Page 145 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

Married.

Holy fucking shit I’m married.

I buried my head in Luka’s shoulder as he continued to spin us around as our friends and family cheered.

When he finally put me down the world still spun around me, but I fixed my gaze on Luka. His smile cracked my chest clear apart.

I no longer cared if my heart was in shattered pieces because I had Luka. Whatever state my heart was in it still had the capability to be loved by him and to care about him so deeply. It was terrifying what my fragmented heart could still feel.

“What are you thinking?” Luka stroked a finger down my cheek.

“I’m thinking I’m happy. And I can’t believe we’re married.” A laugh slipped out of my mouth.

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“I think it’s a good thing.” He draped his arm around my shoulder, placing a kiss on the crown of my head.

“I think it’s a good thing too.”

A while later we found ourselves in one of the formal sitting rooms for a makeshift wedding reception.

Kara and Luciana had scoured the kitchen for some food—coming up with some chocolates and cakes for tomorrow they hoped no one would notice were missing. Meanwhile, Nico arrived with his arms full of sparkling wine, but with no glasses, forcing us to pass them around and sip from the bottle.

After toasting us, Caterina and Endora bid us goodnight—allowing us “younglings” to celebrate to our heart’s desire.

That had been hours ago.

The deserts had been devoured, only half-eaten cakes and crumbs remained next to too many empty bottles.

“Wait!” Kara wobbled slightly as she stood, a half-empty wine bottle in hand. “Luka and Lennox you need to dance.”

I scoffed from where I rested against Luka with his arm around my shoulders. “I don’t think so.”

“Why not?” Luka played with the ends of my hair. “It is our wedding night. I think a dance is called for.”

“There’s no music,” I protested.

“I’m on it.” With the snap of Luce’s fingers, soft music filled the room.

Before I could argue further, Luka was standing and offering me his hand. “May I have this dance,wife?”

I shook my head, smiling slightly. “I don’t have much choice do I?’ I put my hand in his, allowing him to pull me to standing.

“You always have a choice with me, remember?” His hand moved to rest on the small of my back. I looped my arms around his neck, meeting his smile with one of my own.

He pulled me closer, there wasn’t an inch of space between us as we gently swayed to the music. I wrapped my arms tighter around his neck and placed my head on his chest, closing my eyes as I listened to the beat of his heart.

Tomorrow our dance would be watched by prying eyes. Wewould dance the formal dances, I would have to make sure to remember each step as we moved around the crowded dance floor. But this moment—this dance—this was perfect. This quiet moment with our friends was just for us.

I will forever be grateful for Luka giving me tonight. For giving me the opportunity I thought I had lost.

The soft music faded, I moved my head so I could look at Luka. A smile broke out on his face as the music changed—the soft instrumentals switching to an upbeat tune.

Before I knew what was happening he was spinning me around, leading me in a series of swirls and twirls as I smiled and laughed before he dipped me dramatically and kissed me. I met his lips greedily as I clung to him.

When we finally parted I was panting—my heart beating fast in my chest.

“I’m ready to go back to our room now.”

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