Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 112567 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 563(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112567 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 563(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
The room was exquisitely and opulently decorated.
The light from the magnificent chandeliers cast a warm radiance over the setting.
The tables were masterfully dressed in immaculate white tablecloths, stunning dinnerware, and shiny silverware, and the atmosphere was filled with the aroma of an imminent feast.
More than forty men and women—dressed in an array of shades of blue—filled the room. They were sapphires studded in a setting of white and gold. All stood with their heads bowed and their gazes on the table.
The band on the right continued the song.
Chen stayed at my side, waiting for me to head to my throne.
Not yet.
Desperate, I scanned the crowd of blue and instantly found Monique. There she stood with her head perfectly bowed with the rest.
My breathing hitched.
She was a vision of incomparable beauty.
In my dream, my subconscious had attempted to create her and failed. While she was stunning in my mind, she was utterly captivating in person.
My heart warmed.
Monique wore an evening gown that seemed as if it was spun from starlight and the deep blue of a twilight sky. The material clung to her in all the right places before cascading down to pool around her feet, creating an image of regal elegance.
A diamond necklace adorned her neck. More diamonds spilled from her ears.
She was ethereal, enchanting.
How strange was it that the sight of her filled me with a longing that was both sweet and agonizing.
But more important. . .
How was this woman—this stranger—quickly weaving herself into the fabric of my mind?
And it hadn’t even been a full twenty-four hours.
Or was it that steamy dream that had triggered this?
It didn’t matter. All I knew was that amidst the sea of blue and this opulent setting—she was all I could see. Her exquisite beauty captivated me entirely.
Chen cleared his throat. “Lei?”
I pulled my hands out of my pocket and headed off.
Chen whispered, “The throne is the other way.”
I continued forward, heading to Monique.
“Lei. . .”
I prowled down the long length of the table, rounded the corner, and stopped behind her. That was the first moment I realized that she was seated next to Duck.
The next thing I spotted was her round ass poking out from the shimmering gown.
My subconscious had not added this lovely feature in my dream either. I made a mental note to make sure I didn’t forget that.
She shifted a little, surely knowing I was behind her.
The band continued to play my outrageous theme song.
All patiently stood with their heads bowed.
I leaned toward Monique, inhaled her perfume, and whispered in her ear, “You are enchanting.”
Her eyes remained downcast, but a sexy smirk spread across her face. “Thank you. . . Mountain Master.”
I quirked my brows.
Is she making fun of my title?
It was odd hearing her call me that.
Chen nudged me with his elbow. “Lei, everyone has been standing for a while now, and the band is confused and skipping over notes. Can you get to your throne please?”
Groaning, I left and headed away, walking down another long length of table and rounded the corner. My throne awaited me at the head of the hall, an elevated dais that offered a panoramic view of the entire space.
Looking innocent and dutiful, my aunts stood with their heads bowed on the right of my throne.
I shook my head and positioned myself in front of my throne.
Chen got in front of the empty chair on my left.
Then, I sat down.
Like a choreographed dance, all the guests raised their heads and lowered into their seats.
Monique was the only one that had a few seconds delay as she kept looking around and following everyone else’s movement. Still, she made it to her seat in no time.
I smirked at how well she was quickly getting the hang of my delirious life.
The band shifted to the classical hum of background music.
All watched me.
I raised one hand.
Instantly, the guests returned to their conversations and drinks.
Monique gazed around with excitement. This must have been quite interesting to her, while this was annoying and boring to me.
I leaned back into my throne with my gaze locked onto Monique.
A radiant smile played on her gorgeous face.
Duck leaned her way and whispered something in her ear.
I quirked my brows.
What are you saying to her?
Nodding, she chuckled and then pointed at his head.
Huh?
Duck gave her a half bow, raised his hands to his hair, and took the top knot out.
What the hell are you doing?
All of his silver and black hair fell around his face. Some of the silky strands spilled down his shoulders.
I rolled my eyes.
Chuckling, she clapped, and he bowed again.
Aunt Min disrupted the show. “Did you get any rest, nephew?”
I dragged my view from Monique and put it on my aunt. “You know I got plenty of rest because you made sure I did.”
Aunt Min touched her chest. “How did I make sure you got your rest?”