The servant bowed and left quickly, it was obvious he was upset. Rhea exhaled. The tension snapped like a bowstring, thank the moon goddess Infact.
Rhea took a shower and finished dressing in silence, the black trousers and fitted shirt feeling like armor after the vulnerability of the white silk. She tied her hair back with quick, practiced movements, the wolf pendant settling against her collarbone like a talisman. When she turned, Elias was already moving toward the wardrobe and this time, he wasn't even sparing her a glance.
Was he really upset about the maid spoiling the moment? He selected a crisp black shirt, dark trousers, and a tailored coat-simple and elegant but unmistakably formal.
No velvety color today; nothing that screamed royalty even.
He pulled the shirt on first, fingers moving over the buttons with deliberate slowness, as if he knew she was watching him. The fabric stretched across his shoulders, hugging the muscle she had glimpsed in the moonlight. He tucked it in, fastened his belt, and shrugged into the coat, rolling the cuffs once before smoothing the lapels. Rhea didn't look away. She refused to.
Let him think what he wanted. Ste didn't even care if he thought she was shameless! She had seen him shirtless and had him tease her without mercy; now he was dressing properly, like a prince as he prepared to face his court-and her pack.
From the half-naked man who had whispered filthy promises in the dark to a composed leader who would stand beside her in front of both worlds.
He caught her gaze in the mirror as he fastened the last button. A small, knowing smile touched his lips. "Better?" he asked, voice low and amused.
"Much," she replied coolly. "You looked like you were trying so hard to get me before." Elias chuckled softly.
"And you looked like you were trying not to give in to this charm but that is clearly failing." She stepped closer, stopping just out of reach.
"I just don't care Lord Elias Thorne." He turned fully to face her, coat perfectly aligned, hair smoothed back, every inch the prince again. Yet his eyes still held that same hunger from the night before-tempered now, but not gone one bit.
"You're dressed for war," he observed, gaze sweeping over her black attire. "Not for peace." "This is peace," Rhea said.
"My version of it. I'm not going to pretend I belong here by wearing silk and smiling sweetly. Your court can see me as I am. So can my pack." Elias studied her for a long moment. Then he nodded once.
"Fair enough but you're no longer just the princess of your wolf pack, you're my queen and you will wear what is suited for a queen as time goes on. And do not argue with me right now and let's go."
Well she was about to argue actually. He crossed to the door and opened it, holding it for her. She walked through without hesitation, head high.
He fell into step beside her, close enough that their arms brushed once as they moved down the corridor. Neither pulled away, they needed to look like the most ideal couple ever.
Maybe it would make everyone relieved and comfortable thinking they've warmed up to each other. The halls were quieter in the morning, after all it was not the normal vampire hour. Servants bowed as they passed, eyes flicking between the new husband and wife with open curiosity.
Rhea stared at them back sternly. Elias acknowledged them with the slightest nod. They reached the lower hall where the pack representatives waited.
Jiro and Mara stood near the front, arms crossed, expressions hard. Torin paced slowly, face set in disapproval. A handful of elders were lingering at the edges waiting impatiently, they even started to wonder if something had happened to her.
When Rhea entered, the room stilled. Jiro's eyes flicked to Elias, then back to her. "You okay?" he whispered with a shaky breath as he walked forward.
"What are you trying to imply? You think I'd harm my wife on our first night together?" Elias said with a sarcastic smile.
Just as jiro was about to deny and tell him he was just asking out of reflex, after all it was a new environment, Rhea cut them off. "I'm fine," Rhea said with a small smile.
"We need to talk about the border sighting before you leave."
"The rogues. Yes. We heard. Our scouts reported the same-three, maybe four, checking the line near the ridge. Nothing major, but they're getting so so bold. They should know by now to stop after this alliance! I guess they need a proper wake up call!" Elias stepped forward, voice calm.
"My guards will handle it. But since the treaty is fresh, we should send a joint patrol. Show both sides the alliance holds." Mara snorted softly.
"Joint patrol. With vampires." Rhea shot her a glare. "We'll do it. I'll lead the wolf side." Torin frowned.
"You're not going anywhere near a rogue line on your first day here Rhea. You're no longer a tough enforcer, you're a prince's wife, and a lady so act like it."
"I'm not asking permission uncle," Rhea said as she glared at him.
"I'm telling you that I WILL GO!" Elias glanced at her, surprise flickering in his eyes before he masked it. "Then I'll lead the vampire side. We ride at dusk."
The pack members exchanged looks. Jiro nodded once, and Mara relaxed her stance slightly.
Torin exhaled through his nose but didn't argue further even though he wasn't in support. But why wouldn't he be in support of this small thing if he could watch her family throw her into the vampire's den saying it was for peace. Elias turned to her as the group began to disperse. His voice was low, meant only for her. "You didn't have to volunteer."
"I did," she said. "This is my pack and they're My people. If there's trouble, I face it with them." He studied her face, then nodded. "Then we face it together my wife." Rhea met his gaze. "Together doesn't mean I trust you."
"I know wife." He stepped back with a smile, giving her space. "Meet me at the stables at dusk. Dress warm. The nights are cold." She watched him walk away, coat moving with perfect grace, every inch the prince he was. Her heart gave an annoying thud.
But She ignored it. The day stretched ahead-pack goodbyes, council briefings, she had to learn to live like this?
She wasn't sure she could!