Page 19 of Emerald Queen
“Jesus.” Drake smiled.
“Now… can you escort me to my quarters?”
“Yes… but I will leave you at the door with the night guard.”
“Humpf.” Emersyn grunted. She had been hoping he’d come into her room. “Fine.”
Emersyn closed the door and rested her head against the wood. Her heart was still doing flip-flops from the kiss. Her emotions were all over the place and she didn’t know how to calm them.
She was so angry about her parents murder, yet, beneath the rage, she felt desire.
And that scared the hell out of her.
Chapter 10
Emersyn stood staring at her reflection in her mirror. Staring back was a stranger. No longer the daughter of the king and queen…
No.
Now she was the queen. Her long black hair was pulled to the side, draped over her shoulder, and pinned. Her makeup was flawless. The green silk dress wrapped her body like a glove. Emersyn blinked. The unfamiliar girl blinked back.
“Are you ready?” Cassie stepped beside her.
“God, Cassie…” Emersyn glanced at her friends reflection. “You look amazing.”
Cassie was dressed in a royal blue satin dress. It hugged her curves, showing of her luscious figure. Her blonde hair was piled loosely on her head. Her bright blue eyes stared back.
“Thanks… you look like a real queen.”
Emersyn looked back at herself, “I wish my mom were here to see this.” She fought back tears, “My dad should be the one escorting me to the coronation ball.”
“It sucks they aren’t here, but…” Cassie gave her friend a smile, “at least your escort is hot as hell.”
“God, Cassie. I can’t even begin to tell you what he does to me. I shouldn’t have these feelings for a man when I should be mourning my parents.”
Cassie placed her hand on Emersyn’s shoulder, “Emersyn… your mom and dad would want you happy. It’s ok to feel something other than sadness. You know that, right?”
“It doesn’t make it any easier, Cassie.” Emersyn took a deep breath, “Help me with my crown?”
Cassie scooped the platinum ring from her dressing table. The emeralds sparkled and shined against Emersyn’s jet-black hair. Cassie pinned it to her hair, “It looks amazing on you.”
Emersyn gave herself one last glance in the mirror, “I guess it’s time.”
Cassie was interrupted with a knock on the door. The sound of Drake caused Emersyn’s breathing to speed up.
“Emersyn, Cassie? Can we come in?”
Cassie rolled her eyes, “Here we go.”
She pulled the door open to reveal Drake and Alex. They were both decked out in their full guard uniforms. Emersyn’s breath caught as Drake stepped toward her.
“Emersyn… you look,” he grabbed her hand, spinning her in place. “Beautiful.”
“You look mighty fine yourself. And you,” Emersyn glanced toward Alex, “Captain Hill, don’t look too shabby yourself.”
“Thank you, Emersyn. Cassie…” Alex moved to stand in front of her, “You are stunning in that dress. May I escort you to the party?” He held out his elbow.
“I suppose you’ll make me look good.” She smiled as she looped her arm with his, “Emersyn, we’ll meet you there.”
