Page 47 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

I ushered Lennox along, following Caspian and his companions to an empty table in the center of the room. The duke andhis companions slid into the bench seat, Caspian in the middle with each of his companions on either side of him, leaving Lennox and I to sit in the chairs across from them. Lennox aimed for the chair next to mine, but I pulled her into my lap instead, causing a small squeak to leave her mouth.

“Play along,” I whispered into her hair. She dipped her chin, understanding flashing in her eyes as she quickly relaxed into me, her legs falling between mine as she faced the duke.

I banded my arm around Lennox’s waist as the barkeep approached with a tray full of drinks.

“Your usual, My Lord.”

“Thank you.” Caspian dipped his chin to the barkeep as he placed glasses in front of each of us. “This liquor is the finest in Cel Nox, my family made its fortune from this liquor. If you’d like something else, Your Majesty, Gael can fetch it for you, but I ask you do try this first.”

Lennox took the glass of amber liquid in her hands. “He’s not exaggerating, this is what I keep in my rooms at the palace,” I confirmed.

She brought the glass to her lips, my gaze fixed on her neck as she swallowed, wanting nothing more than to pierce the skin with my fangs.

“So? What do you think?” Caspian’s voice brought me back to the present.

Lennox smiled softly. “I think if I drink too much of this, I’d find myself drunk quickly.”

Laughter rang out around the table. “You’d be right about that,” Caspian remarked. The female at Caspians side ran her hand up and down his arm, catching Caspian’s attention.

“Where are my manners?” He looked back at Lennox and me. “I forgot to introduce you to my?—”

“Lovers?” The female finished for him.

“Hmmm,” Caspian said, “is that what you’re calling yourself tonight, love?”

The female smiled coyly as her hand traveled down theduke’s body. Whether this female was his companion for tonight or more, I didn’t know, but they appeared to be fond of one another.

Caspian shifted and cleared his throat. “This is Jasellia,” gestured to the female, “and this is Thiago.”

I nodded toward the two, keeping my focus on Caspian as their hands roamed over the dukes body. Caspain’s eyes fell closed. Lennox stiffened as he let out a low groan as Jasellia’s hand roamed beneath the table.

“So, Caspian, the city has been quiet lately, how have you been spending your time with nothing to do?”

He let out a deep chuckle. “Who told you that?”

“Lorenzo, of course.”

Thaigo disappeared beneath the table. “No offense to you, but your uncle knows shit about what goes on in this city outside the palace walls. The city has been running amok with degenerates, this is the first night I’ve taken to myself in weeks.” So my grandfather had been lying to me, was it the Vanir who were running amongst the city?

“Which is why I’d prefer not to discuss this now.”

“If you’d like, we can leave you alone to enjoy your night off.” I already knew Caspian’s answer, but for Lennox’s sake, I asked anyway as Jasellia shifted closer, trailing his mouth down the other side of Caspian’s neck. I wanted more information, but he wasn’t as loose-lipped yet as I needed him to be.

“No need,” Caspian slipped his hand up Jasellia’s dress as he looked at Lennox and me out of the corner of his eye. “You know I like to watch.” Lennox stiffened in my lap as Caspian winked before turning back to his companions orlovers, or whatever they were.

"He likes to watch?” Lennox hissed through her teeth, her body going tense under my touch.

“He likes to watch,” I confirmed.

She swallowed. “I see.”

“Relax. I’m only going to make it look like I’mtouching you. Tell me if you want me to stop or if I’m making you uncomfortable. If we stay a little long I might be able to get more out of him.”

Her chest heaved as she watched the duke and hisfriends.

“Does watching them arouse you, Sweetheart?”

She took another deep breath, causing her breasts to strain against the thin fabric of her gown. “Maybe.”

---