Page 56 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2
"Perhaps not. But I don't imagine the feasts are the only thing the two of you want to change." He gives us both a shrewd look that says he's got our measure, and won't believe us if we deny the statement. "Just do your best to make yourselves likeable. The more popular you are, the less we have to worry about assassinations from outside the family."
"But inside it?" I ask, my mind straying to Marcus. He doesn't seem like the kind who would even think about assassinating us, especially when he needs us for the succession.
"It is never something that can be ruled out, particularly if you're going against the prevalent opinions of someone higher up."
Understanding dawns on me. It's not Marcus he's worried about, it's the King.
"Should we worry about you having one of us assassinated?" Linc asks Lord Fallmartin, looking him straight in the eyes.
"Why should I do that?" he answers. "If Beatrice is dead, I have no access to you or your royal power. If you're dead, Beatrice is no longer part of the royal family. The only way I would have either of you killed is if you proved to be a liability to House Rothorne."
It isn't a surprise where his line is drawn, and it should be fairly easy to make sure we don't cross it. Especially if he isn't going to stand in our way when it comes to the changes we want to make at court.
Though there's a lot he isn't saying, it's just that without knowing him better, I'm not going to be able to tell exactly what he's thinking. Or where his true loyalties lie.
NINE
A strange silence has fallen over the House Rothorne apartments and I come to a stop outside my room, turning to Linc.
He smiles at me and steps forward. "I guess this is where I say goodnight."
I nod. "Are you free tomorrow? We should talk about...that." I wave in the direction of Lord Fallmartin's study.
He chuckles. "There's a lot to talk about. But yes, I can meet you in the library after your tutor has been, if that works for you?"
"Yes." I close the gap between us and wrap my arms around his neck. "I hate that we have to say goodnight."
"It's not for much longer," he promises. "Soon, we won't have to say it at all."
A warm feeling spreads through me at the realisation of just how close our wedding actually is. I never thought I'd be excited about something I had no say in, but there's no doubt that I am.
I lean in and press my lips against his, kissing him deeply. His arms tighten around my waist, making me aware of how close we are and that there are certain things I want that we've yet to explore.
"You don't have to go," I murmur against his lips.
"Is that so?" There's amusement in his voice, but he doesn't pull away from me.
"I have a perfectly good room just here." I take his hand and step backwards, pulling him towards my bed-chamber. "And it's been three days since I started drinking the tea Agnes sent."
He swallows hard. "Beatrice..."
"We don't have to if you don't want," I say quickly, worrying about what his slight resistance might mean.
He makes a sound that's almost like a growl and steps closer, crushing me to him and kissing me so deeply I can't even think straight. Every nerve in my body responds, and I want more of him, more of this.
And this time, I can have more. All we have to do is get inside my room.
I break the kiss and grab hold of his hand, pulling him into my room. There's no resistance this time, and he comes willingly.
Pip raises her head as we enter but puts it right back down again, curling up in her bed and ignoring us. I'm just glad she's not on my bed right now. And that she's too tired from our walk to pay us any attention.
"Help me with my dress," I say to Linc, turning around so he can undo the laces. He's gotten much better at doing it, and his fingers dance against my back as he pulls them away from the fabric. The shoulders of my gown slip away, and he pushes it to the floor, leaving me in my underskirts.
He leans in and kisses my neck, sending bolts of desire through me. I turn around, not caring that I'm still wearing something, it won't get in my way for much longer. I wrap my arms around Linc's neck and kiss him deeply, each moment driving my need higher. I let out a small gasp as his fangs graze my bottom lip. I want him to bite me, the urge is as deep as when I want to bite him, it's just a bit different.
I'm barely aware of what I'm doing as I start undressing him, but he doesn't let me finish, pushing me down onto the bed when he's left in his shirt. He meets my gaze, and I can see all kinds of things in his eyes. It's not just desire, it's more than that, and we both know it.
His lips meet mine as his hand trails down my body. Even through the fabric I'm still wearing, I can feel the heat of his touch. I arch into him, hoping he has plans that go further.
