Page 1093 of One More Kiss

“Edan!” I tugged his hair and pulled him closer, moving in such a way I didn’t know possible, only rocking against the pleasure… Hell, I didn’t know anything…

Holy. Mother. Of. All. Goddesses!

An explosion crashed through me, and I cried out, wrapping my thighs around his head and pulling him closer, deeper. Bright lights appeared behind my eyes, as wave after wave of ecstasy pushed me higher into oblivion.

Once I could catch my breath, I let go of him, and his gaze was one of hunger and desire. “That, my darling Tatiana, is only a taste of what’s to come.”

Holy shit! I was well and truly spent. My body was more relaxed than it had ever been…

“Okay.” Really? But I was at a loss for words.

He chuckled and pushed up on his elbows to kiss me once more. “Now rest, my love. I’ll wake you for dinner.”

I bobbed my head, still practically mute from the most amazing experience of my life, and watched him walk out of my chambers, closing the door behind him.

Welp, that was one way to calm me down. Damn.

* * *

I awoketo a rather loud knock on my chamber door. Stretching from a peaceful sleep, I rose from the bed to answer. “Coming.”

Farina was standing on the other side, her wide brown eyes appearing fearful. “My Lady, I’ve only just come from town. The people are demanding…” She covered her mouth with her hands. “Please, come with me to the main dining hall. Prince Edan and King Fredrick await your presence.”

Thankfully, before my little nap, I’d bathed. My skin still hummed from Edan’s touch, and I looked forward to exploring more…again.

“Demanding what?” Oh, that Griselda… I knew it wouldn’t take her long to formulate some sort of plan against me.

Farina bowed, wisps of her brown hair falling into her face. “I apologize, my Lady. I cannot say. I’ve already said too much.”

I closed the door behind me. “All right, Farina. I’ll follow you.”

The guild certainly hadn’t waited long… I needed to stop myself, as I didn’t know exactly what was happening just yet. I’d wait and hear it from the king and Edan. However, I had a sinking feeling in my gut and a sense of foreboding skidding down my spine.

At the bottom landing of the main stairwell, we turned right into a long corridor that opened into another grand foyer and led to the main dining hall.

Farina held the door open, and I walked in to see King Fredrick and Edan sitting at the long mahogany table.

“Hello, what’s going on?” I met each of their gazes and took a seat next to Edan, trepidation filling my soul.

King Fredrick steepled his hands before him. “My dearest Tatiana, I am afraid the townspeople are calling for a magical test of sorts. They want to ensure you have not spelled or waved your wand upon my son to entice him or make him fall in love with you.”

I felt my eyes bulge, and a queasiness washed over me as though I’d eaten stone soup. “What, Your Majesty? I would never.”

Edan placed a calming hand on my thigh. “I know this, Tatiana, and Father”—He eyed the king pointedly—“you know she is not capable of this. I’ve loved her for years, long before she knew.”

King Fredrick drummed his fingers on the table. “Yes, son. I do know. But we cannot be certain without a test to prove there was no magical spell cast. The people…they must understand, and the goddess is on our side.”

“Your Majesty, while I understand proving this to the townspeople, I would hope that you believe me. I could never do such a thing. It’s why I left. It’s why… I do not believe in unions based upon that of a wish cast with a fairy’s wand.” I couldn’t believe it. Did the king honestly doubt me? This couldn’t be happening.

“Father. You’ve known Tatiana for ten years—”

“Yes, yes.” The king waved his hand in dismissal. “I believe you, Tatiana. I only want to ensure this union is not ruined by those who wish ill will. That is why it is imperative you go along with this charade.”

I nodded, feeling my heart settle inside my chest. “Very well. I’ll do whatever it takes.” I grasped Edan’s hand. “Even if that means having to prove myself once again.”

King Fredrick smiled. “My dear, I do apologize, but as you know, these are the way of things, unfortunately. Especially after…” He trailed off.

“My mother,” I finished. “Of course.”

He inclined his head. “Yes. The magical test shall be held in the courtyard tomorrow at noon.”

Noon. Fine. Every happily ever after had produced an opportunity for love to grow, but never to create an illegitimate union. If this was what the guild wanted, to cast doubt among the people of Fairy and Wisteria, then so be it. I would prove my love, and I would prove that I didn’t need magic to obtain it.

The magic of true love trumped all, defeated all. Yet, a test of some sort had always existed—a test for a princess, a glass slipper fitting, a mattress test, or that of spinning gold from straw. There had continuously been hoops and hurdles others created to thwart a blooming love story. And this would be mine. I was no different.

I recognized it for what it was: the prince and me in a chrysalis, molting.

If they wanted a battle, then they’d underestimated just how hard I’d fightin return. With my head held high, my shoulders back, and holding onto the hand of my beloved, I focused on the task at hand.

Come what may, our love would not be pulled asunder.

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