Page 56 of Queen of Legends and Lies
“Oh, butthisheals me. How do you think I’ve recovered so quickly?” He dips his head between my legs.
His tongue flicks against my sensitive skin, and electric shocks course through my body.
Every thought flees as I arch my back. I want more.Needmore. Every touch, every sensation. Anything he’s willing to give.
He reaches up to cradle my breasts, caressing my nipples until they’re hard and aching for him. His mouth moves on, tasting, exploring every inch of me with a hunger that matches my own.
Molten pleasure coils, stealing my breath. “Holy gods.”
He only laughs, his vibrations sending me over the edge even more. His fingers join his tongue, pressing against my clit as he continues to tease me with his mouth.
In a matter of minutes, I come undone.
Crying out his name, I shudder with the force of my orgasm. He heightens my pleasure with the measured strokes of his fingers and tongue. I squeeze my eyes shut, unable to do anything but ride out the wave of delicious sensation after delicious sensation.
Minutes pass before my senses begin to return, and I realize I’m lying boneless on the bed with Sterling’s head resting between my legs.
He’s watching me with a smug grin on his face. “I told you it would heal me.” He stands, trousers tented with the evidence of his own arousal.
“And I told you we’d be late.” I fix him with a mock glare.
“That you did.” His grin kicks up a notch. “You can punish me later.”
“Oh, I can think of several ways to mete out discipline.”
There’s a sharp rap on the door, and Rhiann’s voice cuts through the wood. “Your Highness, I was just informed you were presented a gown and may need help dressing.”
Chapter Twenty
I enter the cavernous throne room with Sterling, my heart racing as every head swivels our way and the assembled crowd sinks into curtsies and bows.
Heat rises in my cheeks as we proceed down the long aisle toward the distant pair of thrones, hundreds of eyes tracking our measured steps. Sterling’s hand slips into mine, his fingers interlacing with my own.
A wash of emotions floods through me at his touch.
Relief that he’s here beside me. Gratitude for his steady presence. Certainty that together, we can navigate the treacherous waters of court politics.
He’s my anchor, my partner. United, we’re unshakable.
As we ascend the steps of the dais, I sense the undercurrent of unease rippling through the crowd. Furtive glances dart between me—their newly crowned and inexperienced queen—and Prince Knox, the man they expected to be their king. Several council members linger on the fringes, their faces inscrutable masks as they observe.
The steward steps forward to usher in the first petitioner, but I rise to my feet to halt the proceedings. The rustling of my gown stills the restless murmurs.
I stare out at the sea of my people, willing my voice not to tremble. “I know how strange this must seem. Beside me is your previous crowned prince, and yet I am the queen sitting on the throne. I want you all to understand and be assured this will be made official soon. Prince Knox and I are a team. He will be king, just as I am queen. We will rule together, as co-monarchs. His word carries the same weight as my own.”
Tension bleeds out of the room as I retake my seat.
With the unspoken question answered, the people settle. I release a slow breath. One hurdle cleared, a kingdom’s worth still to go.
I ease into the throne’s plush velvet set as the steward summons the first petitioner.
Sterling leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “Damn, woman?—”
“Woman?” I cut my eyes at him.
A beat passes until he curls his lips at the corners. “Damn, my queen.”
A grin tugs at my mouth as I face forward again, watching as the first supplicant is led to the foot of the dais. That shouldn’t have sounded nearly as sexy as it did. Or warm every inch of my body.
