Page 130 of A Bond in Blood

He grinned at me. “Did I interrupt something?”

Ulrich cleared his throat. “Perfect timing.”

Thetrollleft us, closing the bedroom as they went and Ulrich pulled a chair out, motioning for me to sit.

I approached the table, pulling out my own seat and placing myself atop it. Ulrich smiled at me before setting himself in the chair he’d intended for me.

Olen eyed us both nervously.

“I can come back…” His voice trailed off.

“No need,” Ulrich replied, pouring his wine into his glass.

My heart paused at the liquid and my hands gripped the skirts of my gown.

“Just wine,” he whispered, taking a sip to calm my fears.

Olen moved to pour me a glass, but I held up my hand.

“I would prefer to get my own drinks from now on.”

“Yes, princess,” he replied, handing me the decanter full of the dark-red liquid.

Our meal began, silent, tense, and a continued challenge between me and the king. Olen chattered endlessly, words I barely picked up while my eyes held Ulrich’s gaze. But I drank at the same frequency as his right hand. Consuming glass after glass of wine with my meal.

Using the alcohol to wash down each bite I took.

Ulrich did the same.

The red moon continued to light the room. A guest to our dinner, invading us all with its sensual light.

When I was sure my head would sink from the intoxication, I stood. Then immediately, I swayed in my spot. Ulrich and Olen rose to their feet, both grabbing one of my arms to hold me up.

“I drank too much,” I admitted.

Olen groaned, gripping my arm tighter. “I did as well.”

“Am I a coward to admit the same?” Ulrich muttered.

We all laughed together. A sound I was certain echoed down the halls of the palace. An omen in the wind.

The men guided us all to the bed. Ulrich climbed onto the mattress first, reaching for my arms and pulling me next to him.Olen laughed loudly, laying at my side. Pressing me between both of them.

“I may be sick,” I whispered, holding my hand to my head.

“You will not be the only one,” Olen muttered.

I stared up at the ceiling while my stomach knotted with my consequences. The bodies beside me settled further into the mattress and I glanced at them both.

“Have you two really—?” My mouth slammed shut, stopping the words.

Olen was the first to sit up, leaning on his palm while he offered me a grin. “Have we what, princess?”

I shook my head, pinching my lips together.

“No, what were you asking?” Olen pried.

“Forget my words,” I pleaded.

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