Ash's Place

Chapter 18

Ash's POV

Xander's hand is gently resting on my leg as I sit next to him, at the head of the table for this court meeting. While I had wished to be left alone this morning with my husband, lazily lounging in a mess of silken sheets; the court had other intentions.

As Crowned Princess, I no longer can avoid these awful court meetings. Though, I will admit that they are much more pleasant with Xander by my side so I guess that is a win. However, his presence alone is enough to completely distract me from the blabbering old men's words. As his thumb slowly caresses the skin on the side of my thigh through my dress, flashes of last night fill my mind and I feel my face start to heat up.

Almost as if Xander can tell what I am thinking, his hand slowly creeps higher on my thigh and I unintentionally squirm in my seat. I keep my eyes focused on the room in front of me, grateful no one can see his hand since it is under the table. As more memories of last night steal my attention and breath, I flick his hand in warning and he reluctantly pauses his upward movement.

He blows out his breath, the sound like a stifled chuckle. I turn to look at him and sure enough, there is a slight smirk playing on his lips. I don't have time to really be mad at him because his thumb starts rubbing my leg again. The coolness from his hand seems to soak through all the layers of material and my skin tingles delightfully under his touch, making me want to leave this meeting just so I could simply feel his bare skin against mine again.

But this is a court meeting and I am responsible for my people so for now I settle for laying a gloved hand atop his. He glances over at me and winks, making me roll my eyes while a host of butterflies take flight in my stomach again. I take a deep breath and return my focus to the actual meeting.

"There is a group of vigilantes in Creden that have been stealing food from the vendors. From the limited reports we have, the vigilantes are described as fast and calculating. They are causing tension and problems among the townspeople. They are probably reckless teenagers playing pranks..."

"Or they are starving children who are doing what they have to do to eat," Xander casually interrupts.

All eyes, including mine, turn to him in surprise but he just continues, "I may new to official kingdom politics but I have been a citizen of Terraga my entire life. I know just as much as you do that Creden is the poorest city in the entire kingdom."

He takes a breath and continues, his attention solely on my least favorite man in the room. "Stealing to eat wouldn't be necessary if there was enough food in the first place. You are the Duke of Danley. Creden falls under your jurisdiction. Why are your people going hungry?"

Astonished gasps and grumbles echo around the room. While my emotions match the surprise of the others in the room, I am also incredibly proud of my husband. And maybe a little turned on. I have never seen this side of him before but it is a side that reaffirms my belief that he will be a good King; a King I would happily follow.

The thought catches me off-guard and while I watch the Duke of Danley fumble to come up with a reasonable excuse, I admire Xander. He gracefully challenges the Duke, remaining calm and collected the entire time. Seeing him like this makes me proud to be his Queen and I am excited to rule with him. That thought also catches me by surprise.

I have never wanted to rule with someone before and I certainly have been excited about the notion. In my lifetime, I have never seen a King who truly cares for his kingdom and his Queen. Actually, I don't know there has ever been such a man on the throne before and if there has, it has been a really long time. Far too long, if you ask me.

"I apologize, Lord Canmore. I do..."

"Prince," Xander quickly corrects, the muscles in his jaw twitching.