Page 45 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“Explain.” Luka settled in close to me, his leg brushing against my exposed thigh. I ignored the spark that nipped at my skin from the contact.

“Blood Court parties are meant to be an opportunity to let loose. Experience your darkest inhibitions free without judgments. Couples will come here together only to spend the whole night with another and leave together at the end of the night.”

“So this party is essentially a high-class sex club?”

Luka chuckled. “Call it what you want.” He swiped a bottle of wine off a passing tray.

“I’m not judging. I’m trying to wrap my head around the concept.” He held his hand out to me and I passed him my empty glass.

“So—” I asked hesitantly as I took my refilled glass from him. “Do you typically partake in these parties?”

He pushed the hair back from his face. “Yes and no.”

A knot formed in my stomach at his non-answer.

“I never came here seeking out pleasure—but if pleasure sought out me I didn’t typically say no.”

I cursed the goddess-forsaken knot in my stomach for tightening at the thought of him here with another even before I had met him. If I hadn’t come here with him tonight, would he have turned someone away if they approached him? Even if he was technically engaged to me? He said there was no judgment for couples who sought out others at these parties—did that include royally engaged couples?

“I know what you’re thinking—and no.” With a single finger on my cheek, he turned me so I looked at him. “I may be trying to find you a way out of this marriage, Lennox, but you are mine and I am yours. You don’t need to worry about me straying—no matter the circumstance.” My heart squeezed. My stupid fucking heart. I knew by the look in his eyes he meant it. Luka always meant what he said. He opened his mouth—I thought he might say more, but instead, he let go of my face, shifting back to his seat. The place where his finger was, left a brand on my skin.

We sat in silence for a while—each of us watching the events taking place before us.

“Why did I have to be here if we are going to sit in the corner and watch everyone else?”

Luka’s brows rose. “Are you saying you want to do more than sit in a corner?”

I choked on the wine. “No—I mean. You said we were expected here. We’re not talking to anyone and I doubt anyone is paying us any attention so why are we here?” Luka chuckled.

“The duke knows we are here, he will call for us later. He’s probably giving us some time to enjoy the party first.”

“What do youmean enjoy?”

A smile crept up his face. “I think you know.”

“We’re not doing that.” Although the idea of letting Luka touch me didn’t repel me at all. It sent a small spark through my body instead.

“You said you didn’t think anyone was paying us any attention, there’s a way we can change that.”

“No.”

He laughed again. “You make it too easy to rile you up.”

My cheeks heated as I silently cursed myself. I hated how easily he could get under my skin.

“You know I’d never make you do anything you didn’t want to do.” I eased slightly. I did know that.

“But I will warn you, if anyone pays us a visit you might have to sit a little closer to me. You’re making it hard to believe we’re happy together.”

I grumbled in acceptance as I took another sip of my drink.

“Why are we here anyway?” Attending a ball together was one thing—but this party—I had a hard time wrapping my mind around why we were expected to be here. Especially if no one was paying us any attention as they were wrapped up in their ownexperience.

“You’ll see soon enough.”

“Luka,” I said, my tone sharp.

“Can you trust me, please?” He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “The duke is in charge of the city watch. My grandfather claims there haven’t been any Vanir attacks on the city since I’ve been back, but I don’t exactly believe him. I wanted to see if I could get an answer straight from the source.”

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