Page 140 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“It’s a big palace, which made ignoring me pretty easy.” It was a cheap shot, but I needed it. I needed to let it out or I’d keep holding it in. And holding in my emotions never ended well.

“I wasn’t trying to ignore you, Lennox.”

I shrugged, turning my attention back to the party.

“I told you I needed time. I’ve been gracious in giving you all the time you need, can’t you have the decency of giving me the time I need?” That was the thing about Luka, if I took a shot at him he’d shoot right back if need be.

“You’re right, I—I missed you this week,” I admitted.

He smiled slightly. “You did?”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t let it get to your head too quickly.”

He shook his head, causing a lock of dark hair to fall across his face. My fingers itched to brush it away.

“I missed you too,” he admitted softly.

“I’m sorry for how I acted.” I let the words slip out before I lost my nerve. But I needed to say them before we were married. Before we were bound together. “You deserve more than my anger,” I continued. “And you were right—I was using you as a distraction without realizing it.”

“I think you do a lot of things without realizing it.”

“Luka, I?—”

“There’s my favorite couple!” Caterina interrupted. Her arms were spread wide, inviting us both in for a hug. I wrapped my arms around Caterina, watching Luka embrace Endora from over my aunt’s shoulder. Caterina let me go and braced her hands on my shoulders. “How are you feeling dear?”

My eyes glanced toward Luka who was engaged in conversation with Endora. “I’m okay.” She gave me a small smile.

“I know this isn’t what you ever wanted or planned, but I’m proud of you Lennox. You stepped into the role of High Queen so beautifully. I mean look at how you handled this situation. We are lucky to have you as our High Queen.”

“Thank you.” Her words landed peacefully on my soul, continuing to soothe the ache that had taken place since the crown was placed on my head.

“Luka is a good male, I have confidence he will treat you well, despite the circumstances that brought you here.”

“I know.” My gaze slid towards Luka again.

“Your parents would be so proud of you.” I sucked in a breath. “You know they’re watching you.” I blinked back the tears in my eyes.

“I love you.”

“Oh, my dear.” Caterina pinched her lips together and pulled me in for another hug. “I love you too. Until the stars turn to dust my sweet Lennox.”

55

LENNOX

I’m getting married tomorrow.

I sat on the chaise lounge on the balcony of my bedroom, staring out at the garden and the starry sky.

Dinner had ended a while ago, Caterina walked me to my room and bid me goodnight. I had wanted to continue my conversation with Luka, but he was engaged in a conversation with Lorenzo and Arlo and I had no desire to interrupt them and get myself roped into a conversation. Now, I was trying to work up the courage to go to his room and finish our conversation. Part of me hoped he’d show up on his balcony, save me a trip, force me into a conversation like he was so good at doing.

Instead, I was sitting alone, the night before my wedding, questioning everything.

I couldn’t say I had thought too much about my wedding day, but the events planned for tomorrow were not what I had ever thought my wedding might look like.

Hundreds of people would gather tomorrow for the ceremony to see the High Queen marry the vampire prince. The party afterward would carry on through the night.

I would be forced to talk and mingle with people I had nevermet before. Spending my wedding celebrations talking and catering to others’ feelings and wishes.

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