“That I don’t have to prove myself anymore.” She turned in my arms to face me. “Or maybe that I finally realized I never had to. Not to anyone who matters.”
I kissed her forehead. “You proved yourself the moment you walked back into my life and refused to be intimidated by a castle full of vampires.”
“I was terrified,” she said.
“You hid it well.”
“Years of practice.” Her smile turned mischievous. “Grandmother taught me to maintain an expression of calm no matter what was going on around me.”
“Remind me to thank her the next time we visit.”
“She’ll love that. She’ll probably take all the credit for our successful marriage.” Cyrene laughed. “Actually, shewilltake credit. It was her idea to send me here.”
“She has my eternal gratitude.” I pulled her closer, savoring the warmth of her body against mine, the way our magic hummed between us. “Ready to face tomorrow?”
“What does tomorrow bring?”
“Advisor meetings. Diplomatic correspondence. Probably a dozen nobles wanting private audiences to pledge their support now that it’s politically advantageous.” I grimaced. “The usual tedium of ruling.”
“Sounds delightful,” she said. “Any chance we could skip it and stay in bed instead?”
“Tempting. But I’m fairly certain Broadworthy would hunt us down.”
“He would, wouldn’t he?” She sighed dramatically. “Fine. I suppose I should start acting like a proper queen.”
“Please don’t. I fell in love with an improper witch who argues with me and fills my castle with chaotic magic. Stay exactly as you are.”
Her eyes softened. “I love you too, you know.” She traced the embroidery on my jacket with one finger, the touch sending sparks along my skin. “Though I suppose I could say it again, just to be certain you heard me properly.”
“I’m listening.” I caught her wandering hand, bringing it to my lips.
“I love you, Kieran Nightblood.” Her voice went soft, intimate. “Even when you’re being an overbearing vampire king who thinks he knows what’s best for everyone.”
“Overbearing?” I raised an eyebrow. “That’s a bit harsh.”
“Is it?” She laughed. “You literally ordered me to rest yesterday. And the day before that. And?—”
I silenced her with a kiss, pulling her flush against me. She made a small sound of protest that quickly melted into a sigh as her arms wound around my neck.
When I pulled back, her eyes were dark, her breathing uneven. “That’s cheating.”
“Is it working?”
“Entirely too well.” She glanced back at the ballroom, where the celebration continued without us. Music and laughter spilled through the open doors. “How long do we have to stay?”
“Technically, as the king and queen, we’re expected to remain until the end.”
Her expression fell.
“However, given the events of the evening, I think we could be forgiven for retiring early.” I brushed a strand of hair from her face. “The court has seen what they needed to see. Our bond is secure. Our marriage blessed by the ancestors themselves, thanks to Cordelia.”
“She’s remarkable, isn’t she?” Cyrene’s gaze grew distant. “All this time, she was watching over both of us. Waiting for the right moment.”
“The Iron Queen was known for her patience,” I said. “And her strategic mind. She chose her moment perfectly.”
“Do you think she’s still here watching? I don’t see her.”
“Probably.” I glanced around the balcony, half-expecting to see a shimmer of her gown. “She’s protective of family.”
