My wife is a vision. I almost need to pause to catch my breath as I take in the goddess before me. Her hair is artfully piled atop her head and glittering with gemstones. Soft curls frame her face, and I wonder how she’d respond if I tugged on one. Raelyn looks bridal in a dress the softest of pinks, it almost looks white, and it drapes her body in the most delicious of ways. Her unblemished shoulders and back are on display, and I wonder if her skin is as soft as it looks.
I clear my throat, gripping the back of a chair in our sitting room. “You look lovely.”
Her cheeks, already tinged a pretty shade of pink, deepen at my words, which pleases me. I love that I can get reactions out of her. I let go of the chair and take her proffered hand, sweeping it up to my lips.
“Thank you, Kian. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“This old thing?” I scoff. “No one will be looking at me when they have you to feast their eyes upon.”
She shrinks in a little, her shoulders curling.Did I say the wrong thing?
“I don’t much enjoy being the center of attention, to be honest,” she mumbles, her eyes downcast.
I take a step closer and tip her chin so she looks in my eyes. “I’m so sorry if this is uncomfortable for you, but trust that you’re not alone—I’m with you. You are beautiful. Don’t be afraid to own it.”
She gives me a quick bob of the head and purses her lips in determination.
We proceed to one of the grand dining halls in companionable silence, and the room goes quiet as we enter. Rumors have already spread about our elopement, and from the looks of it, nearly every courtier in the kingdom had begged for an invitation to tonight’s dinner.
Raelyn is stiff beside me, her nerves radiating off her in waves. I lean in and brush my lips on her neck and whisper, “Relax, love. I’m with you.” I press a kiss to her pulse point, and tiny goosebumps pepper her skin from my touch. “Try to play along,” I whisper in her ear before placing another kiss on the side of her head.
“Their Royal Highnesses, Prince Kian and Princess Raelyn D’Amaris of Rakveren,” the herald announces before we move to take our seats near the king. I’m happy to see that Colin actually left for the country estate, as the last thing I need are his judgmental stares. He’s probably spitting mad that I ruined his plans for me and Princess Helene.
“Am I actually a princess now?” Raelyn asks under her breath.
“You’re married to me, aren’t you?” I tease.
She elbows me lightly, and I smile as she lightens up just a little.
“All rise for His Majesty, King Silenius D’Amaris of Rakveren,” the herald announces, and we stand, heads bowed in deference as the king marches into the room in all his finery.
“You may be seated,” the king says with a wave of his hand. “Thank you for joining us this evening for the celebration of our new princess.”
Conversations resume and murmurs fill the air as all eyes are on us.
“Thank you, Father, for being so gracious.”
“Don’t mention it,” the king replies. “How are you liking the palace, Princess?”
“It’s so lovely,” she replies, and I squeeze her hand under the table.
“You two must be quite taken with each other to have rushed into sacred marriage bonds so quickly,” the king says.
Raelyn looks at me instead of Father, and I smile as she says, “What can I say? Kian swept me off my feet.”
I’m tempted to kiss her right here and now, but while we want people to think we’re in love, Father wouldn’t stand for such a public display. Perhaps I only want to kiss her because I won’t be able to in private, but after that brief kiss we shared during our binding, I can’t help but ache for more.
“I’m sure there is plenty of disappointment among the court ladies that you’re no longer available, Kian,” the king says.
“They’ll manage just fine, Father,” I reply, trying to keep my ire at bay. Did he really need to say that in front of mywife?
“Let’s eat,” the king commands.
Raelyn is stiff as a board again, and I lean in to whisper in her ear, “The hard part is over, I promise.”
She turns to face me, and we’re so close, our noses graze.
Gods, Ireallywant to close the distance and kiss her.
