Page 78 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Well, no. I mean—I have to change.”

“I’ll divert my eyes.”

She noticed a hint of a smile as he looked at the table and set his goblet down.

“Milady, are you are ready?” She picked up the dress and Sylvana followed them into a bathing area, where they spent a great deal of time getting her ready.

“There. Look,” one of them said.

Sylvana stood from the bench and looked at her reflection in a large mirror hanging over the bureau.Damn, I have never seen myself like this. My face—the colors are beautiful.I wish Calista could see me.

She subtly turned from side to side, admiring how the silk material cascaded down her body and pooled on the floor around her feet. The midnight-blue color faded down her body and seamlessly melted into lighter bluish tones, while a black, leather, studded strap wound its way around her waist and then crisscrossed beneath her breasts, accentuating her cleavage.

“Riordan is waiting, milady.”

Riordan was leaning against the window and the moment he saw Sylvana, he was taken aback.Ahh fuck, she is a vision to behold.Her auburn hair was loosely pulled back from her forehead and braided over the top of her head, while luxurious, wavy locks flowed over her bare shoulders. He walked in a slow circle around her, admiring her appearance.

“Do I look okay?” Sylvana asked nervously.

“Impeccable. However, something is missing?”

She ran her hands over her hips and looked at the girls and then into a tall, ornate mirror standing in the room’s corner across from her. Riordan opened a drawer in the bureau and pulled out a silver box. He then removed a pendant and draped it over his hand.

She immediately realized it was a replica of the pendants he and his brothers wore. “Riordan, it’s stunning.”

“As are you,” he said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. “Turn around.”

Sylvana turned her back to him and he placed it around her neck and gently pulled her hair from beneath the gold chain and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

“It is known as the Sanguis Murielrum and it is only one of six. As you know, my brother’s and I each have one. Everyone in attendance will know you belong to us.”

Sylvana placed her hand over the amulet and looked back at his reflection.I don’t know if I should cherish this or run like hell?She turned to face him. “Riordan, I don’t know what to say?”

He leaned over, lifted her chin with his fingers, and slid his tongue into her mouth. After a heated kiss, he pulled away and whispered into her ear. “Cherish it, Sângele Nostru. A rabbit cannot outrun the wolf.”

Not having expected the kiss, she was too overwhelmed to move or speak; ominous thoughts squirmed in the back of her mind, realizing he had read her mind even though she had cloaked her thoughts before arriving.Don’t think,she told herself.

“Thinkwhatever you want.” He winked and held out his elbow. “I look forward to seeing in a few hours. In the meantime,I thought,” he enunciated, “you would like some company while you wait for Nicolai and Kieran.”

He walked her down the hallway and into what appeared to be a formal parlor on the upper floor.

“Milord,” Venthana said.

Riordan nodded and left.

Venthana rushed over and grabbed her hands. “Sylvana, you look incredible!”

“Thank you, and you are stunning. What are you doing here?”

“Rayna brought me here and said I was to keep you company.”

“I am so happy you are here,” Sylvana said, as they took a seat on the chaise lounge.

“Miladies, would you care for a drink?” Rana asked.

“Yes. Thank you,” Sylvana replied.

Venthana looked at the amulet resting against Sylvana’s chest. “May I?”

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