Unexpected: Forever His (Book 1)

Chapter 49: Reveries of the Mind

I looked back up at the painting on the wall. It seemed from a different time, although perhaps because I didn't remember its timing at all. It was a painting of me in a blue sapphire dress as Alexander placed a crown on my head from behind me. I looked so happy and Alexander held his shoulders high to signal his pride. The caption underneath read, "Our King Crowns His Future Queen." It was so mesmerizing because I looked so happy. Now, though, as I stared up at the painting, I felt so confused and unsure of my choices.

I jumped as someone cleared their throat behind me. I turned to face him as he spoke. "I'm sorry, Princess, I did not mean to startle you." I smiled and bowed my head towards Dante. "It's alright, Lord Alpha. I was just reminiscing and you caught me off guard."

"It is a beautiful piece. His pride in you is easily seen. As it should be."

I nodded. "Thank you."

"Please. I really do not care much for formalities." I smiled as I remembered when he had told me that before. At least that part of him was still the same. "You can call me Dante. I will not be offended."

I nodded with a smile. "Alright." I avoided his eyes when I spoke his name. "Dante."

He stepped closer to me and my heart felt like it was hammering against my chest.

He glanced down at me from the picture and smiled. "It doesn't do you justice, though." I felt my cheeks flush. "I think it was a fine attempt."

He laughed. "You shouldn't be so nervous around me."

I stammered. "I...I just...you're known for..."

He laughed and I looked up at him. His eyes were vibrant with blue and hazel and I instantly regretted looking so deep into them. I had to force my hands back down to my side as I almost automatically lifted them to his face. "My First Enforcer, Xavon, always tells me that my reputation exceeds me everywhere I go, although I am not quite sure why."

I laughed as I thought of Xavon. "He's always admired you so much more than you know." I gasped slightly as I caught myself. Dante stepped closer to me and stared down at me bewildered. "I'm certain you speak truth, but I am curious how you would know this. Have you met my First Enforcer before?" I smiled and shook my head. "No, Lord...umm...Dante. I have not. I just...it just seemed logical that he would regard you so highly."

Dante nodded, but just then, I felt strong arms slide around my waist and Alexander greeted Dante. "I see you've become acquainted with my beautiful Kayla, my friend." Dante nodded his head in agreement. "Ahh, yes. Quite." Alex lowered his head to my neck and I heard him breathe in. When he lifted his head again, he released me and stepped to my side and held out his hand to Dante. Dante grasped it in his and shook his hand. "I hope you will forgive me for my absence when you arrived this afternoon. I needed some rest." I glanced up at him and felt my cheeks redden at the memory of why he needed that rest. Dante must have realized it and a glance in his direction let me know that he was clearly amused. "Well, my friend, I believe we should have a conversation about the effects of too much of your mate's blood."

Alexander laughed and stepped forward. "I've figured that one out." They headed off in the direction of the hall that led to Alex's private room where he took care of important matters and I blew out a sigh of relief.

"You're something, you know..."

Corrina stepped up beside me and smirked sideways at me. I stared over at her as if she was crazy. "Excuse me?"

"Oh, you couldn't have been more obvious. I've been talking to some of the girls in the kingdom and they are just as fickle as me. It's obvious you're his mate, yet you haven't let him crown you as his queen yet. Only a Princess." She turned more towards me. "If I had met him first, I probably would have..." She stopped her sentence and clicked her teeth together. "Oh well. That's neither here nor there and I...well...I enjoy Dante's presence."