Page 75 of Happily Ever Witch
“I’m beautiful, but you’re still thinking insults about me.” He rumbled into her ear.
“How do you know what I’m thinking?”
“I’m watching your face in the mirror. Don’t ever play poker. We’ll lose our new kingdom within three hands.”
“Would that be such a terrible thing?” The news that she was now the Queen of Hearts continued to not thrill her. Sure, it was always nice to be anointed sovereign ruler of all you surveyed, but when it came to enchanted castles, location was everything.
“Wonderland isn’t prime real estate.” He allowed, as if reading her mind.
“Exactly! There’s still time to overthrow some other, less colorful, not-so-annoying realm.” That was doable, with a dragon on her team. They loved empire building. “One with fewer hogs, un-charcoaled walls, and better internet access.”
“Every great dynasty has to start somewhere, Ez.”
His teeth grazed her throat, careful not to damage her skin. Esmeralda tilted her head and allowed him better access to her neck. The dragon liked that. His touch grew bolder.
“Once we control all of Wonderland, do you think this damn tiara will finally come off my head?” She asked, slightly breathless. “Wearing the same accessory forever sounds awful.”
“According to Lyon N. Unicorn’s book, you’ll be able to remove the unified crown at will. We just need to kill our enemies and conquer the other three lands, first. No need to worry about a fortune in diamonds limiting your fashion choices, for long.”
Considering Trevelyan was Trevelyan, she took heart at that assurance. The man could kill anyone and conquer anything. “We have to get out of this damn palace.” She reminded him. “That’s the initial step to world domination.”
“I’m working on it.” His palms slid under the black silk nightgown she’d created just to torment him. The matching robe was trimmed in distinctive feathers. He glanced at her through his lashes. “Did you pluck these from my flying pig?”
“That little brat was chewing my favorite boots. I cast a costuming spell, as a warning.”
He smiled again.
She sniffed, feeling the need to defend herself. “They’re not actually his feathers. They justlooklike them. You’re going to have to teach your pet some manners, if you want to keep him in the house.”
“You’re the one giving lessons.” His hands traveled to her breasts, touching her through the silk. “I trust you’ll keep us both in line.”
Esmeralda watched him caress her body in the mirror and bit back a moan. The sight of his palms on her increased the eroticism. Her head fell back against his shoulder, surrendering to the dragon.
He made a contented sound, scenting her building desire. “That’s my Good little witch.” He murmured. “I’ll take care of you.”
He would never take care of her. Not the way she dreamed of. Not without a lot more training. “I’m awickedwitch.”
“Compared to me, you’re a literal angel.” His fingers skimmed over her nipples. “That’s alright, though. I like you, anyway.”
His touch was absolutely magical.
Magic.Shit.Force field.Marrok.
Esmeralda tried to stay on topic. “Ireallyneed to get out of the Heart Castle, Trev.” She’d been trying to come up with a plan all day and she was still stuck on the very first step: Escape.
“My powers are healing. Not as fast as I’d like, but I can cast some spells, if I push hard enough.”
“Don’t push or you’ll hurt yourself.” She reiterated. She wanted out of their pink-and-red cage, but not at the expense of Trevelyan. “Is that why you look so tired? What spell are you casting that’s so important?”
“Not one that will open the force field, I’m afraid. But, I’ll be able to rip through it soon. I’m sure of it.”
“The sooner the better.” Once she was free of the Heart Castle, she could save Marrok and everyone would be happy. …Except Trevelyan. He didn’t know about her intention to go looking for the wolf, yet. He would be pissed about the whole idea.
That thought doused her dazed pleasure like a bucket of witch-melting water. Esmeralda had no issue with fibs, obfuscations, and outright deceits about most things, but any lies regarding Marrok seemed like a betrayal. Or at least that’s how Trevelyan would see it. Betraying her True Love felt wrong and not in a fun way. Just…wrong.
The dragon sensed her guilty flinch and raised his head. Green eyes locked onto hers in the mirror, seeing her discomfort. His head canted to one side, suspicion dawning on his face. “Tell me something true, Ez.”
She bit down on her lower lip. “You won’t like it.”
