Page 8 of Bred By the Emperor

“We’ll have time to do that during the honeymoon.” I wince. Yes, this is all moving too fast. I squeeze my thighs together just thinking about it. My core clenches around empty space. A thrill races through me at the thought that I am the one who broke this powerful man’s self-control. I hardly had to do anything. The connection between us was instant. A force of nature. Elemental. I want to experience the full force of him.

Julian scoffs. “The only thing you’re going to be doing on your honeymoon is riding his dick. Hasn’t he been celibate since his wife died, or was that just a rumor?”

“The press likes to paint Malakai as a womanizer, but he’s never actually been linked to anyone. They can’t make up their minds,” I mutter. In my heart, I know he’s held himself aloof. Maybe I don’t have a good reason to believe that, but I do. “Listen, I need you to find me a wedding dress. I need it now. Today.”

“Girl. You are a princess. You need custom couture. That will take months.” I know he’s trying to talk sense into me. These wedding pictures will be all over the tabloids for the rest of my life. His concerns are valid. But I don’t care.

“I trust you to have connections to a designer somewhere in this empire who has a dress that can be altered to fit me in a few hours, ready to go. Spare no expense. Just get me something. You know what I like.”

“Lili, you can’t do this. You should see what the papers are saying.”

Worried now, I click over to social media and log into the private account he set up for me. Ordinarily, I stay far away from social media websites. But sometimes I need to know what people are saying about me. I’m not usually someone who attracts too much ire. I live a quiet life as the demure, sweet princess of a small, insignificant country. I’m just a pretty figurehead to most of the public.

Perhaps that is why the headlines are so scathing.

Princess Hooks Her Claws into Emperor

Emperor Cuckolds His Own Son

Engaged—Abandoned at the Altar—a Whirlwind Royal Romance

I see the scandal has already spread far and wide. Queasiness fills my belly.

“Did you tell your grandfather what was happening?” Julian asks with a note of sympathy. He must’ve been frantic when Malakai stole me.

“There wasn’t time.” A lump forms in my throat and makes it hard to speak. “I’m sorry, Julian.”

“Don’t apologize to me. I’m glad you’re happy.”

“I am. Truly.” Even if I am a little pissed off at Malakai for kidnapping me and I would have preferred to move at a more deliberate speed. I admit it’s flattering the way he’s so desperate to get me into bed. The attention from a powerful man is intoxicating—but I can’t let that overrule my good sense.

Thinking about it strategically, this is a good match. Our marriage elevates Kellimar’s position within the empire. No wonder the Gremalians are angry. Never mind the other countries that had hoped to secure a favorable position. Any one of their princesses would’ve been a better choice for Malakai than me. I bring no gains in power or new alliances, things he could’ve had if he were marrying someone else.

But then he wouldn’t have had me. And he knows it.

“I’ll make some calls,” Julian says. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to let you walk down the aisle and anything less than a gown perfect for a princess.”

“You’re the best, Julian,” I say softly.

“I know. You owe me for this.” He hangs up.

Julian is true to his word. While I’m having a formal lunch with Malakai and his two sons, along with the rest of his council, a small plane arrives, carrying Julian and my trunks. I excuse myself from the table and meet my assistant. Kenton’s glare burns into my back.

“Ooh, your stepson really hates you,” Julian whispers into my ear.

Stepson. That word gives me pause. Not enough to call off the wedding, but certainly enough to create misgivings. As if I don’t have enough of those already.

“He’ll get over it eventually,” I whisper back. “Let’s see what you brought me.”

“Not here,” Julian says in a singsong voice. “It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding.”

Chairs scrape. Masculine footsteps approach. I release my assistant and step back, folding my hands at my waist.

“Never touch my wife again.” Malakai growls, looming over poor Julian.

“She isn’t⁠—”

“Malakai, stop. Julian is my assistant and a friend.”