He cocked his head. “My wife is dressed like this, and I am not supposed to eventhinkabout it?”
I squinted. “Considering the importance of this night, yes.”
His lips gently pressed into mine as he sent down the bond,Theoretically,it wouldn’t have to come off, but fine. I hear you.
I tried not to laugh directly into his face.
“Renna brought you up to speed with our plan?” he asked as he reached for my hand and brought it up to place a kiss on my palm.
I inhaled deeply. “Yes.”
He looked into my eyes. “It will not be real, Jorah. Not a moment of it. Just close proximity and conveniently located.” He paused. “There is nothing, not a thing in the realm that could tempt me otherwise.” He found my other hand and did the same, bringing it up to kiss my palm. “You have all of me, love. There’s never been a competition within my Assemblage, it has always been you.”
I kissed him hard. “I know.” After a moment I added, “And you’ll try to stay out of my head so I can make it through the night?”
I will behave.
Thank you.Out loud I added, “I am going to head down with Owen now. Wait a few minutes before you leave, will you?”
Just as I turned to leave, he grabbed my hand and tugged me back into him. “Yes, but I want it noted that I am looking forward to the day where we come and go to events as husband and wife.”
I was too, but it felt likely the Assemblages would drag on another month or two. The princes were to cut one more consort before the tour of the kingdom. Down to three each. So close to the end of the Assemblages, and yet so very far.
Before allowing me my leave, Krew kissed me once more. His lips were gentle while his hands were far more frenzied. It was as if his hands couldn’t decide which part of me he’d like to touch most. I found I forgot all about my nerves for a moment, wishing we had the time for his hands to finish their mapping of my body.
But we didn’t. I only had to survive a few hours downstairs and that could come later. It would be that much sweeter without the looming ball too.
Later, I promised us both as I kissed him one last time.
As Owen and I took the stairs down, a thought hit me. Though I entered the ballroom as Krew’s consort, one of his four, I also entered the room with confidence. Not the confidence of being Enchanted, but rather with the confidence and knowledge that Krew had chosen me. There were no lingering what-ifs to worry on. He chose me.
And no matter how convincing Krew and Renna were tonight at distracting the king, Krew’s Assemblage would end in only one way: with a Wylan crown on my head and a ring upon my finger.
I may never be queen, but I already wasa princess.
CHAPTER12
“Rinaldi. How are you tonight?”
He put his tray in my direction, my lone water flute already waiting.
“Thank you,” I smiled. We’d gotten into this routine. He knew I’d find him first, and so he only had just one water waiting and ready.
“I am well, Miss Demir. If I do my job correctly tonight, I may even be able to sneak in the back for the play.”
I grinned. “Oh yes, the play. Were you able to sneak in for the acrobats?”
He gave me a quick nod. “Only for a moment. They were spectacular.”
“I quite agree.”
Molly arrived at my side, and with a quick nod, Rinaldi headed off to grab her a champagne.
I looped my arm in hers as we walked in the direction of my window. Rinaldi would know to find us there. I whispered, “I am a wreck, Molls.”
She gave her head a shake and looked at me. “What, why?”
I took a deep inhale and made sure to push all the magic down for the third time since walking in the ballroom. “Things are happening tonight. Multiple things. And I feel... a bit out of sorts.”
