Bride of Ashes (Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin #1)

53. Reyla

53

REYLA

A s the echo of the final gong faded, the throne room rippled with excitement. The sea of my people erupted into cheers and applause. I scanned the room, noting a few sullen looks among the smiles and enthusiasm. The challenge to win over these skeptics was a daunting one, but I held onto the hope that they would one day come to accept me as their queen.

One person's animosity was palpable and impossible to ignore. Erisandra stood with her ladies, her eyes blazing with rage. The waves of negativity emanating from her were almost suffocating. How had I gone from a stranger to an enemy in her eyes so quickly? The silly episode last night could not have been enough to solidify the hatred in her heart.

I promised myself I’d try to bridge the gap between us. I yearned for peace, not a relentless battle of wills.

The cold glares of Erisandra's ladies-in-waiting showed me their allegiance. No surprise there. They were pawns on a Wraithwaite board, moved by the hand of the woman they still saw as their true queen. The game required considerable strategy and conniving.

I’d won when I played before. I’d win this time as well.

Merrick stood by my side, his hand clasping mine in support that was both comforting and empowering. His eyes held steely determination as he gazed at his mother. In this struggle, he was my ally, not hers, and she knew it.

The emotions swirling inside me were overwhelming, yet I would not let them consume me. I took a deep breath, attempting to steady my racing heart. The crown I wore, heavy with silver, gold, and red gems, was a physical manifestation of the weight now settling on my shoulders.

Merrick lifted his arm, and like someone cast a spell, the room went silent. “Show my queen her due.”

As one, everyone bowed, even Erisandra and her ladies.

Cheers erupted in the room again, and the smiles warmed my heart.

Only when the clamber had died down did Merrick speak again. “May Queen Reyla’s reign bring wisdom, strength, and a new beginning to our beloved kingdom. Today, we celebrate a momentous occasion. We embark on a bright future together.”

More cheers rang out.

He turned to me and squeezed my hand. “Welcome again to Evergorne Court, my beloved queen.” Leaning forward, he gave me a kiss that was chaste yet full of promise.

We took our seats on our thrones, and the herald announced the upcoming dinner. Only the “select few” would eat with us, while the rest would take seats and enjoy a fine meal in the other dining rooms.

Once everyone had left, the elder collected the crown again, gently placing it inside the box. One of the other elders lifted a smaller tiara, securing it on my head with a smile.

“Your hair . . .” I gulped when the revered elder turned her seeing-but-not-seeing eyes my way. “It's gorgeous.”

“Yes, it is, isn't it?” She reached up to stroke it, and her smile turned enigmatic as her unseeing eyes pierced through me. “A long and prosperous life awaits you, Queen Reyla,” she said in her sing-song voice. “And the child you will soon carry.”

Merrick's eyes widened.

Stunned, I could barely think. We hadn't . . . My thoughts raced, flitting from one to another, but landing on one fact. I wasn't pregnant.

“What child?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

“A son to take his place like all others or a daughter of change.” The elder smiled again, her expression as cryptic as her words. “You must remain strong, Queen Reyla.” Her voice wove a spell around the room, empty except for me, Merrick, and our staff. “Seek within to find the parts that are missing. Fuse them to heal the wound that has long gaped wide.” Her words hung in the air, each a mountain pressing down on my throat.

She turned and strode through the door behind the thrones, the box holding the crown cradled in her arms, the other two elders following.

Her words stirred all sorts of feelings inside me. If only I held a blade in my hand, though I didn't feel threatened by the elder. There was just something about her, a creepiness that clawed across my skin. I felt the need to protect myself from it—or whatever she’d hinted at that was roaring my way.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my furious pulse.

Merrick squeezed my hand, and the twinkle in his gaze drew me in, holding me tight. “Well. Maybe we should get on with that soon.”

My laughter burst out. Leave it to him to lighten my mood with a tease. “Maybe we should.”

He stilled, and a swallow worked its way down his throat. “You say the word, Wildfire, and I'm yours,” he rasped for my ears alone. I didn't know how to respond to his heartfelt plea, and it must be clear that I was flustered and unsure. Understanding softened his eyes, and he offered me his arm. “Dinner, my pretty little bride?” His warm tone was both comforting and playful. “The rest can wait until morning.”

“Amazing, my queen,” Lord Briscalar said, hurrying over to join us. “Simply amazing.”

“You’re calling me queen,” I said.

He dipped forward in a deep bow. “My queen forever.”

“Thank you for everything.”

“Of course.” He eased back to follow.

I took Merrick’s arm, and he led me from the throne room. Our entourage flowed around us, the guards on high alert and my ladies chattering with excitement, the swish of our gowns on the stone floor echoing through the corridor.

As we approached the dining room, the murmur of conversation from inside grew louder. While I wasn't worried about our reception, I knew better than to lower my guard until I was safely inside my suite after the masked ball had ended.

