Chapter 175: Chapter 175 

~ ROWAN

Nyssa’s cheeks burned bright as the priest bowed to her. She shuffled awkwardly on her feet, stepping closer to me as she did. It seemed subconscious, but I wrapped my arms around her hips, pulling her taut against my skin.

She glanced up at me with eyes so soft and filled with emotions so fierce that my insides twisted on themselves. I knew the look in her eyes because I felt it. I hadn’t said it yet because I was too much of a coward.

To be fair, I did not think I was capable of it, not until I met her. I thought it to be a fallacy; a myth that only existed in the hearts of weak men.

Perhaps I had now become a weak man because I knew it as much as I knew my own name. I knew that there was no other word for what it was.

“I—”

“I can’t believe you’re finally mated!” Aria exclaimed, her voice cutting me off completely. She all but pulled Nyssa out of my arms, wrapping her hands around her shoulders. “Congratulations.”

Nyssa managed a small smile. “Thanks.”

Eric lingered behind Aria.

His eyes locked with mine and he bowed; a sign of respect. I tipped my head to him, stepping back so he could go to Nyssa. I did not particularly enjoy the idea of a male being around my mate right now, but I knew enough to understand that he was her friend, and she probably needed him around right now.

While they caught up, I thanked the priest, escorting him back to the car that would take him back home. Once he was handled, I headed into the house, cracking open a bottle of bourbon and pouring myself a glass.

“Mind if I join you?”

I turned to find Nyssa standing in the kitchen doorway, her hair free of its up-do. She made her way over to me, took the glass out of my hands and downed it at once. As soon as the liquid hit her tongue, she turned to the sink and spat it out, her face screwing up in disgust.

“That was much cooler in my head.”

I couldn’t help but laugh as I reached into the cabinet and pulled out a red. “This is much better.”

“Thank you,’ she mumbled, cheeks flaming as she reached for a glass.

“Where are the others?”

“Gone,” she answered smoothly, lifting her drink to her lips. “The ceremony is over.”

“Yes it is.”

“Finally.”

I hummed in agreement, taking a step closer to her. She took a step back but her lower back hit the counter behind her. Her eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting slowly. She resembled a little doe, wide-eyed and curious.

I leaned forward, one hand tilting her chin. Our lips barely brushed when she suddenly pulled back.

“Before I forget!” she exclaimed, placing one hand on my chest. “Thank you for the flowers. They came at exactly the right time.”

My brows furrowed in confusion. “What flowers?”

She went silent, blinking slowly as if confused. “The ones you sent a few hours ago. I got them just before I started getting ready. I don’t know how you knew I was freaking out at that exact moment but the flowers really helped to calm me down.”

When I didn’t respond, she frowned deeply, her spine going straight. She stepped out of my hold, her hands crossing over her chest.

“You did send them, right?”

Her face was carefully impassive but through the bond, I could feel her confusion and underneath it was a tart feeling. It crept up slowly, infiltrating all her thoughts. It wasn’t an emotion I was familiar with, but I knew it all the same.

Fear.

I’d tasted it on my enemies, I’d seen it in the eyes of the men I’d tortured. Fear was a beautiful weapon, but on her… it tasted like ash.

“Yes, I did,” I lied, forcing my teeth into a wide grin. “I told Jeremiah to deliver it. I forgot. Today has been such a busy day.”

Her frown eased up slightly, but there was still an edge of unbelief in her eyes. “Are you sure? You sounded confused earlier.”

I reached for her, pulling her towards me once more. She protested for only a second before sighing and relaxing into my grip. I lowered my lips to her temple, ghosting over the soft skin there.

She relaxed instantly, shoulders sagging as we swayed slowly in spot.

“I still have a mark I need to give you,” I whispered, letting my lips trail down the side of her face, down her cheek and to her throat.

She tilted her head back with protest, a soft sigh leaving her lips as I kissed her collarbone, right above the spot my mark would sit.

“We were having a conversation, Rowan.”

“Were we? I forgot.”

It was a cruel card to play, but if it helped her forget the conversation then it would be worth it.

I didn’t send that fucking bouquet, and no one in the palace would dare send anything to her without consulting me first.

Reaching around her, I grabbed the bottle of wine. “We could use this.”

“The wine What –”

I didn’t let her finish before I crouched low, throwing her over my shoulder with one hand.

She squealed loudly, her excited shouts echoing off the walls. I smiled to myself as I headed up the stairs, her laughter following closely behind.

Her laughter eased my worries, but only a little. There was something else at play, and I had no idea what the fuck it was.

“Jeremiah!”

My sentinel answered immediately. “Yes, Your Majesty? I didn’t think I’d hear from you tonight. I thought you were—”

“I am. I need you to do something for me and I need you to be discreet about it.”

“Anything, sir.”

“Someone sent flowers to my mate. I want you to find out where they came from.”

He was silent for a moment. “Of course, Your majesty. Anything else?”

“Make sure no one knows about this. If anyone asks, I sent them, do you understand me?”

“Of course sir, I won’t tell a soul.”

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