Hearing this made me even more determined to bring some liveliness to the manor. It was my home, too, and I would not live the rest of my dawns in boredom. In fear. In this everlasting dreariness of the manor’s dark shadows. I always threw parties back home in Nahomie Manor. Even if I was the only attendant. I was not about to let that tradition die here. And Tassarion loved dancing too much. He loved liveliness. Enjoyment. I would give it to him even if he didn’t have the courage to give that joy to himself.
“All the more reason to throw another. That singular moment was devastating. The embodiment of the purest evil. The Beauradèl’s should pay for their treachery. But Amouré,” I tugged his chin toward me, arresting his attention. “One moment of darkness should not rob you of the endless light that comes from joy and celebration. Come on, Celèstian, say yes. Open the gates. Invite the angels who will come. Let us enjoy ourselves as we dance, drink our angelwine, and enjoy the company of your?—”
“Our,” he quickly corrected me.
“Okay,ourangels. Please, Amouré. Say yes. It’s just for this twinight.”
I kissed him then. Unhurried. Deliberate. Devouring. I drug my teeth across his bottom lip, purposefully stealing his breath. When I released my wingmate, he could hardly breathe.
“That’s not fair,” he groaned, his voice raw, his feral gaze tethered to my mouth.
I smiled coy.
“All’s fair in love and war. Sayyes.”
“Fine. Yes.”
Then he lunged, wrapping me in his arms, while bringing his lips to mine. We tumbled on the couch, intertwined with one another. When the king finally released me, I swore I could see starlight.
“On one condition,” Tassarion said, his voice low. Gruff.
A delicious chill snaked down my spine.
“Oh? And that would be?”
“It has to be a true masquerade whereeveryoneis masked. Including you and me.” He grinned widely. “Angels who attend unmasked donotenter my manor.”
I smiled, showing all my teeth as I danced with elation.
“Done.”
Tassarion took hold of my lips again, having his own sinful pleasures with my mouth before releasing me. Then he pulled away, padding over to the door of the lair.
“I’ll have the Gargorètti spread the word across Mortevain. We’ll see who attends.”
“Tassarion, where do you think you’re going?”
He blinked at me, confused.
“You’re half-dressed!” I gestured to his bare feet. “Where are your shoes?” Then to his chest. “Your tunic? You’re not going out there, looking likethat, uncovered.”
His eyes glittered with amusement.
“So rotting protective.”
“I’m greedy and I don’t like to share. Your point?”
He laughed, low and dark, the sound like music to my ears.
“Fine. I’ll put on a shirt.” He waved a hand. A freshly pressed black shirt slipped over his torso, properly covering him. “But I amnotwearing shoes in our manor.”
Then he walked out of the lair with Obsidian in tow.
I was thrilled to finally be alone.
Until Coralai slipped into the chamber.
“Oh, don’t look so depressed, Roièssa.”
