Page 81 of To Wake a Kingdom

They braided my hair, coiling the plaits and pinning them to the back of my head, mimicking a crown. The effect was impressive, making me look like the queen I hoped to be someday.

The dress was a perfect fit, skimming over my hips and flaring into a wide skirt made of long layers sliced at various angles. A ladder of black lacing cinched my waist and pushed up my breasts to accentuate the low scooping neckline. Form-fitting sleeves stopped above my elbows, and a pair of glittering diamond and emerald earrings dangled so low they nearly brushed the curve of my neck.

Luella beamed as she circled me like I was a prized sculpture in a museum. “Oh, you are beautiful, Your Highness.”

After a spin in the mirror, I had to admit it was a vast improvement over the damp and dirty clothing I’d trudged around in for the past two weeks.

A knock rattled the door, and a girl ran over to open it. A breathy squeak pumped from her lungs as she bent into a curtsy so low she nearly toppled over.

Ronan stood at the threshold, so beautiful and flawless I almost joined the poor serving girl swooning on the carpet.

Clad in polished black leather armor adorned with golden trim, it fit him like it had been painted on, highlighting the breadth of his shoulders and the strength in his arms and thighs. Braids neatly redone, the sides of his head and his jaw were both cleanly shaven.

He cleared his throat as he took me in, appreciation stoking in his gaze.

“What do you think?” I twirled my skirt around my legs.

He took a step closer.“I think—” The words chopped at the roots, he glanced at the row of open-mouthed women all staring. Instead, he graced me with a lift of his eyebrow and the tease of a devious smile that suggested the thoughts on his mind were not ones to be uttered in polite company.“I came to escort you to dinner.” Transforming into a model of gentlemanly formality, he held out an elbow, which I entwined with mine.

“I missed you today,” I said once we’d left my room.

“I’m sorry. Erick had me in meetings all day. I missed you too.”

“Is everything okay?” I asked, the unspoken knowledge of the king’s demise weighing heavy on my mind.

Ronan’s sharp nod assured me I had nothing to fear and that my secret was safe.

“What did you think of our future king?”

I pulled a face. “He looks just like your father. I wasn’t prepared for that.”

Ronan nodded. “I should have warned you.”

“It was just a shock.”

“You look stunning,” he said, giving me an extensive once-over. “I love seeing you in the style of Estria. It suits you.”

“I picked the dress to match your eyes.” I dragged a finger down his shoulder. “What were you going to say in the room?”

With a rapacious smile, he stopped and pressed me flat to the wall. Elbows braced on either side of my head, he trailed his lips along my neck and said in a thick voice, “I was going to tell you how delicious you looked. How I want to lick and taste every inch of you and then fuck you until you’re screaming my name.” He crowded his hips against mine, and I bowed against him like a sail caught in a warm southern breeze.

While he kissed me, voices floated down the corridor and he backed away, his expression telling me we’d be picking this up again as soon as we were alone. We turned a few more corners and approached the dining room, the wide hallway filled with guests arriving for dinner.

The guards nodded at Ronan as we passed through tall doors into the room, already buzzing with activity. Walls covered in pale gold shimmered in the glow of half a dozen large golden chandeliers that ran the length of the room. The long mahogany table was set with gilded plates, cups, and flickering votives.

As the prince’s guest, I was seated at the head of the table, next to two large empty chairs I presumed must belong to Erick and his bride. Ronan was seated on my right, and I said a silent thank-you. Perhaps that would make being next to Erick more tolerable. I trusted nothing about the man or his intentions.

Maida and Alban floated through the doorway like the clouds in the sky were their willing servants. Maida’s midnight stare found me at the front of the room. My wine glass paused at my lips, and I shot him the coldest glare I could conjure.

I wasn’t over the way he’d dismissed me in Tenby, nor the way he’d propositioned me for his own twisted amusement. As if recalling the same memories, he offered me a cunning smile that writhed several inches under my skin.

Hushed whispers accompanied their appearance as they strode through the room like a pair of vipers. A gorgeous, sultry woman clung to Maida’s arm while Alban escorted an angelic man and an equally stunning woman, one on each arm. They radiated a dark aura that drew every eye in the room their way.

Kianna also entered, flanked by Noah and Em. She wore a pale green gown, her black hair braided and coiled similarly to mine. After giving me a small wave, she lowered herself into the chair Em pulled out for her. Noah cracked a wide grin as he sat down, and I resisted the urge to run over and hug him. There would be time to catch up later.

I took a sip of my wine, and Ronan sat down, having finished the conversation he’d been drawn into. A moment later, a beautiful woman with dark hair and bright green eyes was escorted over. The guard holding her arm pulled out the chair next to Ronan, and he rose with an enormous smile on his face.

“Mother,” he said, embracing her.

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