Natalya raised an eyebrow at Aleksander when he didn’t look surprised. “But you knew that already.”
“I didn’t know for sure. I only had a suspicion. You running off whenever she was in danger, or even just uncomfortable, can only be a coincidence so many times.”
“You didn’t ask me about it.”
“I figured you’d tell me when you were ready. I know better than to try to force it out of you. You’d claw my face to pieces if I tried.”
“Well, we can’t have that.”
“Indeed not.” Aleksander looked down at the stage. The Reds were being brought out. “Lily likes my face. Wouldn’t want to upset her.”
Natalya shook her head at the statement, letting herself lose the fight against the smile that wanted to slip onto her face.
She’d participated in the Claiming many times before, but she’d never been excited about it. Just satisfied. And then thatsatisfaction had come from the assurance that she could be easily satiated for the next six months. She hadn’t really cared.
Aleksander hadn’t either. Before Lily, Aleksander hadn’t cared about anything or anyone. He believed that, as King, his only point of interest should be his Court. Though his comment of not wanting to upset Lily was made in jest, Natalya knew it was more genuine than he was letting on. There was nothing Aleksander wouldn’t do if it meant keeping Lily safe.
For so long, all either of them had daredcareabout were their responsibilities. To let someone in was risky. It meant losing control to a certain extent. It meant leaning on another. For them to find someone who let them do so with ease was more than just lucky. It was a blessing. One they probably didn’t deserve.
She and Aleksander descended from the Royal Lounge as the final Reds left. A sigh went through the crowd when the curtain parted to allow the Silver Ribbons onto the stage. Fourteen men and women, wearing silver and lace. All of them were dressed finely, all of them smiling, though none wore a smile as radiant as the woman scanning the crowd looking for Natalya.
Evie was wearing a mesh long-sleeve over a black bralette and a matching short skirt. It fit her body perfectly, but it was her confidence while wearing it that made people’s eyes linger on her. She stood tall and straight, with an assuredness and ease the other Silvers couldn’t match.
She was poised. She was excited. And most notably, she was happy.
As the other Silver Claimants started towards the stage, Natalya made to follow them, but Aleksander put an arm out to stop her.
“I think the Court deserves to get a good look at my second making her Claim. Why don’t you wait until it’s less busy up there. Maybe until I’ve fetched Lily.”
Natalya frowned. “You always make the last Claim of the night.”
“Usually.” He gave Natalya a small smile, almost invisible in the dark club. “But Ms. Atkins is special. I think everyone should know it.”
Evie’s love of the stage wasn’t lessened by the circumstances of ceremony. She’d been a little nervous in the green room, but when she walked out, excitement had overtaken her entirely.
Lily was next to her, comfortable enough with the attention—if a little tense. Her disposition was shared by most of the other Silvers, who were eyeing the crowd looking for the creatures who’d Claim them. Evie did the same, searching the masses for the shining, violet eyes that had come to symbolize comfort and warmth.
She found them easily enough. Natalya was standing by the stairs leading to the Royal Lounge, looking at her with such an honest smile it made Evie beam right back at her. She couldn’t help it.
But then Aleksander made for the stage, and Natalya remained where she was. All the other Silvers were led away by their Claimants, save for Lily, who Aleksander made straight for when he got up on the stage. After pulling the silver ribbon from her neck, he turned towards Evie so the crowd couldn’t see his face. He gave her a smile, then a respectful nod.
When the King of Chains was gone, it just left Evie. It started a confused murmur in the crowd, a confusion she didn’t share. She could still see Natalya. See her smiling as she slowly made her way across the floor.
The crowd parted as she approached, and a hush fell over the Court as Natalya ascended the stage. Seeing her move into general view caused a few people to gasp. The sight of her made Evie’s heart thunder in her chest.
“Silver suits you,” Natalya said when she was near Evie. She ran her fingers over the silver ribbon tied around Evie’s neck. “Would almost be a shame to take it off.”
“I think you’ll like what’s underneath even more,” Evie said with a grin.
“Is that so?” Natalya’s eyes trailed over Evie’s body. Her gaze lingered appreciatively in places, her smile growing teasing as she ran a finger over Evie’s mesh shirt. “Sounds like you’re offering a show.”
Evie was too excited to keep up with the teasing. “Just ask me.”
Natalya twirled a finger around the silver ribbon. “May I Claim you, darling? Will you be mine?”
Evie smiled brightly. “Yes, Natalya.”
Natalya started to pull on the ribbon and then stopped. Her violet eyes found Evie’s. They shined with mirth. “May I give you a kiss?”
