Page 35

“Stop,” I moan. The word has no true weight behind it.

“Why?” he taunts.

“What are you going to do?” I hiss. “Fuck me in front of your court?”

“Don’t tempt me, witch.”

The place between my thighs is molten with pure need, and like he knows the knife-edge we’re balanced on, Eren pulls back.

“Later,” he whispers against my ear.

To the rest of the court, he speaks in a booming, authoritative voice that carries to the furthest corners of the room.

“I introduce Allison Amethyst Ashblood, witch of the Crescent Coven, Goddess-blessed Tithe bride…” he pauses for a moment, meets my eyes and continues, voice still booming but gaze only for me. “And my mate.”

A murmur through the crowd.

“She carries my name and my authority, and as such demands the respect and fealty you give me.”

A wave of voices calling assent to his words.

“And Goddess willing, she brings with her a renewal of the magick which holds this realm steady and prosperous.”

My stomach caves inward on itself at that last bit, but knowing the importance of this moment, I do everything I can not to let it show on my face.

A steward steps forward from the wings of the dais and hands Eren a cup.

“A toast then, to my bride and your new Queen consort. To Allison Ashblood.”

“To Allison Ashblood, long may she reign”

The chorus of voices is deafening, overwhelming, and I try to suppress the renewed dread that rises in me at the thought of being responsible for the welfare of these demons, their realm, the magick that sustains it.

Eren takes a deep drink of his cup, swallows, and kisses me. It’s deep, carnal, shameless, and draws another round of shouts and cheers from his court.

The clamor dies down and the hum of conversation starts back up as the demons go back to their business, and Eren raises a lazy, imperious hand. He motions to the crowd and a demon steps forward. Another male, with deep brown skin and black hair that’s shaved on the sides, the top portion woven into locs that run over his head and down his back. He’s wearing trousers similar to Eren’s but goes shirtless, showing off a chest and arms covered in intricate, beautiful black-line tattoos.

He bows deeply in front of us, wings spread wide.

“Felix,” Eren says. “Head of my council and pain in my ass.”

Felix grins. “An honor, majesty, to meet your new bride.”

This one seems to have better manners than the rest.

“And may I say,” Felix continues, “you’re a lucky male, to have won such a lush, beautiful female. One who’ll no doubt give you great pleasure and strong offspring.”

Never mind.

Eren’s growl rumbles in his chest. “Keep your eyes off her.”

Irritated enough to speak up, I glance back at my husband. “So now people aren’t even allowed to look at me?”

“Not if they look at you with lust.”

“If that’s the case,” Felix chimes in, “you’ll have to pluck the eyes from every demon in the realm.”

It’s by far the strangest compliment I’ve ever received, but seems to please Eren as I feel him relax a little beneath me.