Winking at me, I rolled my eyes as we took our walk back down the aisle, towards the courtyard and outside to the
beautiful, decorated garden. Where we were left alone for a few minutes before guests began to filter outside as the banquet
hall was changed to accommodate the festivities of dancing and plenty of food.
“It’s not a problem,husband. But when I must head to the ladies’ room, I am afraid you may have to join me.”
I jested back and he laughed under his breath. Would he be like this with me all the time? Or was this for only our private
moments? Some part of me was still worried that he would revert back to his treatment of me in the summer house and it
pained me deep inside as those words replayed in my mind.
“Don’t think like that. I am who I have always been when with you. The king in me will only appear when he needs to.”
“You sound as if two versions of you live inside you.”
“In some way they do, Annwyl. So please do not try to provoke them. I am just Nicholas when we are alone.”
I nodded, hoping I would come to believe him and not regret the choices I had made in the last two days.
Chapter 42
NICHOLAS
Once the hall was changed to a room fitting for guests to eat, drink and be merry, Ornella and I sat in our thrones under
the archway. I’d had hers commissioned a few weeks ago, made from white marble with gold veins. A bright contrast
to my obsidian stone.
She seemed pleasantly surprised by the way the room was decorated. I’d lost count how many times she complimented my
flower choices. I had some hidden romantic talents.
Vanessa sat next to her in one of the smaller chairs while April sat at my right hand. Morgana surveyed the room, listening
intently to the conversations amongst the other courtiers. One of her many hidden talents was heightened senses, she could hear
something a mile away if she truly tried. My perfect, innocent looking spy.
Ornella put her arm out as a footman came bearing a jug filled to the brim with wine. I watched as he topped up her
chalice. I was unsure how many drinks she’d had already and made note to cut her off after this last one. I needed my bride to
have her wits about her as our royal dance was coming up soon. Not to mention that I wanted her awake for what I planned to
do to her later.
The floor space was filled with young and old couples alike as they danced along to whatever music the bard and his group
were playing. I’d paid no attention to them once we sat down after having our fill of the food, the feast far greater than I
expected. April already suggested the remaining food would be sent to the poorer houses within the city, to which I agreed. It
would be a gift from their soon-to-be queen.
Sipping slowly at my chalice, I kept my eye on Morgana as she sent word through her mind that there was nothing to report
