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Aria sputtered. “B..bb..but he’s a….”
“Wolf?” Lucy challenged. “He is indeed. A sexy, strong, and very well-endowed wolf.”
“He’s a beast,” Aria answered, her jaw twitching with frustration.
“Aria!” Mina gasped. “If you cannot keep your harsh opinions to yourself, please by all means sit tonight out.”
The girl paled and bowed her head. “I’m sorry, Princess. I will endeavor to hold my tongue.”
Mina nodded and sank down onto the bench at the end of the bed allowing Lucy the chance to finally place the crown on her head.
The weight felt familiar, but as she stood a tingling chill passed over her skin. There was energy embedded in the stones. It pulsed through her body urging her to stand tall, squaring her shoulders. It made her feel powerful.
Lucy gave her a devious smile. “Ready, Princess?”
“Lead the way,” Mina said, returning her grin.
Lucy turned to the door as Aria opened it for them letting them out into the hall.
Mina moved with absolute confidence. She knew where she was going now. She’d learned enough of the hallways that she didn’t need someone leading her around anymore. In just a few short weeks, this palace had become her home.
Approaching the entrance of the great hall, the guards gave her a small smile, and one knocked lightly on the door signaling to the announcer inside that she’d arrived. He waited for a moment and then stepped back, gesturing for the others to do the same.
“They are ready for you, Your Highness,” The guard said, and the doors opened inward revealing what used to be a large open room full of red stone and gilded light fixtures.
Lucy and Aria had transformed it into a glittering candle lit grotto. The tables full of nobles chatting and waiting for the meal to be served were low to the ground, piled high with cushions. Every inch of space not occupied by a table, the dance floor, or a person was layered with exotic flowers, and glittering crystals. It looked so beautiful she didn’t even notice Erik sitting at the far side of the room. The dais had been removed to create a level area for the party.
Standing he lifted a silver goblet into the air. “To the Princess.”
Every noble staring at her lifted a cup, echoing the sentiment. “To the Princess.”
Erik smiled. “Happy birthday.”
He tipped his cup against his lips, and his eyes burned even at a distance. She strode through the center of the room and around the table. He turned to face her and the music began to play from somewhere she couldn’t see.
“You look divine,” he said, giving her a once-over.
“Thank you for the crown.” She blushed, gently touching the stones.
“I meant what I said in my note. You will be a great queen one day, you deserve a crown that reflects your beauty, and your power.”
Stepping closer to him, forcing him to push his chair back from the table a little more she slid her hand up his chest over his black shirt. Her nails scratched over his peck, and she pressed up on her toes to meet his mouth with a soft kiss of gratitude.
Erik froze for a moment and then relaxed into her touch. She slid her other hand up to cup his and his face, and he groaned, gently pulling away from her.
“As much as I’d love to keep kissing you, our guests are waiting for their dinner.” He chuckled.
“Just showing my king some appreciation.” She shrugged, turning to the chair she assumed was for her.
Erik cleared his throat and stepped back from where he’d been sitting. “It is your birthday, Starlight. You should have a place of honor. Please, sit.”
Her cheeks burned, but she did not complain as he pushed in the chair for her. Switching his goblet for the one sitting at the place beside hers, he sat down in the chair to her right, and smiled at her.
“I bet sitting there feels strange, doesn’t it?” She chuckled.
Erik laughed. “Very. But it’s worth it to see you sitting so regal.”
Aria and Lucy cut through the room to take places to her left and she smiled at them in turn. “You two have outdone yourselves. This is beautiful.”
