Page 97 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2

He places his hand over mine, the touch so soothing and secure at the same time. "I love you, Bea."

"I love you too."

"I don't know if I told you that last night."

"You did. But even if you didn't, it wouldn't matter," I promise. "I know how you feel, Linc. You don't have to tell me for me to know. I can sense it in the way you are around me. And last night, I could tell by the fact you didn't chase me away. You let me hold you. And you cared that you'd let me down, even if that's not how I see it."

The look he gives me says it all. "I'm lucky I found you."

I let out an amused laugh. "Our fathers found me."

"Not true. There was the night of the Golden Moon. I had no idea who you were, but there was something about you that made me want to bare my soul."

"I think that something was wine."

He gives me a wry smile. "It was a little bit of wine," he concedes. "But it was more than that too."

"You're just saying that now because you love me," I point out.

"Maybe. But that doesn't change the impact that conversation had on me, or how important it was."

My heart swells at his words, because I can tell how true they are, and feel the reality of them within me.

I lean in and press my lips against his. He deepens the kiss, making my whole body tingle in response. I trail my hand down his chest, knowing that we're alone and not needed by anyone, meaning that we have all the time we want to be together.

A knock comes on the door, and we break apart. I try not to feel too annoyed about the interruption, especially when a servant steps inside.

"Lord Fallmartin is here to see you, Your Highnesses."

Linc looks at me, concern on his face.

I shake my head, having no idea what my father wants.

Linc clears his throat. "Will you bring some refreshments?"

"Of course, Your Highness." He bows and leaves the room, presumably to send Lord Fallmartin in.

I straighten out my dress, hoping that I look presentable before realising that it's all immaterial. He's coming to see us because of who we are.

"What do you think he wants?" Linc asks.

"Could be anything from reminding me to drink the tea, to asking us to confirm him as our advisor," I say.

"I did the latter yesterday with my father. The former..."

"Yes, but not the tea Lord Fallmartin gave me. It's probably fine to drink, and I don't see why he'd lie to us about his motivations over us having a child, but I don't want to find out I'm wrong the hard way.”

Linc nods, presumably reaching the same conclusion, or at least one that's very similar.

The door opens, cutting our conversation short. I start to rise to my feet, but Linc holds out his arm to stop me, shaking his head in the process.

Right. I'm royalty. I'm supposed to act like it.

For a brief moment, I worry that Lord Fallmartin will be unhappy with the turn of events, but he just nods once and then bows deeply to us.

"Your Highnesses."

"Lord Fallmartin," Linc responds, his hand back on the ribbon, but in a way that only I can see. "Am I to assume that you're here in an advisory capacity now that your position is confirmed?"