CHAPTER NINE

Amber

Anger brewed in my soul as I adjusted Idris’s hair. Amelia was at the palace with her little one on her hip.

“Come on you two, I heard the little ones have a bounce area.” Amelia beamed and my two bounced up and down at the sound of that.

“Go on. Listen to Amelia,” I called out as they bolted away from me. After the panic of seeing someone take my daughter, and the race to escape the mess, I was left with the anger at not being allowed to just go home.

Lundin adjusted at my side and after I knew the kids couldn’t hear me, I turned and glared at him. “Why the hell can’t I go home?” I placed my hands on my hips.

“Because the last time this broke out there were attacks on humans.” His lips were thin and his ears turned red, showing off his anger.

“I’ve lived here for long enough. I couldn’t just give that woman an illness.” I shook my head.

“I didn’t say their logic was sound.” He shrugged and I let out a breath through my teeth.

“Do you really expect me to just stay here? With your…” My tongue felt heavy thinking about the woman at the pool. I wasn’t the jealous type; I was a strong, independent woman.

“With whom?” His brow arched as he inched closer to me.

“Costenza in this place. She’s going to be your wife,” I hissed and pulled myself away from him. Even though ever fiber in my being wanted to say screw it and just throw myself into his capable hands.

“Costenza is a pompous little bitch who thinks I’m going to end up with her.” He took a step forward, securing the space I’d just put between us.

“She said you were to be engaged any day.” I backed up again but this time my ass hit the wall. Just fucking perfect. I ground my back teeth, knowing that if I slid right or left to get away from him, I wouldn’t get far.

“Well, Amber.” The way he said my name sent heat straight to my core. “She lied.” He placed his hands on the wall, caging me in as I took in his last two words.

“So, you don’t… I mean you’re not…” My mouth and my brain had lost the connection to speak like a fucking adult.

He grinned and my foolish heart leapt up, ready for him to catch it. Then he leaned forward, his nose a few inches away from mine.

“I want to be dating you, Amber. I want to get to know you in every fucking way possible. I want to provide for you and your two elflings. Hell, maybe later we can even add to the family.”

Oh, my fucking stars!

My brain couldn’t fully grasp everything he was telling me. He wanted me! But how could he want me when he had the goddess that was Costenza? Then my ears caught up with the whole adding to family part and my breath froze in my lungs.

“You’re already planning our future?” I licked my lower lip, and his heated gaze followed the movement.

“Yes. Because even though I haven’t known you long, I feel it deep in my soul. I’m going to do everything in my power to convince you that you’re worthy of being my Princess.”

Then he was kissing me, with so much heat behind it, I melted against the wall. His arms captured my waist, bringing me flush to him and I felt his arousal against my stomach.

He pulled away slightly, looking deep into my eyes as if he might touch my soul. “Will you give me a chance?”