Page 79 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

I tore my gaze from hers and led her through the throng of people. The crowd was hushed, they murmured to one another as we passed.

When we made it to the throne, I helped Lennox to her seat. Every time I saw Lennox on a throne I got the overwhelming sense she belonged there. Even on the dark obsidian throne of the Blood Court, she looked like she belonged.

A servant came and passed us each a glass of sparkling wine. “You were right about this party being different than the duke’s. Much milder.” She sipped from her glass.

“If you want to sit on my lap, all you have to do is ask, Sweetheart.”

Her cheeks flushed. “That would surely make all your former suitors jealous.”

“Why don’t we try and see.”

A smirk pulled at the corner of her lips. “Nice try. It will take a lot more than that to get me on your lap again.”

“Are you sure about that, Sweetheart? It was pretty easy the other night.”

She shot daggers at me with her eyes, her empty hand fisted on the throne, her nails digging into the stone. I had no doubt ifwe were alone she would have kicked me for making such a comment.

“That was different.” She gritted her teeth.

I leaned over closer. “Was it though?”

“I’m done with this conversation.” She turned her attention back to the crowd.

“Suit yourself.” My chest felt lighter than it did before. These conversations with Lennox were natural. These conversations I could participate in and not worry about the consequences of my words.

We sat up on our thrones surveying the ball as it continued around us. People came up and congratulated us on our marriage in which we thanked them with tight smiles plastered on our faces.

After a while, we were called to the dance floor.

“Our first dance as an engaged couple.” I held out my hand for Lennox. She placed her hand in mine and let me guide her from the throne to the dance floor. I placed my hands on her hips, a slight gasp leaving her lips as I pulled her towards me.

She looped her arms around my neck and I shivered at the feeling of her fingertips grazing the skin at the base of my neck.

“Do you remember the last time we danced at a ball?”

“I do.” She swallowed. “That was quite a night.”

“That was the night I realized I had feelings for you,” I admitted.

Her gaze jumped to mine, her brows furrowing slightly in an adorable way.

“You took my breath away when you walked down those stairs. And when I had to watch you dance with the other male—” I had never been so jealous. “I vowed that day I’d never see another male’s hands on you.”

“Luka—”

“You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know.”

She opened her mouth but was interrupted as a petite, dark-haired female approached.

“Prince Luka.” She beamed. Lennox and I stepped apart, allowing Dahna room to skate her hands down my arm. “It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. Where have you been hiding?” Lennox stiffened as she raked her eyes over Dahna.

“I haven’t been hiding anywhere. I’ve been previously occupied, that's all.” I snaked my arm around Lennox’s waist, pulling her to my side.

“I’m sure you heard about my engagement. Dahna, this is my soon-to-be wife, High Queen Lennox Adair.”

Dahna looked at Lennox for the first time, who had a tight-lipped smile plastered on her face.

“Yes.” Disdain leached into Dahna’s voice. “We were all surprised to hear about your engagement.”

---