Page 52 of Splintered Shadow
“You have no reason to be nervous,” he said. “I have seen you naked and find your form pleasing.”
She closed her eyes and gave a slow shake. “Honestly, Vekele, I don’t know how you manage to be sweet and rude at the same time.”
“Innate talent.” No one had ever accused him of being sweet before. Rude, yes. Often. But never sweet. He liked it.
“Ah, that must be it,” she said, amusement in her voice. Her shoulders relaxed, and her hands fell away from the guarded position. Somehow, his words put her at ease.
The red ribbon tied them together. He did not wish to remove it yet.
“So, we’re married,” she said.
“Yes.”
“That was legally binding?”
“In three days, we will sign a certificate, but that is a formality, mainly for the media. This,” he said, giving the ribbon a gentle tug, “is done.”
“Media? You mean a press conference with questions?”
“Yes. The press office will provide a list of acceptable questions to the press and give us the acceptable answers.”
She chewed on her bottom lip. “Why not just issue a press release?”
“People will want to see their lovely princess.”
She huffed in amusement. He adored the sound. “I doubt that.”
Truthfully, he did not want to share his mate with the media or anyone. She was for him and him alone.
“Can I ask you something?” Her voice sounded unsure. He disliked her lack of confidence. His princess should never doubt herself or her importance to him.
“Ask.”
“Can we be honest with each other? Whatever happens—in bed, in public—we’re honest. I don’t want lies or misunderstandings.”
“I have always been honest with you and will continue to do so.” It was an easy promise to make. “Now let me admire my princess,” he said.
Vekele circled her as much as the ribbon allowed, admiring her from all sides. She did not wear the typical court gown, although she had looked attractive with the fitted waistcoats and high collars. This gown had no such collar. It looked unfinished; the bodice plunged to expose the swell of her breasts. Her arms were bare, exposing the royal mark inked into her skin, although bare arms were the fashion for the summer heat. The black silk suited her. The hidden red panels in the skirt that flashed as she moved suited her even better.
He could not wait to see how the gown looked discarded on the floor.
The moonlight cast a soft glow on her hair. Stray wisps framed her face, a quickfire color that shifted and vanished in the light. Hair pins studded with crystals sparkled.
“What?” she asked.
“I want to remember this moment,” he said, standing at her side. He reached for a pin, releasing a lock of hair. Heavily powdered in the current style, the gray failed to mask the red. One by one, the pins came out and dusted red locks tumbled down her back.
She was too lovely to bear.
His hand rested on the back of her neck, and he dipped his head down to hers.
Their foreheads pressed together. He listened to her breathing, quick and nervous. Her body was tense. It was entirely unacceptable.
“This is a gesture of affection,” he said.
“Oh,” she said, sounding surprised. Then, “You’ve done this before. After Ghost arrived.”
“I was frightened. I was relieved that you were unharmed,” he said.