“My mask,” I said, my fingers darting up to my face that suddenly felt as naked as the longing still lingering in Merrick's gaze.

“Ours wait for us outside the ballroom,” he said. “They're special.”

“Lord Briscalar shared some hints.”

His smile rose as he glanced the lord’s way. “I knew he would.”

Lord Briscalar blushed. “I would never share anything you wouldn’t approve of, my king. Please know that.”

Merrick grabbed the lord’s shoulder, squeezing. “I trust you. Thank you for everything.”

The elder's words still stunned me. Me, carry a child? I'd always wanted at least one, though Kinart . . . He'd joked about us having many children. While my arms should feel empty, they didn't. They couldn’t while Merrick stood beside me, shooting me looks that deepened the creases of concern on his face. Now when I pictured myself holding a child, it had Merrick's green eyes and deep brown hair.

The thought of being with this man fully, of sharing the passion he'd sparked within me, sent a thrill all the way to my core.

Guards rushed ahead to open the grand doors, revealing a dining room filled with guests dressed in their finest clothing.

A herald's voice called out, “All rise for their Majesties.” The room erupted in cheers as Merrick and I entered, hand in hand.

We moved around the room, greeting each person in turn, our voices lost in the sea of applause and well wishes. It was clear that only those who’d welcomed me from the start had received a special invitation to dine with us tonight. Even in this, Merrick extended his protection.

I couldn't stop staring at the golden plates, the sparkling crystal glasses, and the intricate tapestries hanging on the stone walls. Even the air was filled with the scent of exotic flowers. Fairies fluttered around, sprinkling us and our guests with sparkles I suspected would still coat my skin come morning.

Merrick led me to the table, pulling out my chair with a flourish. I sat, and he leaned down, his breath warm on my ear. “I must say, you look absolutely delicious, my queen.” His voice, low and intimate, made prickles glide across my skin. “I don’t believe I need to eat anything but you.”

With that, he took his own seat on my right, and everyone else sat to follow. I glanced down the long expanse, amazed at the sheer number of guests attending this “small” function.

My ladies, their faces glowing with joy, fussed over me briefly before taking their seats among the others. Their happiness was contagious, and I was glad I'd played a part in their newfound status.

Once everyone had settled, staff erupted through the doors on one end, bringing out one dish after another. The clink of silverware and the hum of conversation soon filled the air.

The first course was a delicate soup swirled with cream and spices. I took a small sip, but my stomach was too full of dragonflies to eat.

Merrick noticed, his eyebrow quirking up. “Not to your liking, Wildfire?” Concern laced his voice, but it also held a hint of something more, something that stirred me in a way I hadn't felt in a very long time. Not since he kneeled between my thighs, gave me a crooked smile, and spread my legs wide for his view.

“It's not that.” Heat climbed into my cheeks. “I'm not very hungry.”

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Or perhaps you're craving something else?”

I nearly choked on my wine, my eyes widening. His gaze held a wicked gleam, and my entire body flushed to match my face.

“Merrick,” I said under my breath, my smile blooming. This man could stir me like no other.

He chuckled, the sound sending a thrill through me. “Only making an observation.” His hand found mine under the table, his fingers tracing a slow, sensuous pattern on my palm. “You seem distracted. Should I be concerned or intrigued by the fact?”

“Definitely intrigued.” I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest hard enough to break through my ribcage. It would land in this man's hands, and I wasn't sure I had the will to hold it back any longer.

Perhaps it was time we got working on that child.

“You're such a tease,” I said.

“It's only a tease if the barb doesn't strike true.”

Oh it had, alright. It fluttered in my chest, making me want to stroke his thigh. Let my fingers wander. What would he think if I did something like that?

As if he could read my thoughts, his eyes darkened, hooding with desire.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the fire spreading through me. “You're impossible.”

“And you love it.” His thumb circled the pulse point on my wrist.

I adored every bit of this dance between us. The air felt charged, the pull between us growing stronger. I ate, but I barely tasted the food, my focus solely on the man beside me.

His mother sat further down the table, her presence only a distant concern. I was grateful for the space between us, for the chance to be lost in this moment with Merrick without her disapproving glare weighing me down. Tomorrow was soon enough for that.

As the dinner wore on, the heated tension between him and I grew. Each touch, each stolen glance was a promise of what was to come. The naked emotion in his eyes and the subtle tension in his body drove heat through me. He wanted me as much as I did him, and the knowledge intoxicated me.

“I can't wait to see you in your mask tonight,” he said, his voice a low growl.

I raised an eyebrow, playing along. “Oh? And why is that?”

He leaned in, his breath hot on my ear. “Because I want to be the one to take it off later.”

“Maybe I should keep it on . . . and nothing else.”

His eyes smoldered.

Anticipation made this meal delicious. I could hardly wait for the dinner and the ball to end, for the moment when we could slip away and be alone for the very first time.

