Ceremony of Seduction by Cassie Ryan

then she obviously has the wrong Prince of Klatch.” He allowed his lips to form a knowing smirk. “An oversight I’m sure she’ll recognize as soon as she has a choice of more than just you.”
    Jealousy spurted through Stone, stiffening his shoulders and clenching his jaw. He knew his friend was joking, but the thought of anyone touching Alyssandra besides him made thick hot anger course through his veins. The princess was his.
    Ryan shot Grayson a warning look. “It’s too close to the ascension to bait him, Gray. You know the future queen’s pheromones are high. One too many jokes and he’ll rip your heart out with his bare hands, friend or not.” The open amusement in Ryan’s eyes showed that he thought it would be entertaining to watch.
    Stone forced himself to relax. “I doubt either one of you could handle her—she’s quite a handful, and besides, she can well take care of herself.” He winced as he remembered his bruised instep and stomach where she’d attacked him outside her apartment.
    Laughter from around the table caused Stone’s lips to curve into a smile. “Let’s just say I pity the man who sneaks up on her unawares.”
    “I definitely have to meet her then.” Ryan absently rubbed at the bottom end of his scar with his thumb. “If she’s a spitfire, then she’s absolutely perfect for you. I’m almost jealous of you having a woman like that all to yourself.”
    Since several of the Klatch princesses and their respective princes had died trying to ascend the throne in Alyssandra’s absence, the selection of royal females in Ryan and Grayson’s age range were all but gone. They would have to wait until some of them came of age, marry a princess easily twenty years their senior or dilute the Royal line, none of which held much appeal.
    Stone cleared his throat. “You two are very creative. I’m sure you’ll come up with something that your families will approve of.”
    “That doesn’t necessarily mean those are choices we approve of,” Grayson said around a mouthful of bread.
    Silence reigned until Stone’s father held up his goblet and the others followed suit. “To the future king and queen, who will save us all.”
     
    Stone stood to the side, letting Alyssandra explore her room. It had been updated over the years to meet her current age so it would be ready at any time the princess was recovered. Now it was the room of a young and vibrant woman—natural woods, deep purple cloth and the snow-white balda stone. She’d seemed happy enough to find it as she said she’d always dreamed it would be. But Stone could tell something bothered her. Ever since he’d met her after the dinner with her parents, she’d been quiet and withdrawn.
    He sighed. Once they completed the coming-of-age ceremony, they would share an empathic link. He wished they already did, since his last several attempts to find out what was amiss had resulted in her averting her eyes and saying she was “fine.” He knew enough about women to know that wasn’t a good sign.
    After completing a circuit of the room, opening every drawer and cabinet, and thumbing through several books, she opened the French patio doors and stepped out on to the veranda. Stone followed her, admiring the sway of her hips and the halo of mahogany hair that flowed around her. When she leaned her arms on the stone wall railing, he stepped close behind her.
    “Isn’t it beautiful?” He looked up at the dark sky, the stars twinkling silver overhead, the moon bathing Alyssandra’s smooth skin in a silver glow. “I’ve often stood here wondering where you were and what you were doing.” He placed his hands on her shoulders, unsure what kind of reception he would receive.
    She sighed, the soft sound echoing off the stone of the veranda. “Why did it take so long for you to find me?” Her voice so low, he had to strain to hear her words. She sounded like a lost child.
    He hesitated until she placed one of her hands over his.