Henry glances at Chloe. “Is she always this way?”
“Only with people she likes. Put her in front of a room of patriarchal Prime Ministers, though, and she’s a total savage.”
Carter chuckles again, earning another elbow in the gut.
“Chloe!” I hiss. “Take that back.”
“Why? It’s true.” My sister shrugs. “You’re a badass. And honestly, it’s not like it’s some big secret. DoesEmilia the Liberatorring any bells?”
I glare at her.
“She’s not wrong,” Henry says lightly. “Truth be told, there wasn’t much to do in the burn unit for the past few months besides scroll social media and watch the news.” His eyes narrow on mine. “You’re quite the fixture in the press, cousin.”
“Blame my social media advisor.” I shoot Chloe a pointed look.
“You’re welcome,” she says sweetly.
“I can only imagine the media frenzy we’ve caused today,” I mutter.
Carter whistles lowly, contemplating it.
“Let’s see…” Chloe starts ticking press items off on her fingertips. “Royal wedding ruined. Heir apparent back from the dead. Prominent nobleman charged with mass murder… Anything I’m forgetting?”
Carter’s mouth hits my ear, whispering, “I can think of a few newsworthy items involving me, you, and my bed.”
I squirm a bit when he presses into me from behind, the firm length of his cock evident even through the thick silk of my dress.
Sweet Christ.
If we weren’t in a House of God, I’d drag him into the coat room and have my way with him right now.
Blushing to the roots of my hair, I clear my throat. “We should probably get out there, find Simms, and start doing damage control. I’m sure the crowd outside is getting restless, the longer we go without explaining what the hell just happened.”
“You’re right,” Chloe says, pulling her phone from her clutch purse. “I’ll start perusing social media, seeing what people are saying…”
“Don’t worry.” Henry pushes to his feet, reaches into his pocket, and extracts a piece of paper. “I knew going into this that a certain amount of chaos would unfold. I have a statement prepared.” His eyes meet mine and he winks playfully. “Can’t keep my loyal subjects waiting, now can I, cousin?”
With that, he spins on a heel and strides down the aisle.
Chapter Nineteen
When I wakethe next morning in Carter’s bed, I think I’m dreaming. I must be. For I’d given up on ever having this again: the simple pleasure of his skin on mine, his arms around me, his lips skimming the nape of my neck beneath a set of silken sheets while the world slumbers on outside.
“Good morning, love.”
“Good morning,” I murmur back, sleep still lacing my voice. “Is this a dream?”
“It ismydream.”
Without turning me to face him, he guides his cock between my thighs and begins to fuck me. Slowly, methodically. As if we have all the time in the world.
Perhaps because we do.
I arch my spine as he moves inside me, delirious from the pleasure he invokes with each thrust.
“Emilia,” he groans as he comes into me.
“Carter,” I breathe, shattering to pieces.