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As they approached the throne room doors, the courtiers stepped back from the runner so quickly that one of the ladies tripped on her gown. Mehl’s hand darted out to steady her, the motion so fast that their advance was barely slowed. Ria longed to glance over her shoulder to see the lady’s reaction at receiving the king’s own aid, but she had to settle for the surprised—and mostly pleased—whispers swirling around them.

Warmth filled Ria for Mehl and his constant kindness. Had she not seen him when danger was near, she never would have believed that someone so affable could be such a fierce warrior. But perhaps his easy-going patience had been a boon when he’d been a bodyguard. He’d no doubt stood guard for hours without a sign of complaint.

He’d shown that same patience while waiting for her to fall pregnant, too…and in the slow, steady way he’d taken her body each time since. Toren claimed and Mehl coaxed—yet both were equally relentless. At the thought, a flush of heat swept through her, and she couldn’t stop her breathing from speeding up.

She heard a hiss of breath from Toren’s direction. “Unless you want to be presented to the court in a more carnal way, I suggest you divert your thoughts. That type of claiming has not been seen since ancient times.”

Ancient times? Claiming?Carnal?Ria darted an alarmed glance his way, but his expression was as stoic as ever. Her heart pounded in her ears.“What are you threatening?”

“Nothing, in truth,”Toren said, unbending enough to smile slightly.“Though the first two or three monarchs did bed their spouses in the throne room after the wedding so that all could bear witness. We could always shift the tradition to the presentation, instead.”

Gods above. A public bedding in front of all the courtiers? As they proceeded through the throne room doors, Ria gave serious thought to closing those doors behind them so she could punch the High King in the stomach. Honestly. What was he thinking, saying something like that when she was already so nervous? This was difficult enough without images like that in her head.

“Is that ancient tradition orcurrentfantasy?”

He hesitated, and her poor heart fluttered harder.“It was the former, but the latter holds surprising appeal. Perhaps I like the idea of an audience more than I would have thought. At dinner last night, I had the unexpected urge to spread you on the table for dessert.”

Ria gasped, both from horror and the sudden rush of desire. Though she could think of few things worse than being so exposed in front of the judgmental courtiers, a scene like that in an empty dining room… Bah. Would it be a breach of etiquette to fan herself all the way down the carpet to the dais?

“Toren!”she said with a groan.“Are you trying to turn my skin permanently red before the courtiers enter?”

He chuckled softly.“No, but it’s difficult for a person to be nervous when they’re both arousedandannoyed. You’re welcome, dearest.”

Too bad they were almost to the throne, for she had the sudden, conflicting urge to both smack and kiss Toren for his unusual attempt at help. And the worst part? He wasn’t wrong. The burn of desire and annoyance had swept away the bulk of her nerves, leaving her steadier as she halted at the base of the dais.

As Toren continued to his throne, Mehl paused in front of Ria. Smiling, he lifted her hand to his lips. “I could tell by his face that he was teasing you. How are you holding up?”

“I’ll make it through.” Ria leaned closer. “But we need to talk to him about some of his stranger fantasies.”

Mehl’s grin flashed wicked. “Oh indeed? Perhaps we should.”

Then he joined Toren on the dais, and it was time for her hour of torment to begin.

* * *

Courtiers packedthe room all the way to the door and spilled out into the entryway. Nevertheless, Toren noted a slight gap around Ria and Ryssa. The nobles working to distance themselves would have no doubt claimed it was out of respect, and for a couple of them, that was probably true. But not all.

“Make note of those who give Ria more worrisome glances and tell me if any of them are among the ones to step forward with a request,”Toren said mentally to Mehl.

His husband nodded slightly.“I’m observing as we speak.”

Feref stepped forward, scroll at the ready, and began the litany of formal announcements. It was standard fare, the kind of court news Toren already knew, whether through gossip or one of the reports he received. It gave him another few minutes to eye the crowd himself.

There wasn’t nearly enough kindness to be found.

Perhaps he should consider dismissing the court for a month or two after the wedding. These noble families had estates to tend, but too many here had apparently forgotten that sacred charge. Oh, they couched their presence in requests, or in seeking marriage alliances, or in introducing their newly-of-age children to kings and court. But Toren knew it was the chase that brought them, and what they hunted was status and power.

“For today’s official business,” Feref intoned, “We have the presentation of the new Duchess of Nevial.”

Toren and Mehl stood, and instantly, the courtiers fell to their knees—save Ria, who curtsied as he’d told her. She would never kneel before him again. Except in pleasure, but he had to lock that thought away at once. He’d already tormented himself enough while distracting her on the way in.

“Come forward, Ria Orindl,” Toren said.

He didn’t like her pallor as she approached the throne, but there was nothing he could do about it except to keep this brief. She halted at the base of the dais, and after a quick exchange of glances, Toren and Mehl stepped forward until they were at the edge. Time seemed to suspend as the courtiers awaited his words.

“Turn to face the court,” Toren commanded, though he wanted to pull Ria close and march out the back door. Instead, he waited until she complied. “I present to you Lady Ria Orindl, Duchess of Nevial and Princess Presumptive of the Kingdom of Llyalia. She is now the betrothed of High King Toren Eyamiri and King Mehl Eyamiri, Sovereigns of the Kingdom of Llyalia, by oath and contract.”

He paused, and some of the hastily stifled sneers he noticed made his energy flare in sudden response. He caught it back with his shields even as he reined in his temper. Oh, yes, it was time for a reckoning with his indolent, self-absorbed nobles.