"I would like to have my mate back," Horace said, his deep, commanding voice slicing smoothly through the conversation between Ariel and her two friends.
At once, Iryza bowed. "Of course, Your Highness."
Haven followed, lowering his head before the two quietly excused themselves.
The moment they stepped away, Horace's façade of royalty melted. He pulled Ariel into his arms with a hunger that seemed to have been waiting all day for this moment. His face lowered instantly into the curve of her neck, breathing in her scent like he had been starved of it.
"My sweetness…" he murmured against her skin, his voice thick with affection. His arms locked tighter around her waist. "We'll be leaving any minute now."
Ariel's breath caught. She pulled back gently, enough to look into his molten gaze.
"Where exactly are we going, Horace? You haven't told me anything."
A slow, teasing smile curved his lips. "Somewhere specially made for you. And remember… I still haven't given you your gift."
