ting shadows over the secluded clearing

r, arms crossed, his storm-gray eyes unread

in her throat. How long

himself just a step in front

not

his lips, but there was no humor in i

ession into careful neutr

husband has every right to be curious about his bride's late-nig

ed at his sides. "Wat

the air like a bla

otective, aren't you, brother?" He let the word drag out, mock

eraphina's hand shot out, grippin

ing him in check." His gaze lingered on where her hand touched

cing steel into her voice. "Yo

light, but his eyes he

ilence stretche

ind his back and took another step closer. "Tell me, Princess-do

pulse roared

eat.

know she was lying. If she admitted any

ng. "There is nothing improper abou

if amused. "A

to cause a scene, Princess. After all, we will be husband and wife soon." He gl

ning wa

turned on his heel and st

reath she hadn't reali

wever, was

red, running a hand thro

wallowed. "

rian snapped. "He's testing

him fully. "Which m

ody. "And how do you expect me to do that, Seraphina?" His voice was l

ugh her chest. "Do you th

mething breaking in his

rief second, willing herself not

n took a step c

lieve that. Gods

red in the air, a reminder of t

er fingertips against Adrian's cheek-one last stol

ve to

holding it for just a se

re she lost all reaso

away, leaving her heart b

she forced herself to walk away. Every step was a battle, e

anding there watching, waiting, wanting.

ev

s gleaming under the moonlight. But as sh

was w

s crossed, looking entirely at ease-as if he had

epping forward. "Couldn't find more

umn. "On the contrary. I find thi

tisfaction of reacting. "I'm tired,

adow, blocking her path.

n her chest, but she kept her vo

peaking. "Tell me, Princess how long have y

s blood tu

t she refused to break his gaze. "I

ive liar, I'll give you that." He leaned in slig

a's hear

was he merely t

staken, Your Highness. Prince Adri

ead, considering

und the word like it

pression neutral. "Sa

tension crackling between

eached out, his fingers grazing a loose strand of her h

he boldness of his touc

g." His voice dropped lower, shar

dangerous. "I am not yours, Kael. I am

ut when the game is won, p

ning wa

oing to

d, Seraphina would be his

read curled i

if satisfied with her sile

way, disappearing into the

aky breath, gripping t

't just t

warni

she wouldn't just lose Ad