Page 65 of The Kingdom of Eternal Ice
“What are you plotting now, Prince Endellion?” she smiles.
“I thought at such a magical place during such a magical night, I ought to ask the princess for a dance,” I say before I can filter my words.
Azadeh looks surprised at first, but then her gaze softens, and she nods, letting me tug her closer. She rests her free hand on my arm while I gently guide her over the field. I can’t believe that I’m doing this. It’s like I jumped out of one of Kilah’s cheesy romance novels she likes to collect and read. She has a favorite author in one of the neighbor packs, and he always sends her the first draft of his work. The last one was about a prince and a princess meeting and finding each other against all odds.
I found it stupid at first. But now, here I am, falling for the woman who isn’t my mate, and realizing that neither my wolf nor I mind it. I want her! I take a deep breath, taking in Azadeh’s scent. She smells of ginger, lemon and cherries, her scent engulfing me fully.
She is mine, Caspian growls possessively.
Where did that come from?
It’s like smelling her up so close has made him even more determined to take her as our chosen mate.
*AZADEH*
I need to stop my face from flaming up whenever I see Endellion. I don’t know what came over me to dance with him through this moon flower meadow. It’s just been such a surreal and ethereal moment.
I felt myself being swept along, which was probably a mistake, but I couldn’t help it. Every time I’m in Endellion’s presence, I find myself letting my guard down.
To distract myself, I arrange to meet with Flinn to do some research, again. “You look awful,” he tells me with a grin. “Sleep-deprived.”
“Right back to you,” I retort.
“What can I say?” he stretches. “I partied hard. One day, you have to come with me for a few drinks. I promise, my friends and I aren’t meeting in some shady taverns.”
“There is no way I will go out with you,” I grin.
“Oh, Aza, don’t be so boring,” he exclaims.
“Don’t be an idiot,” I say, moving aside when he tosses a paper ball at me.
“Man,” he pouts. “You learn too fast.”
“Being with you is like being with my brother,” I deadpan. “He is also obnoxious.”
“Oh, a mysterious brother,” he raises his head in interest. “You don’t talk much about your family.”
“That’s because I don’t have much to talk about,” I admit. “But Kiyan is different. He is my father's firstborn and heir, and he has always been nice to me.”
“Why doesn’t he write to you, then?” Flinn frowns. “If you were my little sister, and our father sold you off, I would be fuming and bombarding you with letters.”
“I believe Kiyan didn’t know,” I explain. “He was away on a mission when Father sent me away.” I pause, allowing my thoughts to wander towards my brother. During my time here, Simin and I wrote two or three letters to him, but we never received a response. I wonder why. Kiyan always tried to protect me. Is he cross with me for whatever reason? Or… a sinking feeling settles in my stomach. Did he get hurt?
“I’m sorry for reminding you of things you didn’t want to think of,” Flinn says.
“You didn’t,” I assure him. “I love Kiyan.”
“Is he hot?” Flinn asks with a grin.
“How would I know?” I frown, grimacing slightly.
He rolls his eyes. “Don’t be such a prude.”
“I’m not being a prude,” I argue. “How would you feel if someone lusts after Alana?”
“Everyone admires her,” he shrugs.
“Fine, then how about someone trying to hook up with Kilah or Eibhlin?”