As the final course was cleared away, Merrick stood, offering me his hand. I took it, my heart a furious beast in my chest as I rose to stand beside him. The room fell silent, all eyes on us.

“Ladies and lords,” Merrick said, his voice strong and commanding. “Thank you for joining us for this fine meal. We'll soon see you in the ballroom.”

He led me at an almost feral pace through a door exiting out into a hallway I hadn't seen before, closing the door in our guards' faces.

“Stand watch,” he barked through the panel, his voice thriving with tension. “Surround the hall but do. Not. Enter. Not until I give you leave.”

Merrick's hand swirled, and I felt his magic encircle us, creating a protective shell. The outside world faded to nothing, leaving the two of us alone in this quiet space. He nudged me gently against the wall, his eyes locked onto mine, reflecting a raw hunger that made my breath catch.

“You, my pretty bride, have been driving me out of my mind.” His low, rough voice rasped across my skin, lighting fire wherever it touched. “It's time to pay the price for your bad behavior.”

A husky laugh escaped me, oozing with sexual tension. Before I could say anything, he lifted my chin and kissed me. His mouth claimed mine, the pressure and heat of his lips making every nerve in my body spark to life. It was a kiss that said he wanted me desperately, a kiss that made my heart pound, and my body ache for everything.

I melted into him, grasping his shoulders, savoring the strength and power beneath my fingertips. His tongue slid against mine, deepening the kiss, and a moan escaped from deep within me. The way he moved, the taste of him, everything about this man drove me wild.

When his hand found my breast through my gown, I lost all control. I tugged at his clothing, wanting nothing between us. He groaned against my lips, the sound vibrating through me and fanning the fire deep within my core.

In one swift move, he lifted me, pushing me against the wall. One hand stayed on my butt, supporting me, while the other roamed freely. Every touch, every caress drove my longing to a fever pitch.

He slid up the fabric of my skirt, exposing me to the chilly air and the heat of his touch. My heart slammed in my ears as he snarled my undergarments to the side, his fingers grazing my sensitive skin and my clit that throbbed. When he slid a finger inside me, he groaned, “Wet.” His hoarse voice reflected his feverish desire. “Fucking wet and only for me.”

My body trembled, the ache between my legs growing more intense with every stroke of his fingers. I gasped, my nails digging into his shoulders as a world of sensations built inside me. His touch, both tender and fierce, drove me to the edge of insanity with every stroke.

Time stood still as he continued to explore me, his mouth moving from mine to my neck, leaving a trail of kisses and gentle bites that fanned the blaze roaring through me. Every part of me came alive, every sense rose to heights I’d never felt before. I wanted more of him, all of him, the need inside me growing stronger with each passing second.

Merrick's fingers danced against my clit, sending jolts of pleasure through my veins. I writhed against him, my breath hitching in desperate gasps. His fingers dove deep, moving in a rhythm that matched the need pulsing within me, driving me higher and higher.

“Merrick,” I moaned, my voice echoing in the empty hallway. My hands fisted in his hair, and I yanked before tugging him close, holding his mouth against my throat while his hand worked its magic on my body. Each stroke sent me spiraling toward the edge.

He locked his gaze on mine, his green eyes darker than night. “Come for me, Reyla.” Need grated through his voice. “Scream for me.”

As if his words were the key to unlocking every door inside me, the pressure built to an unbearable point. My body tensed, and with a sharp cry, I shattered. Waves of ecstasy lashed through me, leaving me trembling and clinging.

But Merrick wasn't done with me yet. His fingers continued their relentless assault, drawing out my orgasm until I thought I'd implode. He wrung every last drop of sensation from my body.

“Again,” he growled against my flesh, his breath hot and demanding. “Come for me again, Wildfire.”

I shook my head, panting heavily. “I can't. It's too much.”

He chuckled, the sound vibrating through me and sending a fresh wave of heat through my veins. “You can and you will.”

He lowered me to the floor only to drop to his knees and hitch my legs up onto his shoulders. Then he buried his face between my legs, licking. His tongue found that perfect spot, circling and teasing until I turned into a writhing mess in his arms again. My breath came in ragged gasps, my heart thrashing inside my chest, my body aching for the release only this man could give me.

His fingers pumped inside me, filling me completely. The combination of his rapid thrusts and his tongue sent me careening over the edge. This time, my cry came out hoarse and desperate, echoing through the hallway like a wild beast's call.

As the waves finally began to recede, I collapsed, my body limp and sated. Merrick gently lowered my legs to the floor, holding me when I would've slumped onto the cold stone floor.

I should sock him for giving me such a satisfied smirk, but all I could do was grin right back at him.

He'd owned me, and we both knew it.

I was his, completely and utterly, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

“You're incredible,” he whispered, gathering me into his arms and pressing a kiss to my forehead. “And you're mine .”