Page 61 of The Queen’s Bodyguard

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Theora groaned.

Argos seemed slightly on guard at her tone. “What is it?”

Lover’s Lagoon was by far the most exclusive tourist attraction in Lasius—a beautiful, ancient cavern, with a river cruise leading to a glowing lagoon at its center. To help sustain its natural beauty, only two hundred people were allowed inside at a time, and reservations needed to be bought well in advance. Hundreds of intimate wedding ceremonies were performed here each year.

But that wasn’t why Theora was annoyed.

The peace talks had been planned for months, but Argos had only been added to their guest list a few weeks ago, as soon as she had solidified the plan to claim him. It definitely wasn’t a wedding present from Venita. Which meant that someone had either pulled some strings to procure Argos a ticket…or someone had arranged this beforehand, believing Theora would be single. Because, per tradition—and safety regulations—guests were only allowed inside in pairs.

Sitting on Argos’s lap had been more than enough intimacy for one day, but this place was practically designed for romance. It was called Lover’s Lagoon, for Sovereign’s sake.

“You had me thinking this place was dangerous,” said Argos as Theora took his hand and led him to where Venita and Apollo waited for them by the front gate. “Why are we here if you hate it so much?”

“I don’t hate it. It’s just not the excursion I’d prefer.”

“Come on, Theora.” He barely avoided a smirk. “You’re livid.”

“Just don’t do anything, you know…intimate.”

“As long as you don’t start hugging Apollo again.” He rolled his eyes. “Honestly, I’m not even sure if he understands we’re married at this point, the way you were clinging to him before lunch.”

That wasn’t entirely fair. After all, she’d sat on Argos’s lap through part of lunch. “Trust me,” she murmured, “he’ll know by the end of this excursion.”

They approached the entrance gate, which was guarded by a sculpture of a woman in flowing robes with her hands together, palms upward, holding about two dozen golden coins.

“How did we secure a reservation at such late notice?” Theora asked, expertly keeping the panic from her voice, since she couldn’t very well order Venita to stop meddling in the middle of what was supposed to be a fun excursion.

Apollo’s expression was a combination of boyish charm and clever nonchalance. “A little bird told me you’d never seen it, and I know someone in the office. Everyone, at least once in their life, should experience the majesty of natural perfection.”

“I experience that on a daily basis,” said Argos, holding Theora close and kissing the top of her head.

He was warm, his touch comforting, and it made Theora want to run away screaming.

He was far too good at this.

Theora led her husband toward the gate as quickly as possible, eclipsing Venita’s and Apollo’s casual pace.

“In order to enter the Lover’s Lagoon,” said the cheerful man at the gate, Theora’s stomach twisting more and more with nerves at each word, “you must pay a toll to Ellenmara, goddess of love and good fortune. If two people put a golden coin in her hands, ring the bell, and kiss, they’ll have eternal love and good luck in this life and the next.”

“It’s more a childish tradition than a requirement for entry,” said Venita, providing just the right information so Theora would know she could skip the theatrics.

But she couldn’t, really. A couple madly in love wouldn’t be bashful about one little kiss.

Apollo paid his admission without the gimmick, simply dropping a coin into the hands of the statue, then handed an extra coin to the gatekeeper before striking up a conversation with him. Of course he would tip the staff generously, make her admire him even more on a day when Theora wished he weren’t here to see her.

Argos wrapped his arm around Theora’s shoulders and chest from behind, leaning close to whisper in her ear, “Are all Docile activities this…weird?”

Theora fought back her smirk. “This cavern is one of the natural wonders of the world.”

“No, I mean are we going to leave here with spirits latched on to us after presenting an offering to this idol?”

This time she couldn’t stop a small smirk from sneaking through. He was so devout it was almost adorable. “We’re not worshiping it. It’s just a way to get more money out of tourists.”

“Ah.” He paused, his lips skirting her ear, sending a shiver through her that, oddly, made her lean closer to him. “I think we’re going to have to break your rule.”

He didn’t even need to state which one. Theora swallowed and nodded. She’d set the rule for no kissing, but it seemed now they had no choice. Because if she truly were married, she’d have no problem at all kissing her husband.

For Sovereign’s sake, she had sat on the man’s lap. She could get through this, no problem.