Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 90639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90639 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
After I’d hugged every one of my family members–including the Hunters who had fully earned their place in our tight-knit circle after the Samuel fiasco–Hawke and I endured so many congratulations from the attending aristocrats that the word started sounding funny in my head. Still, I was grateful for their support. The courts had been in an uproar after Samuel’s treachery, especially from those who supported his claim, but things had died down with the efforts we’d spent in the months since.
“I’m not a vampire,” Valor’s voice sounded from behind me, and I whirled around to accept her quick hug. “But you really do look good enough to eat.”
“I agree,” Hawke said from my side, and heat flicked over my skin.
I laughed. “Thank you.”
“I’m digging the no-gloves look too,” she said, motioning to my bare hands with the champagne flute in her hand.
I wiggled my fingers, showing off the mating mark, wearing it like a badge of honor. “I am too,” I said. “They were such tedious things.”
Valor grinned at me, but the smile dropped as she eyed something behind me. “That girl,” she groaned, and I spun around.
Daphne was at the banquet table, dressed in a beautiful flowing gown of burnt orange. She was reaching for a champagne flute as a young male vampire chatted with her.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, facing Valor again.
Valor drained the rest of her champagne. “She turns eighteen tomorrow,” she said. “And I have to drop her off at Edgemont College.” Concern churned in my friend’s eyes. “I’m worried.”
I reached out and squeezed her hand. “I understand,” I said. We still hadn’t eradicated the Sons of Honor yet, but with Samuel still on the run or in hiding or both, the attacks had lessened considerably. “But she’ll be safe. You know Alek will put a protection detail on her if you ask.”
“I know,” she said. “But I also know I’d feel suffocated if I had guards stationed on me at all times. I want her to live.” She sighed. “It’s just hard letting her go.”
“Your highness.” An aristocrat paraded up to us, not bothering to wait until Valor and I were done speaking.
Valor winked at me, then sashayed into the crowd, heading toward Daphne.
Hawke stiffened at my side as I turned to the vampire dressed in a sleek silver suit.
“I wanted to give you my personal congratulations on your nuptials,” he said, dipping his head slightly in a bow to both me and Hawke. “I have no doubts both of your wisdom will bring great prosperity to our kingdom as you continue to impart that council to your brother, our great and wonderful king.”
Hawke shifted uncomfortably next to me, but I managed to give the vampire my most regal smile. “Thank you, Duke Somerhall,” I said, plucking his name from the never-ending rolodex in my mind. I swore being a princess was half family-tree memorization. “We appreciate your support, now and for the past century.” His family had been one to always stand firmly on our side, even when the courts were divided in support between us and the Deverauxs.
“Your brother and yourself shall always have it from any member of my family.” He bowed again before returning to the party.
I saw another set of highborns heading my way, and I turned with pleading eyes up to Hawke.
“Dance with me?” I needed a break from the royal hat I was wearing.
Hawke hesitated, the line of his powerful jaw twitching.
I laughed, arching a brow at him. I knew he was teasing me, knew he’d do anything to make me happy just like I would him, but two could play that game.
I gave a wistful little sigh, detaching myself from him as I headed toward the dance floor. “If you don’t dance with me,” I said over my shoulder. “I’ll start calling you Prince.”
He stomped after me, meeting me in the middle of the dance floor as he spun me to face him. The music swept into a lively melody of strings and flutes, and he moved us to the tune.
“Call me Prince,” he said, his tone edged in warning. “And I’ll punish you.”
Tendrils of warmth shivered down my spine, anticipation flaring low in my core. “Is that a threat or a promise?”
His eyes flared as he spun us around the dance floor, each move loosening the tension of the royal duties we’d had this evening. “Nothing is ever a threat with you, Avi,” he said, drawing me closer so that his cheek grazed mine. “All I have are promises.”
I leaned into his embrace, relishing being in his arms.
We’d been given a second chance at life, and I was no longer wasting it. The past six months had been ones of healing and passion and growing in our love, and this wedding was a culmination of that growth.