittingroom attached to their bedroom? Royalty have such fatuous tastes.

She stands at a window, hands clasped behind her back as she stares out at the courtyard below. When she turns, her severe eyes home in on my state of undress.

“I asked to speak with my son alone.” Her tone could freeze fire.

“You did,” I agree as I direct a malicious smile toward her. “Yet here I am.”

Caspian stiffens beside me as his mother’s face hardens further. The queen moves with a practiced elegance that’s sharp enoughto cut flesh. Her gown, a deep indigo that shifts like water when she walks, is pressed and flawless—much like her demeanor. A streak of gray at her temple softens the severity of her dark waves, though it does nothing to dampen the animosity in her gaze. The full weight of her attention swallows me whole as she assesses whatever the fuck she seems to find interesting.

“I see,” she mutters, just loud enough for me to hear. “Well, I suppose there’s no point in requesting privacy now.” She drifts from the window to sit in an ornate chair, gesturing for us to do the same on the couch across from her. “Though I must say, it’s rather bold of you to parade around the castle half-dressed after killing my husband.”

“Mother—” Caspian starts, but I cut him off with a laugh. I seem to do that a lot.

“Would you prefer I parade aroundfullyundressed? I can slip your son’s shirt off if it would make you more comfortable.” I lean back, crossing my legs, not bothered in the slightest at the way she glares. Her ire fuels me—it’s euphoric. “Though I doubt my attire is what truly bothers you, Your Majesty.”

Her perfectly painted lips curve into a cold smile. “You’re right. What bothers me is how easily you’ve manipulated my son into betraying his family.”

“Manipulated?” Caspian stands abruptly. “As if she could coerce me into anything. Father was sick.”

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