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When he finally broke off they were both dazed by the intensity of their emotions.

“I will cancel theshaa’baara,” he said hoarsely. “I will announce our marriage immediately.”

“Vahn, you can’t. You heard what Baelon said, the families would consider it an insult.”

“I do not care. I only want to be with you.Shaa’baarais needless.”

“Listen, you big blue doofus.” She looked at him sternly. “I intend to win. And without any special treatment I might add, so don’t even think about making the others go easy on me. I’ll win this fair and square, you hear me? And then no-one can say we aren’t fated to be together.”

“But if anything were to happen to you…”

“Aren’t you the one who believes in destiny?” She cupped his cheek. “Trust in it now. Trust that it will bring us together.”

He gazed at her broodingly, his yellow eyes gleaming in the dark.

“So you finally believe we are meant to be together?”

“I’m yourkalehsha.And I love you with all my heart.”

With an inarticulate groan he crushed his mouth to hers, kissing her feverishly and making her pulse leap. His lips trailed fire along her neck, her shoulder, her cleavage. His fingers found her nipples and stroked them through the dress.

“Sweet Jesus,” she gasped, rocking her hips against his.

It had been too long since she’d felt like this. She let her hand fall to his groin, tracing the outline of his growing erection.

“Vannla’s Sword,” he growled. “You will be the undoing of me, human.”

He slipped the strap from her shoulder, baring one pert breast. He caressed it gently, refamiliarizing himself with its shape, its softness.

When she arched towards him he fastened his lips to the inviting tip, suckling it until it was almost painfully erect. Kara moaned as the sensation arrowed straight to her groin.

A distant bugle sounded and Vahn raised his head.

“Drek.”

“What’s wrong?” she said breathlessly. “Why have you stopped?”

“That’s the signal that the dignitaries have all arrived for the ceremony.Kalehsha, my sweetness, we have to go.”

“No! I want you. Ineedyou.” She tilted her mouth to his and he let himself be kissed again. But only for a moment. Then he pulled away regretfully.

“Believe me,kalehsha,if I had my way you would be bent over this balcony right now with my tongue on yourvieris.” His eyes glittered. “And I promise you, that will happen one day soon. But now we must get back.”

Reluctantly, she let herself sink back down to the ground. He took her hand and together they went back the way they’d come.

In her bedroom, he enveloped her in his arms and held her silently for a few moments. She leaned into him, drinking in every precious second. There was no need for words. They had said everything they needed to say, for now at least.

Then he kissed her on the forehead and vanished as quietly as he’d come. Kara watched him go, her heart as fluttery as a feather.

Almost immediately there was frantic banging on her door. She opened it to see Daa’sten standing there, his scales almost puce.

“There you are. I knocked ages ago, why didn’t you answer? The others have gone already, you’re the last. Let’s do a final check. “He peered at her closely. “Hm. Not bad. Nice color on your cheeks. But what’s happened to your lipstick? Honestly, do I have to do everything round here?”

He reapplied her lip color while Kara dutifully held still. Then he nodded to the lone guard waiting in the main room.

“Okay. She’s all yours. Off you go. And Kara?”

She turned to see Daa’sten place his hand on his chest and give a half-bow.