Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 119158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Nylian stepped forward and gave his father a somewhat respectful bow of the head. “I don’t presume to know the mind of my Father King, but if he would hear my suggestion, I would like to say that I believe you should name Prince Orian Elrich as the crown prince of Wolfrest.”
There was an enormous gasp that filled the large room, as each of the nobles, courtiers, and officials reacted in shock to Nylian’s words. Had they really thought that he would claim that spot of heir to the throne? Fools. Not one of them knew him.
I glanced over and found Prince Orian smirking and shaking his head, as if he found all of this too amusing.
Well, maybe his twin brother knew him. He didn’t seem surprised.
“What?” King Dorwynn roared, launching to his feet.
Okay, everyone else was surprised while the king was pissed.
Nylian didn’t back down. “Prince Orian is wise, compassionate, patient, and strong. One day in the distant future, I’m confident that he will make an excellent leader for Wolfrest, preserving the prosperity and peace you have brought to our people.”
“What if I name you my heir?”
Nylian didn’t flinch as he met his father’s glare. The arrogant bastard might have even lifted his chin. “No. I’ll renounce all claim to the throne. As either a prince or a common subject, I’m happy to support Orian as king. I’ll support Prince Lorsan or any of my sisters if that’s who you choose. I’ll do my duty to the kingdom and lead our armies to defend our borders, but I refuse to be king.” He turned and grabbed my hand, threading our fingers together as he pulled me forward to share his spotlight. “My only wish is to marry Prince Victor Montcroix and explore the world with him. I want to build a life with him at my side and no one else. The bloodline of Elrich stops with me. Let Orian have the harem and brood of children to fight over the throne.” Nylian lifted his gaze to hold mine, his green eyes sparkling like flawless emeralds, stealing my breath away. “The only one I want is the man standing beside me.”
“You’re such a hopeless romantic,” I murmured, fighting the urge to kiss him right there in front of all the assembled nobility and officials.
“The world needs to know you’re mine,” Nylian said, his grin so fucking smug.
There was loud sputtering and gasping from the dais. We both turned our heads to find the king’s face flushed while his mouth opened and closed like a landed carp. Before he could find his words, Queen Yaereene reached out and covered his hand with hers. The king’s head snapped to her, and she smiled so softly.
“Please, my dearest heart. Our son is in love.”
The king’s resistance crumbled in front of our eyes. He dropped back onto the throne in a huff and glared at Nylian for a moment, but I didn’t miss that he was now holding the queen’s hand in an obvious sign of affection. The man might have consorts, but he had one true love.
I still had no intention of sharing my prince with anyone else.
“Fine,” King Dorwynn huffed, still sounding a little put out. “It’s decided. Prince Orian Elrich, you are now Crown Prince of Wolfrest. Your every task will be focused on preparing you to one day sit on the throne. All your siblings will be dedicated to supporting you.”
Nylian released me and stepped over to stand closer to Prince Orian. Prince Lorsan, Princess Saida, and another young woman I hadn’t seen until now but guessed to be Princess Neia stepped out of the crowd closest to the dais. As one, they all bowed to the king, accepting the edict he’d handed down.
“And you!” The king pointed at me. “You will marry Prince Xeran and be his one and only mate for as long as you live. Ha! Bet your father didn’t see that coming when he wanted to become our ally.”
I wanted to chuckle at the king’s twisted glee, but I simply bowed. “I will do everything I can to live up to your most gracious generosity. My life will be dedicated to the happiness and well-being of your precious son.”
Just as I was straightening, Nylian crashed into me, sealing our betrothal with a kiss.
Yes, this prince was officially off the market, and he was all mine.
Chapter 34
Gone!
“Ow! Ow! Ow! Don’t bite!” I cried. I tried to scramble away from those sharp teeth, but nearly two hundred pounds of sweaty, naked elf pinned me to the bed. Not to mention, I was sated within an inch of my life, and I couldn’t feel my legs beyond a bit of tingling in my toes.
Nylian licked a long stripe along my neck where he’d just bitten me, creating an outbreak of goose bumps across my entire body. Feeling returned to my legs along with other parts of me. “Come on. Let’s go again,” the elf growled in my ear.