“Over-indulged?” Camilla cut in, and the two burst into a fit of laughter. She swayed and clasped Ariadne’s arm hard to hold herself upright. “We could not help ourselves. We are justthrilledfor you both and did not want to be rude when offered a glass by the Caersans of the Court.”
A disgusting display of two high-born Caersan women with no self-control. This was not what Loren envisioned when it came to his wife’s closest friends. Had his heavy hand not done its job with Revelie? Clearly, he needed to remind them both of what it meant to be a true member of his Court so they would not embarrass him or Ariadne in the future.
“We were just departing,” Loren said, pulling his wife back from them.
Camilla’s lower lip jutted out in a pout. “So soon?”
“But we wanted to speak with Ari,” Revelie simpered and slipped closer to her Queen. “Stay just a little longer. Please.”
Before Ariadne could respond, Loren said, “Your Queen is tired and wishes to return home.”
“Should they not join us?” Ariadne turned to look up at him, her eyes wide and doe-like. “They could help me prepare for the day.”
“The servants—”
“I will fret over them all day if I do not ensure their safe return home.” Ariadne took his hands and slid her body so close to him that every curve tucked perfectly against him. Were it not for the pleading tone of her voice or the potential repercussions if he declined her request, Loren would have been furious for her interruption.
A Queen though she may be, she will always be beneath her King.
“Please,husband,” she purred, bringing her mouth closer to his. “Let them join us.”
Loren let out a soft hum of appreciation in response to her proximity. He pulled her into him again so she could feel the stiffness of his erection. “Are you certain you do not wish for us to be alone?”
“What is a few more minutes when we have a lifetime?”
A beat of silence before he nodded. “Very well.”
After all, shewouldbe quite exhausted by nightfall.
Ariadne settled into the carriage beside Loren and across from Camilla and Revelie, heart thundering with anticipation of what was to come. While this part of the plan had worked well, she could not guarantee the rest would be quite so smooth. In fact, continuing to convince Loren to give her space and time would become more and more difficult.
“In the carriage,” she told Almandine.
The small consciousness startled in her mind as though awoken by her words. After a moment, during which Ariadne was not certain the dragonling had heard her, Almandine replied, “Everyone is ready.”
Good.
The carriage lurched forward and she ventured a glance at Loren. Though he appeared at ease with the current circumstances of all three Caersan women trundling off into the night with him, tension dripped from him in waves of annoyance. After denying him any affection after the ceremony, his next opportunity had been stolen as well.
Little did he know that Ariadne had no intention whatsoever of letting him get that close to her.
“Are you quite ready for your wedding day?” Camilla half-whispered as though she were attempting to conspire with Ariadne without Loren hearing. The Caersan was sober as an infant, yet had spent the past several nights at Caldwell Manor perfecting her slurring speech and overly affectionate touches.
“Camilla!” Revelie hissed just as loudly, then hid her giggle behind her hand. She, too, had not had a drop of wine, yet managed to perfect her own version of inebriation. “He is sittingright there.”
Looking back at her friend, Camilla gave her an incredulous look. “That is why I am whispering, doll. No need to point out the obvious.”
Ariadne could not help the true snort of laughter that escaped her. Gods, they were making fools of themselves, and it worked to alleviate the anxiety of the night. She leaned forward, pointedly ignoring Loren’s hand on her knee, and took Camilla’s hand in hers. “You are being quite loud, if you must know.”
After brushing back a stray lock of blonde hair, Camilla pursed her lips. “PerhapsHis Majestyshould cover his ears so we ladies can speak openly.”
Before Loren could take the opportunity to be affronted by her words, Ariadne pressed her finger to her friend’s lips. “You cannot say such things. You know this.”
“Yes, Camilla,” Revelie said, pulling her back to sit against the carriage seat. “His Majesty is being quite accommodating by allowing us to interrupt his special morning withHerMajesty. We should be grateful.”
With a dismissive wave of her hand, Camilla turned her attention to Loren. “We are most honored by your generosity.”
“Thank your Queen,” Loren said with a sharp look. “She so graciously persuaded me.”
