Page 37 of Bonded By Moons

She laughs and throws her head back in such a display of utter freedom and joy. “Like them? I love them.” she emphasized. “Reading has gotten me through some of the darkest of times, and this library is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! I’ve never had access to a collection so large before.”

It warms my heart to be given another dollop of information from her so freely.

“This library is now yours. You’re welcome here anytime of day and I’ll be sure to have new editions added for your liking. If there’s anything missing from my collection, please let me know.”

She nods her appreciation and returns to browsing through her selection of books. Her pink curls and freckles shine so brightly in my black and gold library. She’s become a focal point in every room of my wing so far.

Her beauty radiates through my darkness.

There’s large black framed windows that meet in an arch at the far right side of the library. The shelves are made of a black painted wood with golden chandeliers and leather furniture. In the middle of the room sits a large gold and glass table for studying, reading, meals and soon, fucking my mate. Honestly, all I can think about is worshiping her.

I've yet to add a fireplace to this room, but the white and blue fae orbs that dance around the room provide some comfort and warmth. I let her browse in silence while I lounge on the leather sofa opposite her. She truly is the most beautiful faerie I’ve ever met. Her hair is so soft and luscious, the curls ensnaring me in a choke hold. I’m burning to run my hands through them. It feels like hours have passed but when I glance at the clock, it reminds me we still have somewhere to be.

I clear my throat to break the silence.

“I’m sorry to tear you away little dragon, but we have to head to the ball now. My family awaits us.”

She turns to face me with a pout, “You’re sure we can’t stay here all night?”

I laugh and stand, walking towards her to help her up from the ground. I reachout my hand as she sets down her current romance book and reluctantly places her hand in mine. “We can come back here after the ball, if you’d like that.” I say, using any excuse to spend more time with her.

“Hmm, let’s see how this night plays out but I’d like that very much.”

?

We headed past the gallery before appearing in front of the grand ballroom. It’s a blessing seeing Ember within these walls, the empty white halls of my childhood which already seem brighter with her here. I don’t come to this part of the castle often, seeing as we never hold court and father keeps his council rather private and secluded. As we pass arriving guests, I realize there’s more gawking stares and prying strangers inside these walls than ever before. People try to hide their curiosity, but it’s obvious I'm going to have to ignore most wandering eyes tonight.

Father never hosted soiree’s or held court before, so even being surrounded by new faces the only person I care about here is Ember.

She’s the shining light in a room full of dark hearts and even darker minds. Although, I am curious to see what my father’s Lunar Court is truly like. Supposedly, these are bloodlines from the Moonlace rule that haven’t been invited back to the palace since the slaughter of the Moonlace bloodline. I’m very interested to see what kind of faeries are among us tonight and who is still loyal to the previous crown.

Before we can enter the ballroom, we are stopped by the royal guild protecting the entrance.

“Please halt.” one of the guild members commanded.

“Let us pass, Thomas.”

“We know who you are, your highness. The king has requested you not enter the ballroom until all other guests have arrived.”

“Excuse me? And why is that?” I press the guild member.

“The king wishes to announce his royal family to the entire Lunar Court at the same time.”

“Ah. I see. He’s going for a grand reveal?”

“We’ve been instructed to hold the royal family in your father’s study and I will personally retrieve you when it is time for your grand introduction.”

And with that, I place my palm on the small of Ember’s back and direct her around the corner where Artie awaits us leaning against the wall.

“Sorry, I didn’t have time to tell you in between your very public handjob and you racing away with each other.”

Ember chokes out a cough, “There was no handjob!”

I chuckle under my breath as she punches Artie in the shoulder. He huffs over in pain, clutching his shoulder, which caused me to laugh harder.

“Wow, I don’t think I’ve heard you laugh like that before.” Ember said with stars in her eyes as she gazed up at me longingly.

“Careful, little dragon. Look at me like that again and I won’t be able to restrain myself from pinning you against this wall and taking every pleasure I can ring from your body.” I smirk at her and offer her my arm again.

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