Riiiiiight.
Still, I’m sure Octavia had other plans for her Saturday morning. I shoot her a friendly wave. “Thanks for helping out.”
“You’re most welcome.” She raises her pointer finger high. “Ah, one last item. We’re sending over a new night nanny for Maxon. She’ll understand how to handle my little warrior.”
“Wow, that’s a relief. Thanks, Octavia.”
Lincoln’s mismatched eyes narrow. “Of course, we’ll need to meet her first before making any final decisions.”
“Are you quite certain?” A strange look flickers across Octavia’s typical poker-face. Could that be guilt? “I shouldn’t think that’s necessary.”
“Oh, it is extraordinarily necessary, Mother. Especially considering that face you just made.”
Octavia opens her eyes extra wide. I know that trick for seeming innocent; I’ve used it myself a million times. “Whatever do you mean, my son?”
Lincoln points right at her nose. “That look, right there. Come clean. What’s really going on?”
“Nothing,” replies Octavia quickly. “You two have got quite enough on your plate as it is, so I found you a new night nanny, that’s all. Now, you can focus on the big event tomorrow.” Her mouth winds into a satisfied smile. “The end of the old House of Acca. Anointing a new Earl.”
“Nice try to change the subject,” says Lincoln. “I hardly noticed.”
“Please.” Octavia rolls her eyes. “Go prepare for the Anointing.”
“Not happening,” I say. “When are you sending her over?”
“Her who?”
I fold my arms over my chest. “Octavia. Enough.”
“Fine. I’ll send her over to your audience chambers tomorrow at eleven.”
I pause, considering. “That’ll work. Lincoln and I can split nanny duty tonight.”
Lincoln steps up to my side, wrapping one arm firmly around my waist. “In the meantime, you bring up an excellent point. The Queen and I have all sorts of things to do before the Earl’s Anointing.” Behind my back, his hand slowly dips to firmly cup my ass. I make a chirpy-sound and then blush something fierce.
No question. The guards at the other end of the hallway just got a free show.
Wouldn’t be the first time.
“Lots to do,” I add, my voice about two octaves higher than normal.
“As I suspected.” Octavia turns on her heel and strolls away, Maxon still happily cuddling in her arms. “See you later!”
Once she and Maxon are gone, Lincoln and I rush back into the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind us. My heart beats at double speed.
Royal playtime returneth, yeah!
Lincoln tosses me onto the bed, where I bounce, snort, and in general break out into a fit of giggles. With an ultra-smooth lunge, he slides onto the mattress and pins me onto my back, his firm hands, hips and thighs instantly pressing mine into place. Wherever he touches me, a sense of electric excitement runs across my skin. Our gazes lock; my body heats.
Lincoln’s voice comes out all low and growly, just the way I like it. “How long do I have you?”
I know exactly what he means. “I’m open until the trade summit.”
“So, we have hours.”
“Yes, we do.”
“In that case, I have an idea.” His legs guide mine apart with a knowing grace. “Want to know what it is?”
I squirm to free my hands so I can pull his mouth to mine, but he has me pretty well pinned. Damn, that’s hot. “Tell me.”
“Watching you unravel, again and again.”
I can’t help but smile. Unraveling is the best. “Oh, I’m all yours, Mister the King.”
Chapter Two
In my dream, I lie on a secluded tropical beach, warm white sand pressing into my back. A line of leafy palm trees stands guard behind me, their great green fronds slowly swaying in the breeze. Knitting my fingers behind my neck, I stare up at the countless stars dotting the night sky. So beautiful.
“Hello, my Queen.” Lincoln settles his toned body between my legs, propping up his naked chest on his long, ropy arms. The motion makes his board shorts rub my bikini bottoms in just the right way.
“Hello, yourself.”
A mischievous gleam twinkles in his mismatched eyes. “No one here but us.”
“And no work. No kid.” Maxon’s back in Purgatory, getting spoiled rotten by my parents.
“So, what do you want to do?”
Heat slowly prickles through my core. “Oh, I can think of a few things.”
Suddenly, an eerie howl echoes through my mind. On reflex, I press my hands to my ears. The beach, starry sky and Lincoln all disappear. I become trapped in a black and empty space filled with heart-wrenching screams.
Damn, damn, DAMN, damn. It’s happening again.
I grit my teeth in frustration. My nightmare is back. Only this time, I have a new plan. I won’t bother questioning my igni while I’m still dreaming. With a concerted effort, I force my eyes to open, seeing my quiet room in Arx Hall. Lincoln sleeps soundly beside me.