Or will it?
I've been on a mental gamble for two hours now, and nothing was working in my favor. I was getting sick again; I needed rest, enough to survive the night, but here I was, getting seasoned like a lump of meat.
I tried so hard not to stare at the box mirror because every minute, a scowl twisted my face to the point it felt like it would fall off.
The nightgown I wore was made of silk and had thin straps, and long slits on both sides. I was very well naked with this.
I frowned at Talia, humming a tune as she did my hair, wrapping the curls up with a single pin. For someone who had never cared for my hair before, she did it without trouble. I'd have applauded her for it, but I wanted to throw curses instead, so I kept my mouth shut.
"There, all good. Now, for the last part of the night's preparation." She walked to the table where the candelabra was positioned.
"I'm dressed up as a whore," I said, unable to keep quiet.
"No, you're dressed up…desirable," she corrected. "One look and he'll rip the gown off you."
"I'm not sure you understand what is about to happen. I'll die."
Talia paused, and I reasoned she knew what I meant. Gods knew aside from the lessons, rumors talked about how much fucking the Lycans did and how bestial it was. I read a graphic book once, and that image gave me nightmares.
"Not if you're in the mood." She ambled back to me holding a crystal goblet. "If the gods are kind, you'll come back with scrapes and claw marks. I'm good with medicine, so I'll make sure you heal in time."
"What's that?" I asked, staring at the pinkish liquid inside.
"A brew."
"A brew for what?"
"Enough dosage to make this night…engaging."
I eyed the crystal goblet again.
"It'll stimulate you, naturally, all you have to do is allow your body to welcome the process. It'll offer a calming effect to the body too."
"Why should I trust you?"
"You don't, but what choice do you have? I'm the only one who can make you survive tonight."
"I-I can't take that."
Talia looked like she'd force that drink down my throat if she had to; she was that dedicated.
But if she was right, with this I might survive this night after all and my nightmares would not come through.
I snatched the cup away from her and drank it all in one go.
"Not all of it!"
"But you said it was the right dosage!"
"And I mixed too much," she rasped.
"What will too much do?"
"More effect. Let me get you water to wash it down a bit."
I turned back to the mirror, trying to calm myself, my tongue licking my lip. I hate to admit this, but it tastes sweet.
"Here, drink…"
"Your grace."
We froze when a voice came from outside the tent.
"Too late, it's time."
"What—" I couldn't finish as Talia snatched the cup away and forced me to my feet, flapping a cloak on, and hurried me out of the tent.
I pulled the hood up as we followed the Knight. My eyes passed briefly around; I knew we travelled with Drevon's army, but I hadn't imagined the entire campsite occupying several acres of land.
We arrived at a much bigger tent at the center.
"My liege, your grace is here," The knight announced at the entrance.
"Let her in."
I grew tense just hearing his deep, masculine voice. I dreaded many things right now.
The knight gave way and pulled back the thick fabric.
I swallowed hard, casting a brief look over my shoulder. Talia was already walking away. I thought she'd stay, and that'd give me consolation in case anything happens.
It seemed like I'd have to deal with this on my own. May the gods have mercy on me.
My breathing shuddered as I faced the tent, hesitation suspending my body. Clearing my throat, I stepped through, and the fabric dropped behind me.
Deep breaths, Eloise. You already knew this would happen, face it, and be hopeful you'd survive.
I pulled down my hood, eyes taking in the view. It was bright, candles lit on every candelabra, and the entire place was more roomy than I expected and warm, very warm.
I veered my gaze to the table filled with all kinds of delicacies, lingering more on the full roasted boar and then the bunch of red tulips in a vase.
Tulips? Why were those here?
"Are you not hot with that cloak on? The room is at a much better temperature to chase the cold away."
I paused, eyes moving to the presence in the room, and I inhaled. Drevon stood with his back facing me, shirtless with only leather pants on.
Dear gods, He's so massive!
My eyes were drawn to the large black tattoo spreading across his upper back, reaching his shoulders. It has smooth wave-like lines mixed with sharp edges like shadows moving in the wind.
And then he turned, the ink design flowed onto his chest too, the sight of the rest of him made everything fade like dust whisked away by the wind.
Merciful gods of the realm!
I wanted to look away, but I couldn't find the strength to, because those abs, those sculpted abs...every curve, every muscle, every single thing was hard, and it made me wonder if they would feel just the same beneath my touch.
Just thinking about it made chills consume me, but I got hot, so hot I was tempted to take the cloak off and welcome the cool air.
He was utterly...mouthwatering.
"Eloise?"
His voice pulled me back from gaping like a fool. I watched as he brought the crystal goblet to his lips, but he made no attempt to drink, just observing me.
With burning cheeks, I quickly leveled my gaze. "I must apologize, my liege."
"For what? Gazing upon your husband like a meal? I hold no offense, certainly."
I need to find a way to divert this. "I wanted to apologize for humiliating you and—"
"It's not your fault the carriage made you sick." He drank from the goblet.
I couldn't resist as his muscles flexed by that simple action, each tug made me gulp loudly. I pressed my hand on the knot tied close to my throat, and it became too tight; I was this close to undoing it.
"Yes," I replied absentmindedly, eyeing as his hand rubbed the back of his neck, as if trying to ease a hard muscle, fingers brushing the outgrown roots of his hair falling on his neck like a curve.
He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that shouldn't affect me, but it did. I felt my insides flip when he took long strides toward me.
My knees weakened, but I somehow had the strength to hold his gaze, trying to breathe through the heat consuming me.
His hand moved, but paused. "May I?"
I nodded to whatever he asked for. He smiled, fingers grasping the knot of my robe, and gave a slight pull, the thick fabric pooled at my feet.
My chest heaved as his eyes drank in the sight of me, the color darkening to the point I couldn't tell which shade.
"Did you come here having it in mind that this night will happen?" he asked in a ragged whisper.