She was grinning with excitement but kept shyly flicking her gaze at the floor. Azura looked briefly at Martin and almost burst out laughing at the expression on his face.
I think Martin has just forgotten the existence of every planet in the universe!
“My name is Kyra,” she said softly. “And you are?”
“Marty McFly. No. Shit. Barry. Oh, damn …” Martin turned several shades of red and looked like he was about to collapse into a puddle on the floor.
Kyra giggled, looking at him in adoration. Azura grinned, sharing a glance with Bella. They both knew that look.
“His name is Martin,” Azura said, finding her stride in the face of her brother’s plight. “He’s my little brother, Kyra. As Onyx’s mate, I’m very pleased to meet you.”
“And I you, Lady Azura,” Kyra curtseyed daintily. Azura felt a brief moment of panic.
Am I supposed to curtsey back?
“I must inform you both that Martin is my mate,” Kyra said, her voice trembling. Bright spots were glowing on her cheeks, and her eyes were bright with excitement as she looked at Martin.
Martin looked at Azura, then at Kyra. Azura waited for him to say something … anything. Maybe, now that he had firsthand experience of howcomplicatedthis mate thing was, he might apologize.
“May I escort you then, Lady Kyra?” Martin asked, holding out his arm with courtly grace. Kyra smiled a bright grin that seemed to light up the room. She gently took Martin’s arm and let him lead her away toward the buffet tables, where they joined a group of youngsters.
Azura stood in the midst of the swirling crowd. She waited to feel happy that Martin had found a distraction, but she felt cold, shaky, and flat as if she’d fallen from somewhere high.
He … he had a go at me, got angry with me, almost abused me right here, in front of everyone … then he just fucked off without a word!
Azura could feel her hands trembling as rage built inside her.
I have to get out of here.
She bolted from the room, trying not to push through the crowds in her haste to leave. Once she hit the empty palace halls, she broke into a run and sprinted all the way back to her room, finally falling into the chair by the window as tears poured down her cheeks.
She felt lost, broken, and alone. All the confusion and excitement had turned on her, leaving her frightened and unsure of everything.
What am I even doing here?
Then, warm, firm hands touched her shoulders.
“Onyx,” she whispered.
“Don’t cry, my love,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around her so he could hold her against his big, strong chest. “I’m here now. Tell me what makes you so unhappy, and let me banish it to the cold hells until all you know is joy.”