Page 168 of Treasured
The elf smiled and bowed her head. “Likewise.”
I turned to the dragon standing a foot away from me. “Does your dragon…”
“He won’t bite… much,” she said, patting his flank rather affectionately. “Though he’s not a fan of being stabbed.”
The dragon huffed. Honestly, I didn’t blame it. Who liked being stabbed?
The High Lady of Life was odd, but I sensed no malice from her.
“That won’t be a problem.” I stepped back. “Please, come inside. We’re happy to help any way we can.”
Second Epilogue
SEBASTIAN
Many years later…
“Hurry up, Luna.” I leaned against the wall, straightening the lapels of my black silk shirt. “We’re going to be late if we don’t leave soon.”
A meow came from my feet, and I bent to scratch Noir behind her ears. One of the seven cats Luna adopted in the years since we took the throne, Noir had wormed her way into my heart. She was all black, with the exception of a single white dot in the middle of her forehead. Noir purred, rubbing against my legs.
I was still petting the feline when amusement burst through the Binding Mark. I dismissed the cat and glanced around. Luna was still in the bathing room.
A tinkling laugh came through the bond.
My brows furrowed. “What game are you playing, darling?”
Shadows pooled on the ground, and Luna appeared in front of me. “No games,” she said. Her smile contradicted her words, however.
I would have replied, but the sight of my stunning wife stole my ability to form words. She was always beautiful and breathtaking, but tonight she had taken things to an entirely new level. Even after all these years, she still managed to surprise me.
Luna twirled. “Do you like it?”
Like wasn’t a strong enough word to describe the sensations coursing through me. Instead of answering, I took her hands and pulled her to me, pressing my lips against hers.
“I love it,” I said earnestly. “I love you.”
Whoever designed this outfit should get a raise. I made a mental note to find out, taking a moment to appreciate how the garment highlighted Luna’s assets.
Leaving her shoulders exposed, golden silk ran tight across her bodice before flaring out around her. Slits were cut in the legs, giving her ample room to move. The dress shimmered as if it was made of spun sunshine. Her wings were out, and her long hair fell in loose curls like a waterfall over one shoulder.
Other than the necklace I’d given her all those years ago, the only other jewelry she wore was a matching black crown resting atop her head. Her arms were bare, leaving her Binding Mark on full display.
If anyone doubted who she was, they would know the moment they saw those markings.
As if anyone could forget the Vampire Queen. After Luna’s actions during the Battle of Balance, everyone in the Four Kingdoms knew of her. She was a legend twice over. Once for killing Queen Marguerite, and the second for how she fought when everything was on the line.
Luna smiled, displaying her fangs. “I’m glad you like it.”
Bending, I kissed her again. Slowly, leisurely, passionately.
I poured everything I had into the kiss. It didn’t matter that we’d been together for years; every embrace felt like our first. I nipped her lip, and she shivered beneath me. A small moan escaped her as my hands wandered lower, drawing her body tight against me.
She was perfect.
Minutes ticked by as we kissed and kissed.
A knock came on the door.