Page 78 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“You look stunning.” I murmured.

“You don’t look too bad yourself.” My own attire matched her gown, the red accents of my black suit making us appear as the engaged couple we were. Her eyes roamed up and down my body, as I stood in the doorway.Fuck,I loved having her gaze on me. It sent fire straight to my veins and blood rushing to my cock.

“Are you ready,my queen?” I offered her my arm. If we were left alone much longer with her looking like that I wasn’t sure what I might do.

“As ready as I can be.” She laced her arm through mine and followed as I led her through the palace towards the ballroom.

“Now, this ball, is it an actual ball? Or is it a ball like the one at the duke’s manor?” A smirk formed on her lips.

“I hate to disappoint you, but this is a more typical ball. Any acts of lust will occur out of the sight of others.”

A slight blush rushed to her cheeks. I hoped it was the thought of what had occurred between us at the last ball that caused it. “What a shame,” she admitted.

I stumbled slightly, as the memory of her on my lap made its way to the forefront of my mind. Of how smooth her skin felt under my fingertips. Of how sweet those little breathy sounds were that slipped from her lips.

I cleared my throat. Now was not the time for such thoughts.

“Here we are,” I announced as we approached the doors leading to the ballroom. “Are you ready for your official welcome to the Blood Court? You’re about to be the envy of many.” I said, trying to direct the conversation in a directionthat wouldn’t make my cock strain against my pants any more than it already was.

“You think that highly of yourself?” Lennox asked.

“No, it’s—be careful. The engagement will be a surprise to many.”

She pressed a finger to my chest. “They will be upset their prized stallion has been taken off the market?”

“You could say that,” I mused. I had never been one to keep to myself—especially after my parents died. I hated being alone. I sought company wherever I could find it and oftentimes it was found in the warm body of another.

“The people of my court like to fight over my attention. I assume the same will still occur tonight, particularly to see your reaction.”

“My reaction?” Her brows furrowed and I stifled a laugh.

“They will expect you to be jealous of their vying for my attention. Or maybe not even jealous, they’ll want to see what kind of reaction they can get out of you.”

Her eyes stayed focused on the door, but her grip on my arm tightened. “What kind of reaction should be expected of me?”

“It’s up to you.” I took a deep breath. “It’s not a secret our marriage is due to a political alliance. The court will be trying to see if you and I are—” I didn’t get time to finish before the doors opened and we were blinded by the bright lights of the ballroom. Our voices muffled by the sound of chattering voices.

Lennox’s hand on my bicep squeezed harder as I led her into the room.

“Your Royal Majesty, King Arlo Rossi would like to formally announce his grandson, Prince Luka Rossi’s engagement to our Royal Majesty, High Queen Lennox Adair!”

We stepped into the ballroom as a round of cheers broke out at the announcement.

“They are to be married in the first moon cycle of the new year in Alethens.”

Lennox stiffened at announcement, her steps faltered as herhand squeezed my arm even harder, her nails biting into my skin through my jacket.

I placed my hand on top of hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze before leaning in to whisper in her ear, “We knew this was coming, don’t let them see you falter.”

She dipped her chin and straightened her shoulders. “It’s only me and you, Lennox.” I brushed my lips over her temple, causing her eyes to flutter closed. “Just me and you.”

She took a deep breath and opened her eyes. I expected her to look around the room, but instead, her gaze fixed on me.

Every pair of eyes in the room was fixed on our interaction, but all I could see was her.

“You ready?” I asked.

“Sure.”

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