A'S

solve in my veins. "Mutually beneficial? Your Highness, I have little to off

d step quiet against the carpet. His black coat fit close across broad shoulders and a lean, powerful frame. The illness had left

ver. You are audacious. And you have given me the p

faint heat of brandy on his breath. "My intended union with Seraphina was meant to strengthen the Crown," he continued. "Instead, you exp

slightly. "A very

suite. Instead, my gaze betrayed me, slipping down Alistair's body-to the narrow line of his waist, the s

inst my will, it changed. Alistair in Gideon's place. Alistair pressing me back against the same dark wo

imed me, would he remain as controlled as he was now? Or would that cold, beautiful restraint break

eepened in the air. He had noticed something. He said nothi

let's not speak of mutual benef

alliance? Between the Crown Prin

Gideon profited from the belief that you were too weak to hold the throne. He

Highness. I want to see Gideon and my sis

Revenge is a powerful motivator. Wha

he Moon Goddess recognized before your guards. I will stand beside you and give the co

insider. I know House Thorne. I know Gide

his own glass aside and stepped closer, until

reason to lie to me," he said, his voice dangerous

aid, my hea

re my fated Mate, Elara. T

his hand, not quite touching me, his knuckles hovering beside my cheek. T

trust appear by magic," he co

" I said

cause I find myself in need of an interesting Luna. And you, Lady Elara, ar

e warmth radiating from his bod

o know whether his lips tasted of brandy, whether he would kiss me with the same compos

et he simply let his thumb linger at my lip for on

ree?" I man

ll have my protection. You will stand beside me

nd overwhelming

gently tilting my chin up. "This

cond

ne. "You want my help? I want the full story. Everything Gideon and

gerous one. I had to edit my life sto

have it,"

ill show you to your chambers. They are adjacent to mine.