Within their dreams (Reverse Harem)

Chapter 25

Ivy's POV

"Human" he spits but then he pauses, a slow grin spreading on his face.

"Or should I still call you that? Considering our last encounter you threw me across the hallway. And rumour has it you've been sneaking off with that little witch when Leo and Owen aren't looking. Are you keeping a secret, pet?"

He steps closer and I take a step back, my eyes darting around the room trying to find a familiar face. Leo and Owen are too busy with their dance partners and I can't see the girls anywhere in the crowd.

"You see, the palace is not an easy place to keep things hidden. There's always someone watching you, lurking in the shadows."

My eyes widen as he lifts his hand, making shadows appear and encircle his arm in darkness.

"You've been spying on me?"

He laughs, downing what's left of his drink and setting the glass on a nearby table.

"I've been here far longer than you pet, so don't act like I'm the intruder. Do your boyfriends know what you've been doing?"

"They know everything, so there's nothing you can blackmail me with." I raise my chin, refusing to cower. Mark just laughs, throwing his head back.

"That's cute. But even if they know you're not some weak little human, do you really think you can compare to the women who throw themselves at them daily? I mean really Ivy, can you honestly say you're a better fit for them than those who were raised to be the brides of royalty?"

My eyes glance over at the dancefloor, watching Owen and Leo dance gracefully with their partners. I can see the girls smiling and batting their lashes, dancing with a skill I've never had to learn. They're in perfect synchrony, so much so that I can't take my eyes off them, no matter how much it hurts to watch them wrap their arms around other women. I turn slightly to focus on Leo, who's laughing at something his partner says, his hand ever so slightly gliding lower on her back and pulling her into his chest.

Mark rests a hand on my shoulder, his fingers digging painfully into my flesh. I wince slightly, recoiling as he leans in.

"I don't need to threaten you, because all I have to do is sit back and watch you lose to the eight women born for your position. Mate bond or not, Leo and Owen aren't dumb enough to prioritise love over duty. Not when it means stepping down from the throne."

Mark walks back into the crowd, disappearing among the throngs of people stood on the sidelines admiring the two royals twirling their partners around the room. A few people cast curious glances at me, but I'm thankfully left alone until the end of the song. I turn from the dancefloor and decide to go find the only friends I've made here when warm fingers wrap around my wrist.

"Dance with me, please."

"You seemed like you were enjoying yourself. Don't stop on my account."

"Ivy," Leo sighs, tugging me closer. I turn towards him, unable to look him in the eye. The wall in my mind is impenetrable and I see the frustration on his face as I refuse to let him in.

"I told the council I will meet the ladies they deem 'acceptable' and in return, you're considered an equal consideration. I had to dance with them. But what I really want, is to spend time with my mate. So, will you dance with me, or am I to be subjected to more awkward dances with those women."

I cross my arms, raising a brow at him.

"It didn't look too awkward to me."

Leo's hands drift to my hips and I gasp as he pulls me into his body until there is no space between us. Our heartbeats pound against one another in sync and he trails a hand up my body slowly until he reaches my neck. He grips the base of my throat and tilts my head up to look at him. I glance around and see that we've caught the attention of onlookers, who are watching the interaction intensely.

"Leo..." I say breathlessly as his lips ghost over mine.

"Did you see me touch her like this when I was dancing?"

"No," I whisper.

His other hand dips lower until it's resting on my ass. My cheeks burn even as desire coils in a pit in my stomach. Leo's eyes darken as the wall I built crumbles, letting him fully access my thoughts.

"Why is that?"

"Wha..?" My mind is blank as he kisses my jaw, my eyes fluttering closed.

"Why didn't I touch her like this, Ivy. Tell me."

"Because...because.."

"Because I'm yours."

My eyes snap open to meet his gaze. His lips are dark red and his chest is heaving. He drops his forehead to mine and captures my lips in his. He groans as our lips meet, my arms wrapping around his neck to bring him in even closer, no longer caring at the whispers spreading around the ballroom at our display.

He pulls back, a lazy grin on his face.

"I'm yours Ivy. Just as much as you're mine. And I promise that those other women will never get me the way you do. My body belongs to you now. No one else." I clench my thighs at his words, the confession making me want to ditch the party and spend the rest of the night making Leo prove just how true those words are. But we're interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Leo turns to look at Marcus staring at me in disdain.

"Your majesty, your next dance awaits." He gestures to a woman stood behind in a sapphire blue dress, her auburn hair braided halfway down her back. She's more timid than the other girls, looking at the floor with her hands clasped together in front of her.

"Indeed it does," Leo replies, taking my hand and walking towards the other dancers.

"This time, I'm dancing with my mate."

I smile at Leo, letting him lead me to the dance floor and leaving both Marcus and the girl gaping after us.

"That isn't going to go down well." I say as Leo interwines our hands, wrapping his other arm around my waist.

"I'm the Crown Prince. I'm allowed to dance with the woman I love at least once tonight." He murmurs, leaning down to whisper in my ear. Tingles spread down my spine as his breath hits my neck. He pulls me away from him suddenly, twirling me to the beat of the music. My skirt fans out, sparkling under the lights before Leo draws me back in, our lips brushing together.

"The council look like they're ready to drag us apart." My eyes drift over to the small group glaring our way. John raises his glass at me with the same empty smile from earlier. I see the glint in his eye and understand the silent message. Game on.

"I spend most of my days bending to what they want from me. And I've spent far too long denying myself what I want with the excuse that to be a good king, I cannot do what makes me happy," Leo lifts me into the air and my hands rest gently on his shoulders as he spins us slowly.

"But I'm not going to ignore my mate bond just because a few men decide that's what is best for the realm. I want you Ivy, at my side. Always."

My heart flutters as we stop, the music dying out. I see in my peripheral people switching partners and getting ready for the next song but Leo and I remain still, wrapped in each other's arms. I cup his cheek and place my lips on his, loving the way he sinks into me as he returns the kiss. I let him dominate the kiss for a few moments, ignoring the gasps at our display before pulling back.

"Always." I whisper.