They remained silent for the rest of the journey, until the burnt gold spires that lent the Amber Palace its name rose into view.
Smaller in scale than the official seat of the monarchy, it was no less breathtaking. But as the basket touched down next to an elaborate lamp-lit maze, set to the east of the palace grounds, there was only one thing on Maddie’s mind.
Her gaze slowly rose to meet Remi’s. There was no going back. This was her wedding night, and if it was all she’d ever get—duty to the Montegovan crown or not—she would take it. Treasure the experience. She would give her virginity to her husband without trepidation or regret.
CHAPTER NINE
REMI ATTEMPTED TO moderate his pace to match his new bride’s as they strode through his favourite palace. Despite her avid scrutiny of her surroundings, the tell-tale tremble of the fingers caught in his announced her trepidation. On the one hand he could hurry and get this over with, so she’d see there was nothing to worry about. Or...he could stay away from her altogether.
No.
The latter was out of the question. This marriage needed to be consummated. And he... He needed to have her before he went insane.
But she looked a little pale, so he slowed his steps further, led her from one opulent living space to the other.
‘How long has this been in your family?’ she asked once they’d circled back into the least formal of the living rooms.
He let her extricate her fingers and engage him in conversation instead of doing what he yearned to do—which was to sweep her off her feet and stride up the stairs into the master bedroom suite.
‘My great-grandmother built this as a surprise wedding present for my great-grandfather.’
Her eyes widened as her head snapped down from where she’d been examining the murals on the ceiling. ‘How long did it take to build and how on earth did she manage to keep it secret?’
Remi recalled the fond tale with a smile. ‘Very carefully, with a lot of bribery and a few tantrums that ensured she would be left alone for when she needed to visit the site. She instructed the first stone to be laid the day after they were betrothed. They didn’t marry for two years.?
?
‘And did he like his surprise?’
‘According to the historians, she left clues of secret passages and architectural delights that enticed him to stay for six months.’
Like the specialised jewels created in this part of his kingdom, the whole palace was decorated in different shades of amber, with expert lighting that gave the illusion of it being suspended in a field of dark gold.
‘I’m not surprised he didn’t want to leave. It’s stunningly beautiful.’
He watched her touch the amber teardrop crystal on a nearby lamp and wanted those fingers on him.
Striding to her, he seized her hand again, lifted it to his lips. ‘I will give you a fuller tour later,’ he said, aware that his voice was deeper, rougher. ‘Right now I have a more urgent need.’
When her lips parted on a soft pant he couldn’t hold back any longer. He swept her into his arms, satisfaction oozing through him when her slim arms encircled his neck.
‘What are you doing?’ his sharp-clawed kitten demanded as he strode out and up the stairs. ‘I... I can walk.’
He wrapped his arms tighter around her. ‘I’m giving you the chance to tell your own story some day—one that doesn’t include tripping over the stairs because your husband was too impatient with you.’
‘Are...are you?’ she asked, her voice tremulous, her gaze wary.
He paused long enough to drink his fill of her undeniable beauty before mounting the last step. But that pause also let in that little voice that said he needed to do more. He’d held her at arm’s length because ever since her arrival he’d expected her to find a loophole, get out of their agreement. He’d issued veiled threats, left her to her own devices when he could have given her a little more of his time and attention.
He’d noted her hesitation before she’d said her vows. That most of all had unsettled him. If he wanted this marriage to work, even on the basest level, he needed to do...more. He negotiated challenging trade deals, walked diplomatic tightropes all the time. So why did the idea of more unnerve him?
He took a breath, and went with the carnal truth. ‘I want you, Maddie. More now than I did half an hour ago or the moment we first met.’
Her breath shuddered out, her eyes growing several shakes darker as she watched him.
‘Would you like me to show you?’
Her nod was shy, a touch hesitant, but it still swept fire through his veins, lent further urgency to his steps.