she tried to slow her heart. It really was a thrill, remembering the intense lust in his eyes. She’d felt hunted, and she’d never felt sexier. Yes, she loved their mutual respect and the way he admired her intelligence, that they’d support each other’s ambitions, but she also loved that he loved and wanted her body.
Damn, she was moistening below at the mere thought of his intense emerald eyes, and the way his hands had felt on her sides squeezing her firmly but gently. She tried to push it out of her head, she’d be mortified if the servant on her knees and working on her skirts scented her arousal.
The last six days she’d spent with him had been wonderful, one day a week, and she’d shared things with him she’d never shared with another. Her dreams and ambitions, her hopes for the future. The biggest obstacle for her to get past had been Shar, but she’d been convinced that the succubus meant her and her kingdom no harm. She likened the succubus to a predator in a room full of endless meat to gorge on, the endless meat being Muranth.
The succubus was hardly tamed, but the humans around the demoness were weak food sources in comparison. It also helped that Shar had bluntly told her, sworn on her power, that she wouldn’t hunt any of her people for sustenance, ever. Shar had also said she was faithful to Muranth and his other bonded for even just sex, so she wouldn’t be seducing her whole court to cause problems or fill the time. Demons didn’t lie, they deceived with the truth, but that statement was too specific and defined for it to be deceptive.
Regardless, she was more than ready to go through with it. Muranth would be an excellent husband for her, even if he was gone two or three days a time in the beginning, until he could portal to all the villages.
The tailor finished marking the changes, and the maids carefully pulled her dress off and put her in an elaborate green dress for the day.
The tailor said, “It’s almost perfect, I’ll have the changes done in an hour, your highness.”
She nodded, “Thank you.”
The tailor curtseyed before she left the room.
Her father walked in a moment later, and said, “Clear the room.”
The lady’s maids left quickly, and both waited until the door to her suite was closed.
She frowned, “What’s wrong, father?”
He said, “Prince Michael of Daca just arrived, with an honor guard of twenty soldiers and a female advisor. He also carries letters from his father the emperor.”
She shook her head, annoyed. The bastard better not ruin her wedding.
“What are they doing here, you did tell them no on the treaty, right?”
Jonas chuckled, “Yes, peace daughter. I don’t know, they didn’t say anything about their purpose for visiting in the throne room when they presented themselves outside of attending the royal wedding, but I can’t imagine that’s their true purpose in being here. I came to see you first, the seneschal had them brought to the receiving lounge, I want you with me for your opinion.”
“Wait, a female advisor?”
Jonas snickered, “Took you long enough, distracted daughter?” he teased.
It was very odd. The empire was a strictly patriarchal society, save when they have an empress. Women did have rights and even influence in the empire, but it was restricted to behind closed doors. She pursed her lips in thought.
“The plan?”
Jonas said, “Let’s hear them out and ask questions, don’t commit to anything or even suggest it. We will discuss whatever they want in private before rendering our decision.”
She nodded, “Of course, father.”
Jonas led her out and through the halls. They entered the lounge, which already had an equal number of guards stationed on their side of the room, and several servants preparing drinks and finger foods.
She sat down next to her father, annoyed that these interlopers were killing her buzz, but only a graceful smile was shown to their guests. The prince was quite handsome to her annoyance, but she felt no attraction to him. His arrogant and stiff expression made sure of that. In fact, she was surer than ever she’d made the right choice, this man would’ve fought her tooth and nail for power using deception and honeyed words.
Muranth would support her, and more than that it was a love match. It was the last reason they were marrying, but she truly couldn’t wait to feel her elder dragon’s weight above her as she gave him her