Page 43 of The Kraken's Queen

I don’t let her finish. In an instant, I wrap my tentacles around her and pull her forward until our bodies collide. My lips find hers in a moment of pure need and passion. This isn’t like the sweet kiss we shared the other night, alone at Atina’s house. No, this is a kiss of true need.

Erin moans softly, arching her body against me. I feel every soft curve and dip of her body. My hands are desperate to touch her, but I keep them firmly on her hips. There’ll be time for that later—hopefully.

Loud cheers from the crowd remind me that I’m not alone with my new wife, and I reluctantly pull away from her. Erin lets out a cute whine as she tries to pull me back. A weaker man would have given in to her demand, and I wanted nothing else than to be a weak man at that moment. But I fear if I start kissing her again, I won’t be able to stop.

Instead, I place a gentle, lingering kiss on her forehead. “My queen.”

At last.

“People of Tetria, I present King Allarick and his wife, Queen Erin!” The spiritual advisor’s words are met by a chorus of cheers. Erin giggles, and my heart swells to see the happiness on her face.

“We will spend the day celebrating our king and queen. Let the festivities begin!” he says and unbinds our hands. He places the golden rope back into his robes.

“Festivities? What festivities?” Erin asks as the crowd of people starts to disperse, eager to celebrate.

“Drinking, mostly,” I joke. “It’s a day of celebrations. A feast, games, and dancing.” And a lot of drunken sex, but I wisely keep that part of the tradition to myself.

“Oh. That sounds…like a lot.” Erin’s giggle gives way to her nerves. “When was the last royal wedding?”

“My parents. That was long ago, but I was told it was beautiful. My mom wore that very same dress.”

Erin smooths down the skirt of her dress. “I bet she was a stunning bride.”

“You, sweet girl, are a stunning bride.” And she’s mine. Ender brought us together because he knows something we don’t. The Guardian is mysterious in many ways, but I can’t bring myself to distrust him completely. Not when he brought me Erin.

“You don’t look too bad yourself, Husband.” Erin purrs the word “husband.” It goes straight to my cock, and I’m once again tempted to sweep her away to find privacy. The carnal need to fuck out every last memory of James is strong. I want her to come with my name on her lips, loved as a woman like her should be loved and cherished.

Erin brings her hand to my chest, tracing thebioluminescent markings covering half of my body. “What are these?”

“Ceremonial markings. They tell a story of our past and the hope for our future. It also signifies that I’ve reached the highest honors of soul-binding to my mate. That my purpose is to serve my wife.”

“Serve your wife, you say? Hmm, I think I can get used to that.” Erin smiles, her hand lingering on my chest. Electricity sparks between us, sending jolts through my body.

“I will serve you well, Erin. Whenever you want. In every way you want.”

Erin bites her lip, and I desperately wish I could catch a glimpse of her thoughts. I feel her lust and need, but what is she thinking?

A moment passes between us, and then Erin clears her throat, pulling her hand away. I try not to convey my disappointment. “Should we celebrate with our people? Maybe get something to drink, and then we could dance?” she suggests.

“Yes, but first I want to show you something.” I take her hand. “I think you’re going to like this.”

“Well,” she laughs. “Color me curious.”

Chapter 25

Allarick

The music room is empty, as I thought it would be. Most people are in the grand ballroom or simply celebrating our union in the streets. I lead Erin into the room but pause right outside. “No one comes in. See to it that we aren’t disturbed,” I command the guards on duty outside the room.

“Yes, my king,” they say in unison, taking up their positions.

I nod and follow Erin in, letting the double doors close behind us. “You brought me to the music room?” She smiles, immediately gravitating toward the piano. She plays it almost daily and always draws a crowd. I hope the party raging outside is enough of a deterrent to keep people away.

“I did, but for good reasons. It’s custom to exchange presents on our wedding day,” I say.

Erin’s face instantly pales. “I…I didn’t know that. I’m so sorry, Allarick, but I don’t have anything for you.” She sounds truly apologetic, and I don’t want her to spiral into self-doubt again. She doesn’t need to give me anything more than simply her trust.

“I didn’t tell you that to make you feel bad, sweet girl. You have already given me a gift that will strengthen our people. I’ll never be able to repay you, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try.”

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