Page 104 of Dark Prince's Mate

A little girl’s bubbly laughter sounds on the other side of the wall.Aruan grins before kissing me one last time, a languid kiss that makes my toes curl.He pulls away, always satisfying me while simultaneously leaving me craving just a little more.The bed sheet dissolves and turns into a nightdress on my body and pants riding low on his hips.

God, I love it when he does that.It still turns me on.

He lifts the seal he put on our quarters and dissolves the wall.Zinnia skips into the room, her strawberry-blond curls bouncing around her face.I’m glad she got Aruan’s eyes.This way, she’s a bit of both of us.And plenty of herself.Zinnia has a huge personality.She even gives the older royals a run for their money.

She carries a toy dragon carved from wood in one hand, making it fly through the air.Our little girl has never taken to dolls.She prefers animals and dinosaurs.

She jumps onto the bed, flying the dragon low over Aruan’s head.A delighted shriek leaves her lips as he catches and tickles her.

“Got you,” he says, planting a kiss on her curls.

“My dragon got you first,” she says with a jut of her chin that dares him to defy her.

Of course he doesn’t.Aruan gives her everything she wants.

“As I should,” he says, in tune with my train of thought.“My daughter will always get everything she wants.I’ll make sure of it.”

“Careful.You’ll spoil her.”

“She’s a good kid.”

True.Which is the only reason I don’t interfere when Aruan gives her everything her little heart desires.Zinnia knows the difference between right and wrong.On values, Aruan and I agree.We’re strict when it comes to teaching her what matters.

“Can we go to the Sky Bridge, Daddy?”She sits up and bounces on her knees.“Please?I want to see the sun wake up.”

“Then you have to change out of your nightdress, princess.”He ruffles her curls.“How about breakfast at the lake?”

“A picnic?”she squeals.“Oh, yes!Can Betty come, Mommy?Please?”

I hug her and kiss her cheek.“Betty can come.”

“Yes!”She plants a sloppy kiss on my shoulder.“Thank you, Mommy.”

Her nanny and tutor, Prislia, sticks her head around the archway with a broad smile.“Sorry, Your Highnesses.I tried to catch her before she could wake you up.”

“I was awake anyway,” I say, managing not to sound too guilty.

Aruan arches an eyebrow.I can wake up like that every day.

I narrow my eyes playfully.You do.

He gives me a scorching look.Maybe I’ll wake you up tomorrow with my head between your thighs.

I scoff internally.You do that too.

I can do better.He grins.I can wake you up with my cock already buried inside you.

Heat pushes up my neck and down into my belly.I barely pull off a chastising frown.Not in front of Zinnia.

His answering wink melts my insides.

Oblivious to the nuances of the mood, Zinnia jumps off the bed and sprints through the archway, flying her dragon down the hallway.

“I’ll go help her get ready,” Prislia says.

“Are you sure?”I ask.“She’ll tire you before you’ve even had breakfast.”

“It’s no problem at all.”Prislia smiles.“We can play the alphabet game while she dresses.It’s a good opportunity to learn through play.”

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