Page 9 of Fire & Ice

Sighs and gasps rippled through the crowd as Tempest took a step forward. She walked down the stairs graceful as a butterfly as the crowd stared in awe.

Chapter 11

Beau

No words could describe what I was feeling. Only a single thought kept replaying through my mind—She is mine. The mating bond pulled me towards Tempest, it was like a gravitational force. A blood moon one hundred years in the making hung heavy in the sky, and I could feel my ice react to it.

I felt a slight heat radiating from her skin as my large hand encased her smaller one. We were a match designed exquisitely to complement each other in every way—her dark skin to my paleness, her fire to my ice. As we took that first step down the stairs, I could feel Tempest shaking with anticipation.

As we reached the bottom of the stairs, I looked around the room, and I could see the shock and awe in the faces of the people gathered there as I gripped her hand tightly. They all thought this night would end with my claim to the throne snatched away, but fate had other plans for me.

I was happy to shout from the rafter and announce to my kingdom, to all the gifted, halflings, vampires, and royalty in attendance that I had finally found my long sought after mated. I could no longer be called 'The Prince Who May Not Ascend'.

My parents, King Lucas and Queen Tatiana, approached closely followed by Tempest’s own parents—who sat on the royal council—Maria and Andreas Storm. As my father approached us, Tempest tensed in my arms, and I sensed her anxiety. I looked up at the king and queen and smiled slightly as they reached us. My mother's eyes were full of tears, and my father's face was unreadable, but I knew that they would both accept Tempest as my mated, as they had been waiting for me to find her for so long. They had been afraid that I would never find my match, and that I would never be able to ascend to the throne. But now, with Tempest by my side, I knew that I could take on anything.

My father put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Congratulations, son. It appears that you have found your mated and we could not be happier for you."

"Welcome, Tempest," my father said, turning to her, extending his hand. "We are honored to have you as part of our family, especially coming from such an esteemed family already so deeply embedded in our council."

Tempest took his hand tentatively, her eyes darting nervously around the room before lowering. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said softly.

My mother stepped forward then, a wide smile on her face. "I am so happy for you, Beau," she said, placing a hand on my cheek. "Tempest is a wonderful match for you. I knew there was something more in store for her when I bestowed her blessing. You will make a beautiful couple."

I felt my chest swell with pride, feeling a sense of relief as I embraced my parents. I had never felt so supported and loved in my life. And now, I had Tempest by my side, my forever partner.

Tempest's father cleared his throat, and I turned to face him, a feeling of apprehension creeping into my heart. He looked at us both with a mix of emotions on his face. I could tell he was happy for us, but also a little sad to see his daughter leave him. "As a member of the council and father of your future bride, I must say that I am pleased to see my daughter with you, Beau. Your cemented ascension to the throne was long overdue and it is a relief to see that you have found your match." His eyes flickered to me, then to Tempest. "But I must warn you, if any harm comes to my daughter, there will be consequences."

I nodded, holding Tempest closer to me. "I understand, sir. I will do everything in my power to protect her and keep her safe."

"My dear Tempest," her father said, his voice thick with emotion. "You have found your mated, and I could not be more proud of you. I never imagined that your twenty-fifth blood moon would see you on this path, so quickly pulled away from your mother and me. You will always have a place in our hearts and in our home. And Beau, I entrust you with the care of my daughter. Treat her with the love and respect that she deserves, and I know that you will make a great king."

The room erupted into chaos around us as the crowd let out a cheer, and I could feel Tempest's cheeks grow warm with her fire as she blushed. I could feel what she was feeling, her shy insecurity and self-consciousness. But when I looked into her eyes, I smiled in reassurance and kissed her, making her cheeks flushed an even deeper red.

Tempest

My mother looked at me as if I was her everything when she stepped in front of my father, her eyes shining with tears. "I am so happy for you, Tempest," she said, hugging me tightly. "I told you that there was something special in store for you."

I hugged her back, feeling the weight of her love and support. "Thank you, Mom," I whispered, feeling the weight of the moment sink in. As she pulled away, I turned to face my father, who was looking at me with a slightly sad expression.

"I'm going to miss you, sweetheart," he said, pulling me into a hug.

"I'll miss you too, Dad," I said, my voice quivering with emotion.

He pulled away—holding my shoulders—to look me in the eyes. "But I know that you're meant for bigger things, Tempest. You're meant to be by Beau's side, ruling the kingdom with him. You're meant to be his queen."

I nodded, feeling a sense of purpose wash over me. "I won't let you down, Dad. I'll make you proud."

"I already am," he said, kissing my forehead. "Now go and make history."

As I turned back to Beau, I saw something that looked like adoration in his eyes.

As the night wound down, Beau led me to a private indoor garden under a domed skylight located within the center of the palace. The moon was high in the sky, casting a red and silver glow over everything through the windowed ceiling. Beau stood behind me, his arms around my waist, and I leaned back into him, feeling a sense of safety and comfort wash over me. I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Chapter 12

Beau

Turning Tempest to face me I leaned down to trail kisses down her neck, nipping and licking at the sensitive skin. Tempest moaned softly, her arms lifting so fingers could tangle in my hair as I moved lower, pulling the thin silk and lace of her gown down her voluptuous body, giving my hands freedom to roam.

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