His smile rose as he glanced the lord’s way. “I knew he would.”
Lord Briscalar blushed. “I would never share anything you wouldn’t approve of, my king. Please know that.”
Merrick grabbed the lord’s shoulder, squeezing. “I trust you. Thank you for everything.”
The elder's words still stunned me. Me, carry a child? I'd always wanted at least one, though Kinart . . . He'd joked about us having many children. While my arms should feel empty, they didn't. They couldn’t while Merrick stood beside me, shooting me looks that deepened the creases of concern on his face. Now when I pictured myself holding a child, it had Merrick's green eyes and deep brown hair.
The thought of being with this man fully, of sharing the passion he'd sparked within me, sent a thrill all the way to my core.
Guards rushed ahead to open the grand doors, revealing a dining room filled with guests dressed in their finest clothing.
A herald's voice called out, “All rise for their Majesties.” The room erupted in cheers as Merrick and I entered, hand in hand.
We moved around the room, greeting each person in turn,our voices lost in the sea of applause and well wishes. It was clear that only those who’d welcomed me from the start had received a special invitation to dine with us tonight. Even in this, Merrick extended his protection.
I couldn't stop staring at the golden plates, the sparkling crystal glasses, and the intricate tapestries hanging on the stone walls. Even the air was filled with the scent of exotic flowers. Fairies fluttered around, sprinkling us and our guests with sparkles I suspected would still coat my skin come morning.
Merrick led me to the table, pulling out my chair with a flourish. I sat, and he leaned down, his breath warm on my ear. “I must say, you look absolutely delicious, my queen.” His voice, low and intimate, made prickles glide across my skin. “I don’t believe I need to eat anything but you.”
With that, he took his own seat on my right, and everyone else sat to follow. I glanced down the long expanse, amazed at the sheer number of guests attending this “small” function.
My ladies, their faces glowing with joy, fussed over me briefly before taking their seats among the others. Their happiness was contagious, and I was glad I'd played a part in their newfound status.
Once everyone had settled, staff erupted through the doors on one end, bringing out one dish after another. The clink of silverware and the hum of conversation soon filled the air.
The first course was a delicate soup swirled with cream and spices. I took a small sip, but my stomach was too full of dragonflies to eat.
Merrick noticed, his eyebrow quirking up. “Not to your liking, Wildfire?” Concern laced his voice, but it also held a hintof something more, something that stirred me in a way I hadn't felt in a very long time. Not since he kneeled between my thighs, gave me a crooked smile, and spread my legs wide for his view.
“It's not that.” Heat climbed into my cheeks. “I'm not very hungry.”
He leaned in, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Or perhaps you're craving something else?”
I nearly choked on my wine, my eyes widening. His gaze held a wicked gleam, and my entire body flushed to match my face.
“Merrick,” I said under my breath, my smile blooming. This man could stir me like no other.
He chuckled, the sound sending a thrill through me. “Only making an observation.” His hand found mine under the table, his fingers tracing a slow, sensuous pattern on my palm. “You seem distracted. Should I be concerned or intrigued by the fact?”
“Definitely intrigued.” I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest hard enough to break through my ribcage. It would land in this man's hands, and I wasn't sure I had the will to hold it back any longer.
Perhaps itwastime we got working on that child.
“You're such a tease,” I said.
“It's only a tease if the barb doesn't strike true.”
Oh it had, alright. It fluttered in my chest, making me want to stroke his thigh. Let my fingers wander. What would he think if I did something like that?
As if he could read my thoughts, his eyes darkened,hooding with desire.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the fire spreading through me. “You're impossible.”
“And you love it.” His thumb circled the pulse point on my wrist.
I adored every bit of this dance between us. The air felt charged, the pull between us growing stronger. I ate, but I barely tasted the food, my focus solely on the man beside me.
His mother sat further down the table, her presence only a distant concern. I was grateful for the space between us, for the chance to be lost in this moment with Merrick without her disapproving glare weighing me down. Tomorrow was soon enough for that.
