Page 235 of Cursed Evermore
“My Lady,” I said, giving her dainty hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it.
“Your… Highness.” Her voice quivered slightly, as if she were checking herself, too, then she bowed into a delicate curtsy.
I wanted to stop her. I didn't want her bowing to me. Not in that way.
A sparkle flickered in her eyes when she looked at me again.
“You look beautiful.” I kept my voice low.
Her cheeks flushed a soft rose color and crept down her neck. “Thank you.”
“Looks like I have to work overtime to restrain myself tonight.”
She held back a smile. “Why would you need to do that?”
“You know why, Ziyka.” I looked her up and down, leaving no question as to what I was thinking.
“Do I?”
“You should.” Despite the risk, I moved to her ear and hovered there. “Dressed like that...hmm. You look good enough to eat. I hope I don't have to kill anyone tonight just for eye fucking you.”
“That is ridiculous.” Her voice caught in a sultry whisper.
“No, it's not. You should know by now I don't like sharing my things.”
“I don't think you have to worry about that.”
“You don'tthink? That doesn't sound very convincing. I'm going to need you to be more specific. Or I'll show you just how wretched I can be.” She'd called me that once—wretched. She was right, but for the wrong reasons.
She laughed lightly. “Youdon'thave to worry. Is that more convincing?”
An easy grin slid across my lips, and I pulled back an inch to look at her. “That works for now. Guess what, mage?”
“What?”
I moved back to her ear, the rebel in me not caring about the eyes that watched me. “I simply can't wait to peel that dress off you and lick your delicious body from head to toe. This time, I won't stop until I've finished tasting and taking you. Make sure you're ready for me.”
Her bright red cheeks made it clear to our audience I'd said something inappropriate. But all they could do was watch. No one wanted a problem with me.
“So, this is the lovely creature I've been hearing so much about,” came the voice of the one man who had the power to fuck with me.
I moved a safe distance back from Elariya and looked at my uncle, the warmth from moments before instantly replaced by the bad blood between us.
“Uncle.” I plastered on a grin no more real than his was and positioned myself between him and Elariya.
“Nephew.” Dreynthor looked from her to me, his gaze assessing and crude.
“This is Elariya, the newest addition to my court.” I kept my tone neutral, but he could see straight through me.
“Wonderful to meet you, Elariya. I'm Dreynthor Nightblade, steward and ruler of Galaythia.”
Hearing that title made me just as sick as the sight of him.
“Your Grace, it's a pleasure to meet you, too. Happy name day,” Elariya replied in a light voice, although she seemed a little thrown to hear my uncle practically declaring himself king. I'd never explained the situation to her, but I knew Arielle had.
“Thank you. I'm pleased you could make it.” The miserable bastard took Elariya's hand and kissed her knuckles, lingering on her skin for far too long.
“It's an honor to be here.”
