Mariah’s hands landed on his chest, palms splayed, as they both became aware of someone knocking on the door.
“Are you two ready? We’re going to be late.”
And while Andrian had just been happy for the younger Riqueti brother, at this exact moment, he was going to kill him.
Mariah laughed softly, fingers digging slightly into his chest. She planted a soft, gentle kiss on his cheek, before pushing him away and settling herself back on the floor, readjusting her dress and hair. She looked up at him, cheeks and chest still flushed with that perfect damned blush and gave him a lopsided smile as she toyed with his hair.
After a moment, she shrugged. “The mussed look has always suited you, anyway.”
Some of the tension loosened in Andrian’s chest. “Always?” He lifted a brow.
Her smile turned into a smirk. “At least this time, I won’t be wondering whose hands did it to you.” She brushed past him, somehow looking completely unruffled. “But you better take care ofthatbefore Matheo gives you shit until next Solstice.”
Warmth slid up Andrian’s spine. He adjusted himself in his pants, chuckling a teasing curse and following Mariah’s laugh from their room.
“It is sogood to see you again, Your Majesty.”
Mariah smiled warmly at Merete. The council woman wore a flattering black gown, her long, gray-streaked hair coiled atop her head. “You as well, Merete. We’re honored by the invitation. The temple is beautiful.”
Andrian gave the council woman a tight smile, his gaze wandering. Mariah was right; it was beautiful. The cavern walls were hidden behind towering tapestries that had been dropped from the ceiling, and a stage was erected at the far end of the room. Tables dotted the space, each set in a semi-private alcove constructed of more cloth barriers.
It was warm and welcoming and splendid, yet still intimate and divine. These people may not give the Solstice the same significance that Onitans did, but they certainly celebrated it to its fullest.
Perhaps more than Onitans did, truthfully. A focus on the magic of the night, and not the power to be gained.
“And it is nice to see you as well, Armature. It must be quite a treat to be here in Eyarfell to celebrate the Solstice with your mother’s people.”
Andrian winced, tearing his eyes from the cavern. The council woman’s words were kind enough; practice and polishedand saying all the right things. But there was an edge in her expression, a guarded wall he’d known all his life.
Fear. Distrust. Generations-old wounds that would never truly heal, no matter how many queens or gods demanded that they do.
“It’s quite the honor, Merete. I only wish she could’ve been here to see it with me.”
Merete smiled, though it was pinched and forced. “Yes. If only.”
If only his mother hadn’t sold her body and his soul to a fallen demon god.
Merete turned back to Mariah, expression warming. “A server will escort you to your seats; it’s one of the best in the house, if I say so myself. I hope you both enjoy the show.”
“Happy Solstice, Merete.” Mariah gave her a nod and a smile before tugging Andrian after the young serving girl who’d quietly approached behind the council woman.
They wove through the gathering attendees, all finding their tables within the shrouded alcoves. Their soft murmurings grated against Andrian’s skin, the air buzzing with the weight of their curious, veiled glares. Though when he swept his gaze around to try to catch them, he never could.
“I’m sorry for what she said.”
Andrian’s attention snapped to Mariah. “What?”
“Merete.” She kept her gaze fixed ahead, but her grip on his forearm tightened. “I’m sorry for what she said about your mother and the way she looked at you. Cal and I are trying, but…” She sighed. “It’s just frustrating, I guess.”
She’d noticed. He knew he’d kept it locked away, that Merete’s expression and words were so subtle, no one should have noticed. But she had.
Gods, he fucking loved this woman.
“They’re trying their best,nio,” he murmured. “They have their reasons for being distrusting. But I will never not love how you fight for me, anyway.”
Mariah met his stare with a soft, delicate, heartbreakingly beautiful smile. Their server halted, pulling back one of the heavy, gauzy curtains.
“Here is your table, Your Majesty,” the youth said with a bow. “The show is set to begin momentarily. We will leave you to enjoy and will be back at its conclusion to serve dinner.”
