A part of me wanted to laugh at how different this was from the last time I’d been in a bridal suite. By comparison, preparing for Lucas had felt like walking into a trap, my heart warring with the unease of it. Back then, I’d just wanted to make my father happy at last, but I wasn’t sure if he was
Violet’s POV We’d made it to the waiting area just outside of the hall and behind some curtains so that none of the guests would see me when I heard Theodore’s voice. The soft murmur of everyone inside came to an abrupt halt, and I straightened in my spine, leaning to hear what was going on. A kno
The easiest thing to do would be to stall. “I didn't expect you all to come…” I said, addressing Owen and his little family. “Don't you think you should be sitting in my family section?” The air in the garden shifted, thick with tension. Everyone seemed tense. My eyes stayed locked on Owen. He l
Violet I expected a lot of things when the music changed, signaling that it was my turn to walk. I thought I would be nervous. I thought I would hesitate, and yet I walked forward without thinking about it. I even thought that I would miss my father in this moment, but I didn't. The whispers ros
The whispers had dulled, replaced by an expectant silence. “Nonsense old friend,” the High Priest said. “There is nothing ceremonial about your presence here.” Her lips twitched. “For the law within this country, my appearance is completely ceremonial.” “Ah, I do forget that.” He chuckled to h
Violet’s POV I swallowed, turning to Theodore. My eyes were wide, but I did as I was told. My hands were so small and delicate looking in his, trembling subtly. He smiled at me as the smoke weaved around our hands, tying them together. I wasn’t prepared for the jolt of awareness that went throug
“Violet,” I whispered, my voice hoarse, but she didn’t seem to hear me. Her tears didn’t stop, and I couldn’t tell if they were from pain, relief, or something else entirely. The High Priest’s voice cut through the quiet. “You may now kiss your bride.” The weight of his words hit me like a tid
Violet The grand doors to the banquet hall swung open, and the hum of voices swelled into a roar. I held my head high, schooling my expression into one of serene confidence as Theodore and I walked in together. The crowns of light still lingered, drawing everyone’s attention. The banquet hall of M
She didn’t flinch at my tone, just watched me with that calm, unyielding gaze of hers. “How do you go from talking about delicate balances and planning to flip the whole table?" She shook her head. "I know you're upset. I know you're running on a million and five instincts screaming at you, but I
Theodore I looked at Violet. "What do you mean?" Tyron was still on the line, and no one else said anything, but I could all tell they had a lot to say. My mind wasn’t quiet. The thought was like a brewing storm in my head. Part of me knew what she was going to say, hated it, agreed with it, and
"And one more thing." Kincaid dug through his pockets for a small box and offered it to me. Theodore went tense beside me. I looked at him wondering what his problem was only to find him glowering at Kincaid. Kincaid blinked and chuckled before offering it to Theodore. "Returning it on behalf of t
Violet I woke slowly, the sterile scent of the hospital room giving away my surroundings before I even opened my eyes. The ache in my body from the fight reminded me of everything that had happened, but it was the warmth at my side that pulled me fully into consciousness. I shifted slightly and
“I’m not going anywhere, little flower.” She let out a soft, sleepy chuckle. "My mom used to call me that…" I wrinkled my nose. "I'll have to think of something else then." She chuckled again and started to relax. She closed her eyes and rumbled with contentment as she fell asleep. A warmth
Theodore My heart felt light enough to fly when she leaned into the kiss, melting against me the way she had that first night we met, yet now it felt like so much more. Her fingers curled into the fabric over my chest as she leaned closer, tugging just enough to let me know that I could give her
Her brows furrowed. “Acknowledge what?” “That we’re mates,” I snarled. “You know it. I know it." I gestured to my forehead where I was sure the band still was. "The Goddess has said it. What more do you need?” She flinched. Her lips parted, but no sound came out at first. Then, like a dam breaki
Theodore I was across the room before I realized it. She blinked slowly, confusion clouding her gaze at first. But then she looked at me, and I could see the recognition in her eyes. I wrapped my hand around her. Her lips twitched with discomfort. She tried to speak, but her throat was dry. She
“Did he… He looked like he was going to—” I couldn’t even say it. “Or that maybe he already had…” Her gaze softened. “Would you like me to add that to the list of examinations?” “Yes.” I took a deep breath. I’d need to add it to the case. “Would you like to stay for it?” “Yes.” He paused a