Page 45 of Essence of the Throne

I roll my eyes but can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. He’s not wrong—admittedly, I’ve gone soft. It’s shameful.

A shame I’ll deal with tomorrow…right now, the prince is all I wish to focus on.

“I’ll admit that was quite attractive.” My voice is no louder than a breath, but Caspian’s eyes shine like I’ve given him the realm.

He shrugs. “Perhaps I’ve grown, as well. It’s time I stop living blissfully unaware in my ignorance and begin focusing on what’s important.”

“And rejecting two beautiful women that were offering themselves at the same time was important?”

“No, Ariella,” he murmurs against my mouth, and my stomach feels like it will explode from the fluttering. “What’s important is you.”

I lean back, attempting to push some distance between us, but Caspian only squeezes me harder, refusing to separate our bodies. His words linger in the air for a moment, so simple yet undeniably significant.

But, who am I if I do not challenge everything good in my life? I force a laugh, a soft sound tinged with disbelief. “Me? That’s a fucking joke, prince. There are at least a hundred other things you could consider important—like your kingdom, your duties—”

He cuts me off, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispers with a seductive fierceness, “None of that matters without you. I’ve lived foolishly, thinking being a prince only meant wearing the crown and entertaining the nobility.” His breath sends shivers cascading down the back of my neck, igniting a fire that simmersin my veins. “I know differently now, but all of it is obsolete in comparison.”

“And what would you say to the people of Eldoria that wonder why their prince prioritizes the subject of their worst nightmares over them?”

He smirks as his fingers weave through the hair along my back. “I’d say they just haven’t met you yet.”

I grin—the movement genuine—and drag my hand over the smooth expanse of muscle along his abdomen, erasing whatever disease those women shared when they touched him without permission. “You are too good at being charming…it’s not natural.”

He flexes under my hand—something I am beginning to very much enjoy.

“Well, let’s not keep our hosts waiting, angel. We are the guests of honor, after all.” He pulls back, sliding his fingers between mine before leading us into the crowd.

They part as we approach, their eyes following our movements with an intensity that makes my skin crawl. The clearing opens to reveal tables laden with food and drink, surrounding a massive fire that reaches toward the stars. Flowers bloom everywhere, their ethereal glow casting strange shadows across faces turned our way.

Rael stands from his seat at the head table, arms spread wide before he gestures. “Our honored guests arrive.” The man to his right speaks, his voice carrying across the gathering, and to my shock, every single person drops to one knee.

I grip Caspian’s hand tighter. “What the fuck?”

“Please,” Rael’s companion translates as the leader gestures to two ornate chairs beside him. “Join me.”

We make our way through the kneeling crowd, and I fight the urge to draw my dagger. This feels wrong. Like we’re walking into something bigger than ourselves.

“You seem unsettled,” the man says for Rael as we take our seats. He waves his hand and the crowd rises, returning to their festivities.

“Why wouldn’t I be? Your people just bowed to us like we’re—”

“Royalty?” His eyes sparkle with hidden meaning. “Perhaps it is because the Prince of Eldoriaisroyalty. Or perhaps there are things about yourselves you’ve yet to discover.”

Caspian leans forward. “What exactly are you insinuating?”

Rael smiles and raises his glass. “To fate,” he gestures, then turns to address another guest before we can question him further.

The night progresses in a blur of strange customs and cryptic conversations. Every time I try to press Rael for answers, he deflects with practiced ease. By the time the moon reaches its peak, exhaustion weighs heavy on my bones.

“We should rest,” Caspian whispers against my ear, and a deep shiver overtakes my insides. “We have a long journey ahead.”

I nod, grateful for the excuse to escape the suffocating attention. As we rise to leave, Rael catches my arm.

“Remember what I said about the price you must pay,” the translator murmurs at his leader’s unspoken words. “The path ahead will be difficult.”

Chapter Fifteen

Caspian

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