Page 42 of Bonded By Moons

I’ve never been celebrated in such a way before.

Blushing, we both take a bow and head to our private canopy to the right of the thrones. We’re hidden from every eye but still a part of the festivities in our own way. Here, we’re waited on by Will’s private staff. They deliver platters full of small cheeses, wine, small quiches, and fruit. My mouth is already watering and I realize I barely ate this morning when everyone was gathered at my apartment.

We have a direct view of the thrones from this alcove. Willow and I are kneeling and enjoying our wine and cheese when the king is finally welcomed into the room. He’s wearing a black suit that is garnished with golden threads and golden daggers. He looks ready to inflict pain but also extremely regal. Him and Willow have so many resemblances.

Because the fae age so slowly once you’ve reached your peak adulthood, which is different for everyone, then you grow at a painfully slow pace. His father seems to be just under 45 years of age. Although, he’s sporting silver hair like it was made for him. History books say King Bryton is a fire and water faerie.

He glides across the room and everyone stares in awe as they bow to their knees before the king.

King Bryton is here before a large crowd finally opening the doors for his people. I wonder what the rest of the evening will provide. This is an occasion the fae have waited for my entire life.

“Tell me what’s on your mind,” Willow asks while sipping his wine. He’s currently laying on his side, propped up on his elbow, rejoicing in this celebration.

“Honestly, my head is full of so much right now. The thoughts are quite overwhelming.”

“Do you want to talk about it, little dragon?”

Deciding against informing him on all my overthinking, I choose to go with “Can I ask you a question?”

I gulp down the remainder of my wine. Willow refills it from the decanter.

“You may ask me anything your heart desires to know, mate.”

This is the first time I don’t internally cringe at the use of that word.

“If you could change anything about Estrallume, what would you change?”

He slowly sets his glass down on the table in front of us. Mulling over my question, he clears his throat and levels me with a look of curiosity.

“I would remove my father from his throne and begin making changes to aid society in recovering from the Decay.”

“Oh my stars, keep your voice down!” I hush in a panicked tone, glancing around at the guards and the thrones before us. No one seems to be paying us any attention right now and thankfully we’re pretty secluded. But, that was the exact answer I was looking for. I think implementing him into the Ascension will be way easier than I assumed it would be.

“Trust me, everyone is either too drunk, too high, or just fucking one another to pay attention to anything we do in here.”

“What if someone heard us?” I squirm and try to readjust my skirts. I’m mildly uncomfortable and paranoid now.

“Are you referring to our conversation, or is there something else you’d like to do to pass the time, little dragon?”

“Willow!” I laugh. “You’re ridiculous. We can’t do that here!?”

His eyes darken and he shines that annoyingly delicious crooked smile. “Why not? You don’t think I want to spread you out in every room we’ve ever walked into? Anytime I’m near you all I can think about is shoving those pretty little skirts around your waist and filling you with my cock. I don’t care who sees, you’re my mate and I’m dying to worship you in front of anyone that wants to witness it. They should know you’re my goddess now.”

I can’t believe he’s talking like this with so many people nearby. A blush floods my cheeks and it suddenly feels very warm in here.

He’s been such a gentleman ever since we met but this is a whole other side to Willow Bryton. The way he talks makes my stomach twirl with butterflies and warmth. I don’t know if I can handle this version of him.

“I… I don’t know if this is the most appropriate place.”

“It wasn’t very appropriate earlier when you grabbed my dick in the front courtyard, either. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, mate. Everyone knows we belong to each other now.”

“Willow, about that–”

“Hello, son.” The king appears out of thin air and is standing inside our canopy now. He leans over and grabs a handful of grapes. Popping them in his mouth one by one.

“Father.”

“Ah, and who do we have here?”

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