“Is that Braxton’s armor?” I inquired when Skylar entered with Willow helping her carry a large leather bag.
“Yes, Princess. I left it better than new.” Her lips curved into a proud grin, and I smiled appreciatively in return.
“Where should we put it?” Willow asked.
“Spread it over the bed, please. Braxton is finishing his bath. I’ll help him put it on.”
“Perfect.”
I began to brush my hair while I watched them through the mirror. The mirror. My cheeks flushed at the memories it awoke, but I pushed them away, placing down the brush and walking to the bed to help them.
Taking the cloak out of the bag, I extended it over one side of the mattress while the girls arranged the pants, chest plate, arm shield, boots, and shin guards. “The chest plate you can put away; Braxton won’t need it,” I informed them. “He doesn’t like hiding his scar anymore, and I don’t think he’ll want to use it.”
“Also, it makes the armor way too formal for him,” Skylar added in agreement.
“I concur. I don’t think it is his style,” Willow added. “What about the chin guards?”
The three of us looked at each other.
“We’ll just let him decide on those,” I offered, seeing them nod.
“I’m about to come out! If you ladies don’t want to see me naked, I suggest you give me some space,” Braxton warned from the other side of the privacy screen placed before the tub, making me roll my eyes even when my lips twitched.
“You look perfect, so I will go get ready.” Willow kissed my cheek and rushed out of the room.
My gaze shifted to Skylar, who pretended to sit on the bed. “Larie…”
“What? He said to leave if I didn’t want to see him naked… so, I’m staying.”
That brought a chuckle out of me. Skylar loved being outrageous. “Behave yourself or I’m telling Asher.”
“Ooh, he might punish me. Don’t get me all excited, now.” She winked, leaving our quarters with haste.
“I’m coming out!” my mate warned again, but it was just me in the room.
“It’s safe,” I assured, watching him step out in all of his glorious, naked self. I was forced to repress a sigh, but I still allowed myself to enjoy every uncovered inch of him as he strutted towards me. The muscles of his thighs contracted with each step, and I was helpless but to bite my lower lip.
“Hey, my face is up here,” he jested, stopping before me to claim my lips. “You look absolutely delicious in that dress.” Braxton’s breath fanned my lips a second before he pulled me flush against his hard body.
“Stop! You are still wet,” I squealed, pushing him off me while he laughed.
“Are you sure we don’t have time for you to lick me dry?” He gave me that sensual crooked smile of his. “… And other things.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Finish drying yourself so I can help get the armor on you. Asher, Harper, Arlo, and Elijah have already begun to transport our people to the old arena behind the mountain.”
“Okay. I’ll be a good boy, but I can’t promise to behave once we get back.” Planting both hands on my butt, his magic dried the few waterdrops that made it onto my skin, and then he squeezed me, sending tingles all over my skin.
Chuckling, I stole a kiss and slammed the towel against his chest, turning to reach for his father’s armor.
“I don’t mean to worry anyone, but the chief isn’t here yet,” Harrison informed while the guard walked with me to the remnants of the large stage in the ancient royal arena.
Willow had ordered it to be cleaned and cleared of all debris so we could use it for the event.
Today, my guardian hadn’t met us outside my room like he did every morning. He hadn’t shared breakfast with us, nor had he met us outside the gates with Spartan to fly to the open land behind our mountains. Considering this had never happened before, his Elevated Warriors would have every reason to be concerned, but I wasn’t. I knew how much this day meant to Kingston.
“He’ll be here,” I assured, walking to the throne only for my steps to halt. There wasn’t just one throne, as it usually was. There were two.
Willow’s knowing grin captured her lips when I glanced her way, the sentiment mirroring on my face. My best friend, my sister, had ordered a throne be placed for Braxton too. I guessed she’d decided today was the day he and I would also announce we were together. No more hiding.
