Derrick chuckled and watched as Lucie’s ears turned red. Her embarrassment was adorable. “I couldn’t agree more. There will never be anyone else for me but my little mate.”
Lucie put on a long,formal, black sleeveless dress and put the finishing touches on her face. She was left alone to get ready but was to meet Derrick in the main ballroom. She wasn’t sure where that was, but Abe and Myra were left with her. She walked out of the bathroom to see them both dressed nicely as well.
“Princess, you look stunning,” Abe said with a half bow.
“My lady.” Myra said, curtsying low to the ground.
“Nuh-uh, you two. Don’t you dare! It is a friendship relationship with me, you got it?” Lucie narrowed her eyes at them sternly, and they both smiled at her.
“Now … do either of you have any tips for me? What should I expect? Derrick disappeared so fast before I could read theplan in his mind. So I guess he’s surprising me too, huh?” Lucie watched as they both shrugged slightly.
“We weren’t told anything. Probably so you couldn’t order it out of us.” Abe chuckled.
“The king has arranged for a formal dance tonight. It’s considered a ball of sorts. People will be dressed in their finest and will be waiting for some special news. These things are usually held to announce a new mate, a visitor, or news of a pregnancy.” Myra gave Lucie a side smile.
“Oh my gosh. They’ll think I’m pregnant.” Lucie slapped her forehead. She could hear the gentle laughter from Abe and sweet giggle from Myra. She looked between her fingers at the two of them before laughing a bit herself. “I guess it may not be entirely wrong, though.” She watched as the two of them immediately quit laughing. Their eyes darted to her stomach and back to her eyes.
“Are you pregnant, my lady?” Myra suddenly asked with a protective air about her.
Lucie laughed. “Well, I can hardly know that after just a couple of days. But after my heat, I can’t say it isn’t a possibility.”
“We should maybe take precautions, then,” Abe said with pursed lips. His eyes wandered over Lucie with protectiveness. He could feel himself reacting to the possibility of there being a life growing inside of her, and it made him want to shield her, to protect her and the future.
“Don’t be silly. You know you fought my grandmother while she was pregnant and she ended up being just fine. I come from a strong and resilient bloodline, and I’m not about to be locked away. Which makes me think.” Lucie grinned and looked at Abe. “Can you block the mate link if I ask you to?”
Abe furrowed his brow and set his jaw. “I wouldn’t want to do something like that.”
“But you can?”
He let out a loud sigh. “Yes, I probably can, but?—”
“Relax.” Lucie giggled. “I’m just thinking that when the day comes and I am pregnant, I would like to surprise Derrick. Instead of him just knowing, I would like to tell him myself.”
Abe smiled and nodded. “Okay. Yes, I can do that.”
“So, are you going to be my escort?” Lucie asked, looking at Abe.
“No. Myra and I will be doing our job and keeping an eye on things from the shadows. Your escort is waiting for you in the hall.” Abe motioned toward the door.
“Speaking of which …” Myra smiled. “You should probably get going.”
“Yes, I know.” Lucie inhaled deeply to settle her nerves. She wasn’t a big fan of these public events, especially when she felt a bit in the dark about it. She walked toward the door and opened it. In front of her stood Justice, dressed in a black tuxedo.
“You look amazing, Lucie.” Justice beamed and extended his arm to her.
She glanced behind her to say something to Abe and Myra, but they were already gone. “I hope you were shown the way, because I don’t know where I’m going.” Lucie turned back to Justice and bit her lip, smiling.
“Yes, I know where I’m going, and I already had a nice peek. There are some delicious specimens here, and maybe I have a chance, being the mysterious new guy.” Justice winked down at Lucie, who only shook her head with a laugh. He might be her guardian, but he was still the same lecherous Justice.
She walked with her arm in his down several halls that led to two double doors, where two guards were waiting. She wasn’t exactly sure what was planned for tonight, but the anticipation had her buzzing with excitement.
CHAPTER 53
The colossal double doors were solid metal, each one thick enough to stop a battering ram. They groaned deep in their hinges, opening as they approached. All eyes were on Lucie as Justice led her inside. She felt Justice pat her hand on his arm and he winked at her. She scanned the room but didn’t notice Derrick or Ryan anywhere. She met Aedan’s gaze as he stood at the front of the hall. He was also wearing a black tuxedo and was talking with a few gentlemen. He gave her a small smile as he continued his conversation.
Justice led her through the curious eyes. They were looking at the stranger next to Lucie and probably wondering where the prince was. She was wondering that too.
A man approached her, one she had never seen before. His eyes fixed on her neck, and his lips curled in disgust.
