Even though the rest of the banquet is as dull as I assumed it would be, anxiety turns in me the whole time because I know what’s coming next. Mahl laughs with his Alphas and consults with the delegation from Venda, hardly looking at me as he masterfully performs his role as King. But beneath our table he keeps a hand on my thigh, his palm so warm it feels like it scorches my skin beneath my satin gown.
My cheeks grow red and I find that I have no appetite. What…what am I supposed to do if Margot doesn’t show up? How am I supposed to let her know that I need her if Mahl doesn’t let me escape from his side all night!?
The night winds to a close and Mahl turns to me, finally, his face lit with a dark pleasure like he’s looking forward to what comes next. I gulp as I look up into his face,
