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“I thought I might find you out here when I didn’t see you in there.”
My cheeks burned, which I could only imagine made me look extra red under the makeup, as he held my face between both hands. One thumb traced along my jaw, soft as velvet.
“Just a little nervous. I know I shouldn’t be, and your tailor went above and beyond with this dress.” I sighed, “It’s perfect.”
“Ryker, I love that noble Fae make you nervous. I love that you overthink almost everything.” He brushed his lips against mine.
I hummed, grabbing the lapels of his jacket and pulling him against me. “Those sound like really annoying things to like.”
“Those are qualities that will keep you safe. And they are a part of who you are. So I love that.”
My eyes fluttered closed. Softly, the tip of his nose traced a path along mine. A demanding need was beginning to pool between my legs. With every quickening breath, my chest rose and met his.
Dace inhaled sharply and stepped away. His eyes were large. “Don’t tempt me right now. I’d hate to ruin these perfectly good outfits.”
“My King, they would like to start now.” A guard stepped out from the ballroom.
I couldn’t see him around the bend of the wall and I wondered if he knew I was there. He had to, the smell of desire was cloying in the air.
I blushed again, nodding at Dace. “Are you ready?”
His jaw ticked. He wasn’t ready. Then he stepped around, heading into the room without speaking, but not before he slipped his hand into mine and gently tugged me along.
The ballroom hadn’t been overly decorated, or really decorated at all. The walls were plain white and the only thing that had been brought into the room was a throne. Music lifted and carried quietly from the corner, drawing my attention. A large black piano was being played delicately by a woman in a lavish blue gown.
My ears burned red with a blush that overtook me when I realized this was the same room where Dace had played for me. The same room that Dace has asked me to be his queen in. The same room where Dace had kissed me for the first time. And somehow I hadn’t been right since. I only craved his kisses more and more.
“Will you stand by me as my future queen?” He turned to me before we could reach the formal priest at the foot of the throne, who came to crown him king under the gods.
“Where?” I smiled, though I knew many unpleasant Fae looked our way. Despite the way I’d come to accept my body for what it was, scars and all, I was thankful that the dressmaker had given this particular gown a nearly full back. Fabric covered most of the more gruesome looking scars.
“Just follow behind me, then stand next to the throne. I want to have you there. I don’t want to be alone.” Dace watched me as my gaze traveled over the crowd. I wondered if it would worsen the conviction of those who didn’t want Dace on the throne. He smirked, then added, “Let them stare. It’s good for them.”
He was right. Screw them. This was good for us. This was good for the court. This was what our hearts wanted and it no longer mattered what they thought; in the end, we would do it anyway.
“Okay.”
“Okay?” He laughed.
“Yes, okay. Now let’s go before I change my mind.” I squeezed his hand, holding back the bubble of laughter building in me from his expression.
“I thought I was going to have to talk you into that more. I had a big speech prepared.”
Dace walked through the parting crowd as I trailed along behind him. I watched him, only him. Because no one else mattered.
“You’ll have to share it with me later. I’m sure it’s lovely.”
The rumble of his gravelly tone deepened. “Oh, it is.”
The priest, dressed plainly in Twinity Court tones of blue and white and a small white cap, held Dace's father's twisted crown in his hand. He gave me a tense smile as I passed. The flowing gold of my gown played in the wind that I created as I walked. Fabric curled at my feet as I reached the throne and spun to face the crowd.
This time I didn’t see Fae who hated me. This time I didn’t grow sweaty under their gaze. Because I didn’t truly see them. All I saw was Dace, who looked at me from under his long lashes, his tongue darting out to moisten his parted lips before he winked and turned away.
Dace had teased at the thought of being king and accepting his role even though he wished he hadn’t been born into it. I had often thought that his overall apathetic attitude toward his noble blood would be his downfall in being king. Now, I saw it. It was because of that, that he would do well. He was spoiled and often entitled, yes. However, he wanted to do right by my people and his. He wanted their love, even if he didn’t admit it to himself. Dace would make a good king. He wouldn’t abuse his power or try to intimidate people because of the position, simply because he didn’t want the power or position.
Was it the unwrinkled plane of his back that told me all of this, I wondered, amused. In all of this mess, this one thing felt right. Standing by this throne, but not sitting in it. Supporting Dace as he stepped up to his responsibilities. The world was right. Even if it only lasted five minutes.
“Today we gather, not to mourn what our court has lost,” the priest began. A hush fell over the crowded room. “But to rejoice in the crowning of our beloved Prince Dace.”
