Page 68 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2
I drink from him, aware of the number of people watching us and not wanting to get too carried away. I'm sure we can do our own version of this later that's a lot more focused on what we want from one another. I step back, and meet Linc's gaze, smiling slightly.
"You have blood on your lips," he murmurs, stepping forward and swiping it away.
"Thank you."
The King clears his throat, reminding us that we're still supposed to be taking part in the wedding ceremony. "What the moon has made cannot be undone. You may go forth from this place, united as one," he announces with a nod to the two of us.
Some of the guests already start peeling away to head inside for the ball, chattering away amongst themselves and giving us an element of privacy as a result.
The King walks off to speak with Lord Fallmartin, leaving the two of us alone at the wedding stones.
"I don't think I'm used to how quickly vampire weddings are over," I say as I watch people leave.
Linc chuckles. "That's because it isn't over. We've got the ball inside."
"Oh, I suppose I hadn't thought of that as part of the wedding."
"I have," he murmurs. "Mostly when I think about dancing with my wife."
My stomach flips as he says it. "I'm your wife."
"Mmmhmm." He steps closer and pulls me into his arms. "I love you, Beatrice."
"I love you too, Lincoln," I respond, not even needing to think about it.
He leans in and my eyes close as his lips brush against mine. I lose myself in how good it feels to have his arms around me. I wish we weren't in the middle of a clearing with other people milling around, but I know it's only a matter of time before we're alone.
And when morning comes, I won't have to leave.
SIXTEEN
Linc leads me into the ball, and I can feel a hint of excitement building over the fact I don't have to enter alone. More than that, I'm entering on the arm of someone I love.
"Announcing the arrival of Prince Lincoln and Princess Beatrice of House Soveguine," a footman calls.
I tense hearing the name.
"Are you all right?" Linc asks, concern written all over his face.
"It's the first time I've heard Princess Beatrice," I respond. "It's strange."
He chuckles. "It's a side effect of marrying a prince, I'm afraid."
"I'm sure I'll get used to it." Eventually, and partly because I have to. Because he's right, it is part of the territory when it comes to marrying into royalty.
The various guests are already enjoying the refreshments, but no one is dancing yet. I imagine that they're waiting for the two of us to start this part of the festivities.
"Are you hungry?" Linc asks.
I shake my head. "I don't think I'll be able to eat until later."
"We can always have something brought to our rooms tonight."
"Our rooms?" I echo. "I hadn't thought of them like that."
"Well, they are. Especially if you don't really want to make use of your private bed-chamber."
"Certainly not tonight."
