Page 113 of Kiss of Ice

“Did you doubt it?”

“I don’t deserve it. I treated you terribly when we first met. I’m ashamed of it.”

“I can think of a few ways you can make it up to me.” She snuggled against him and traced circles on his chest. “You might end up exhausted, though.”

He laughed and kissed her nose.

“You’re insatiable, my queen. But I’ll enjoy the challenge.”

“Why were you so scared to admit your feelings?” she asked. He hesitated.

“I was worried you wouldn’t return them. I’ve been hurt before, remember.”

She struggled upright and cupped his face in her hands, gazing at him solemnly.

“I’m not her, Kam. I’m not Nat. I love you. I love you because you’re amazing, and I love you because you’re an idiot. I love you exactly the way you are.”

“I’m an idiot?” He raised a brow.

“Sometimes.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll curb me of my more idiotic tendencies.”

She curled up on his chest again and he wrapped his arms around her. They lay in contented silence, until Kam sighed heavily.

“I’m sorry, my queen. But we ought to make an appearance at the wedding reception. We’re the guests of honour, after all.”

“Gods, my make-up must be all over the place.”

He wiped a smudge of kohl off her cheek.

“You look beautiful,” he assured her.

“But I need to clean up. I’m all…” she blushed, “… sticky.”

“Allow me.”

He grabbed his tunic off the floor. Ignoring her protestations, he wiped her tenderly between her legs. Her eyes widened at the smear of blood.

“I didn’t realise. I barely felt it.”

“You were distracted.”

“Because it was all so incredible. I know I have nothing to compare it to but I…” she ducked her head. “I’ve never felt that way before.”

He lifted her chin and forced her to look at him.

“Neither have I, my queen,” he said softly. “No woman has ever made me feel like this.Nowoman. Do you understand?”

She nodded shyly. He slid out from under her and knelt, pulling her hips to the edge of the throne.

“What are you doing?” she asked breathlessly. He leaned forward and pressed his mouth to her mound.

“Making sure you’re thoroughly clean.”

Zelen stood with his chest puffed out proudly as he made the announcement.

“May I present, for the first time as husband and wife, Emperor Kamran bin Mazhab and Empress Morenna bin Salaq of Nush’aldaam.”

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