A hesitant smile tugged at my lips. Hadrian appeared proud, but beneath his confident façade, I sensed an undercurrent of anger. I couldn't quite understand why he would feel that way. Gently, I stroked his cheek, as if I could smooth away the darkness that clouded his expression.
"Should I start calling you 'Your Majesty' now?" I teased with a faint laugh.
"Perhaps on very formal occasions," he replied with a cocky grin. "You may even bow down to me if you'd like."
I nudged his shoulder, pouting playfully. He laughed, then pulled me into a tight embrace, pressing soft kisses to my forehead, my eyes, and my cheeks before hungrily claiming my lips.
"I shall make you my Queen," he murmured against my skin, his lips trailing down my neck.
His words sliced through me like a blade. I had s
