Page 21 of Fire & Ice

Beau's eyes narrowed slightly, his hand tightening around his own goblet and the other on my thigh. "Is that so?" His voice was cold and controlled, but there was a dangerous edge to it that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Deakon shrugged, taking a sip from his goblet. "Just a rumor, of course. But you know how these things spread like wildfire."

I saw the way Beau's jaw clenched, and I knew that he was fighting to keep his anger in check. I reached under the table and covered his hand on my thigh with my own, trying to steady him.

He took a deep breath, then turned to Deakon. "I'm sure you understand that I take my mateship with your future queen, Tempest, very seriously. There is no one else who could possibly be my mate."

Deakon held up his hands in surrender. "I didn't mean to offend you, Prince Beau. I'm simply stating what I've heard. But I understand your fierce loyalty to Lady Tempest. After all, she is quite a catch." He winked at me, and I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

Beau's grip on my thigh tightened even more, and I knew he was struggling to keep his possessiveness in check. "Tempest is more than just a catch, Deakon. She is my everything and the progeny of our highest-ranking council members," he said nodding toward my parents. "And I will do anything to keep her safe and happy."

There was no mistaking the sincerity in Beau's words, and I felt my heart swell with love for him. I leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, hoping to ease the tension in the air.

"My apologies, my prince. I just thought you ought to know the gossip going around. It was truly not my intention to offend."

"Well yes Lacey, you know the old saying," my father interjected, "the blood moon's path to the pit is lined with good intentions."

Beau's grip on my thigh loosened, and I relaxed slightly, knowing that he was starting to calm down. "Indeed. Thank you for informing me, Deakon. But let's not ruin the mood with idle rumors."

Deakon nodded, taking another sip from his goblet. "As you wish, my prince and councilman."

I could feel the weight of the conversation lifting, and the atmosphere in the room becoming lighter, but I knew that Beau would not forget the incident, and I was grateful that he was so fiercely protective of our mating.

As the dinner progressed, we were both served a beautifully crafted blood cake that had been made by the head chef himself. The cake was a symbol of our mating, and I could feel everyone’s eyes on us as we cut into it. Everyone was served the decadent dessert, and Gabriel stood to toast.

Raising his glass high he declared, "To my big brother and his beautiful mated half. May your reign together be a blessed journey!" Cheers erupted from every corner of the dining hall as glasses clinked in celebration.

I sighed in relief as I felt the warm shower of positivity rain down upon Beau and me. The knot that had been coiled up in my stomach for the past few hours had finally unraveled itself, and I was able to feel a sense of peace. The well-wishes were genuine and heartfelt, filling the room with warmth and positive energy.

My parents beamed as they looked at Beau and me, their eyes filled with love and pride. As the last guests said goodbye, my father cleared his throat and spoke. "We are so glad you two have found each other," he began. His voice was like honey, thick and sweet. "We have full faith that this journey will be an amazing one for you both." His words hung in the air like glimmering stars against a dark sky.

My fingers intertwined with Beau's, and I followed him through the palace. He grinned at me as he opened a large door, to reveal an extravagant bedroom with a blazing fire in the fireplace.

I inhaled sharply at the sight—from the silk bedspread to the polished furniture and golden accents. Beau let go of my hand and came up behind me, slipping his arms around my waist. I could feel his breath on my cheek as he quietly spoke, "Welcome home."

We were a few hours from sunrise and the lightening sky suddenly lit up in a blaze of vibrant colors, enveloping us in its beauty. Beau swept me off my feet, carrying me effortlessly across the room to the bed where he lay me down before joining me, pulling me into his embrace so we could watch the fireworks together. I nestled myself into the safety of Beau's arms, breathing in his scent of fresh snow and pine. His fingers danced along the curves of my body, as we watched the colors in the sky mirror the passion between us.

Chapter 23

Tempest

The flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows across the stone walls of my bedchamber. Tendrils of scented smoke curl up from the incense burning on my desk, filling the room with the heady aroma of jasmine and sandalwood.

My heart pounds as I pace back and forth across the plush rug, anticipation rising within me. It's been two months since Beau and I completed the Blood Rites, binding ourselves together as mates. Two months of learning more about him, spending each night in his arm and hearing his silken voice whisper sweet nothings in my ear.

Today we tackled our individual duties, me at the Southern Gifted Academy and Beau with the Royal Council. Still having seen him this very moon, I ache for his presence. The memory of his icy blue eyes glowing with desire stokes the fire burning inside me. Ever since I returned from working with the newly anointed gifted—I’ve been restless—consumed by thoughts of our growing connection.

A soft knock at my door startles me from my reverie. I open it to find a fragile holding an ornate envelope bearing the royal seal. My heart leaps as I realize it must be from Beau.

With trembling fingers, I break the wax and remove the heavy parchment within. It is covered in Beau's elegant script, the looping letters conveying a lover's intimate caress. I sink onto the bed and begin to read.

My Dearest Tempest,

Not an hour passes that you don't burn through my thoughts. The memory of your hair, laced with fire, and piercing eyes haunts my every breath. I wish I could make the grumblings of the council come to a halt with a thought, so I may take you in my arms and get lost in your smoldering heat.

You are my anchor in this world of cold facades and ruthless ambition. I've even come to envy the very air you breathe, for the fact that it gets to be so close to your lips. Soon, my flame, we will be together again. I am bound to you in this life and the next, and I count the moments until I'm by your side once more.

Yours Eternally

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