Page 87 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Don’t keep her all night,” Nicolai joked.

Riordan placed his hand on her lower back. “I make no promises.”

The tempo of the waltz changed, the guests slowed their steps, and drew each other into a tight embrace. Riordan held her tightly against his body and glided across the floor. The simple gestures of their hands, the way they looked into each other’s eyes, and the unexpected eroticism of their bodies swaying together, made her deaf to envious whispers and unwanted glances. Riordan swept her off her feet, and she wrapped one leg around his waist and nestled her face into the crook of his neck and gently cupped the back of his head in her palm.

“You have been a surprise—one we never saw coming,” he whispered.

“As have you and your brothers.”

The seductive movements of his body, the rich, velvety tone of his voice and his intoxicating, earthly scent evoked a desire and longing that both frightened and aroused her.

He pulled her head back and stared into her eyes before parting her lips. After a long, passion filled kiss, she felt the warmth of his breath in her ear.

“She sleeps beneath the covers, her body soft and still, while he watches from afar. He stands silently in the shadows, breathing in her scent and pondering his intent. Controlled by desires, stirring deep within, is it her blood or his sins calling to him from within?”

In that moment, she knew her secret was clawing its way to the surface.

“Milord, we have them,”Riordan heard telepathically. He then set her down and spun around and around, which forced her to let out an amused squeal.

“Where are they now?”Riordan asked.

“They are in the veiled, turrent chamber.”

“We will be there momentarily.”Riordan then called to Klyn telepathically.“Klyn, take Sylvana to the floor.”

Klyn materialized behind them and placed his hand on Riordan’s shoulder. “Milady, would you do me the honor?”

She looked up at Riordan and he ran his hands down her arms. “My brothers and I need to attend to a small matter. Klyn will keep you company.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes. You are not the only one who knows how to throw a punch,” he replied, along with a wink.

Klyn placed his hand on her lower back and moved across the floor. “What did he mean?” Sylvana asked.

“The altercations when a large group of warriors have been tipping the cup all night are not unexpected.”

“I suppose not. I’m glad I’m not involved this time.”

“As am I.” Klyn chuckled.

Laurent woke up and scanned the dark room, and realized they were in a cell. He slowly sat up and shook Mira, who was still asleep. “Mira, wake up,” he whispered.

He shook her harder and moved her hair off her face. She let out a gentle moan and her eyes fluttered.

“Mira, wake up!”

Her eyes gradually opened, and it took her a minute to gather her senses. “Laurent, what happened?”

“We were taken. Now wake up.” He placed his arm behind her shoulders and helped her to sit up.

Once Mira regained her senses, she wrapped her arms around Laurent, and he held her tightly against his body. “Where are we?” she whispered.

“I don’t know.”

Four small torches provided only a somber amount of light, and the wafting shadows that seemed to beckon to her, felt as ominous as they looked. She closed her eyes, tucked her head against his chest, and wept.

Laurent tightened his arms around her body and rested his chin on her head. “Don’t cry, Mira. I will protect you.”

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