Page 20 of Emerald Queen
Cassie tugged Alex out of the room, leaving Emersyn and Drake alone for a moment.
“I suppose we should go too.” Emersyn started toward the door but was stopped when Drake pushed it shut.
“Not yet,” He spun her to him, pushing her back into the door. “There is no way I can stand by your side all night with out tasting your lips again.”
Drake dove in, pressing his lips against hers. His hand snaked around her butt, pulling her body against his. Time stopped and the room vanished. In that moment it was just him and her. Emersyn moaned, her body tingling with fire.
Drake pulled away, breaking the kiss. “Now we can go.” He pulled the door open and took her by the hand.
Emersyn was still flush from the heat they shared as he walked her down the hall. She didn’t speak, her heart was beating to hard for words.
They stopped just outside the grand ballroom, “Are you ready, my queen?”
Emersyn finally looked at Drake, standing on her tip toes she pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, “Let’s do this.”
He eased open the door and stepped through, tugging her beside him. Cocking his elbow, he slid her hand thru the crook and stood at attention. Nodding toward Baxter who was waiting for them, the room fell under a hush.
“Ladies and gentleman,” Baxter cleared his throat, “It is my honor to introduce to you, Emersyn Virid, The Emerald Queen.”
The room broke into applause as Drake walked Emersyn to the center of the room. Emersyn held her head up high as she glanced around the vast space. Everyone was there. Each of the kingdom’s Queens was there, staring back at her. Sarifena looked at her like a proud big sister. Emersyn tilted her head, smiling back.
“Now, please honor the Queen by sharing in this momentous occasion. Not only is today the coronation celebration… today she turns twenty-one.”
Emersyn curtsied, “Thank you all for coming. Please enjoy yourself while in the Emerald Kingdom.”
Drake led her from the center of the room. They stopped to greet the visiting queens who were crowded together at the back of the ballroom.
“Emersyn,” Sarifena pulled her into a hug. “You look amazing.”
“Thanks, Sarifena.” Emersyn blushed, pressing her hands down her thighs.
“Hello, Emersyn. I am so sorry your parents aren’t here. Please know that the Diamond Kingdom will stop at nothing to bring justice to the Emerald Kingdom.” Queen Glass smiled.
“Thank you, Dimitra, – for your support and for coming.”
“Of course. We queens must have each other’s backs.” She tipped her wine glass at the others who were nodding in agreement.
“And thank you, ladies, for coming.”
Emersyn hugged each of the others. She felt so honored to have every kingdom here. It wasn’t often they were all in the same place at one time. And Emersyn had only ever met them one other time in her life.
Emersyn noticed some of the guards moving around quickly. She turned to see one of the Ruby Kingdom guards whisper something in Drake’s ear. She raised an eyebrow in question, confused as his body went ridged.
“What is it?”
Drake snaked an arm around her waist, “There was word sent that someone was planning to do something tonight. Ladies,” he nodded toward the queens, “Your guards will be escorting you out of the castle to safety.”
As Drake started to guide Emersyn away, a loud explosion rocked the ballroom. She was thrown to her knees as Drake fell to the floor beside her. Glancing behind her, she watched as the wall crumbled to the ground.
Smoke filled the room as people ran for the exit. Drake groaned, rolling to his knees. “Emersyn,” he looked at her, “Are you hurt?”
“No…” She crawled to him, “The others,” she pointed towards the gaping hole. He watched as several masked men stormed the ballroom. The Sapphire Queen was too busy putting out the fires with her magic to notice the danger. The Ruby Queen was crouched beside the Amethyst Queen who appeared unconscious.
“Help them…” she stood, pulling Drake from the floor, “Drake!” Emersyn screamed as she watched one of the masked men grab the Diamond Queen.
Dimitra raised her hands, the air wrapping around them, but the man slapped something on her wrists, halting the magic she was casting. He tossed her over his shoulder, backing out the way he came.
Drake stumbled after them, “Get them!” He shouted at the nearby guards who were standing still stunned from the explosion.
