Chapter 72

MISTY

The weeks flew by in a whirlwind of activity, leaving me little time to think. I discreetly bought a pregnancy test, birth control pills, and condoms at a pharmacy far from the palace—I didn’t want to involve Dr. Hurst.

The test was negative, and I made sure to take the pill every morning. Lloyd wasn’t thrilled about the condoms and refused to wear one, but we managed to survive a few days without sex.

“Ouch, Mom! You pricked me again,” I complained.

“Stop being such a baby,” she mumbled, pins clenched between her lips.

The dress she was working on was simple yet stunning. I had chosen a silver tulle glitter fabric that was slightly see-through, so I bought a full-slip petticoat.

The dress featured a sweetheart neckline with broad straps that highlighted my olive skin and cleavage, flaring out from the waist in a classic, elegant design.

I felt more like a princess than a queen—queens always seemed so old.

“Misty, I swear you’ve put on some weight.” She looked at me critically as she straightened up.

“Thanks, Mom,” I replied sarcastically, frowning.

~“Not enough running,”~ Cammy snickered in my head.

“I guess being waited on hand and foot doesn’t help,” she smirked.

“Very funny. I’m not that kind of luna, okay?” I shot back defensively.

“Well, this luna is going to look stunning tomorrow. Lloyd won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” she predicted with a knowing smile.

I snickered, thinking about how Lloyd could barely keep his hands off me, let alone his eyes.

We’d had such a blast furnishing the west wing, though we were far from finished. Two of the bedrooms were still empty, but I made sure to set up a cozy room for my parents.

The balcony quickly became my favorite spot. I might have gone a little overboard, buying a ten-piece rattan sofa and chair set, plus a dining set to make it perfect.

Just then, my dad walked in and did a double-take. “Oh, Misty, you look beautiful,” he said, even though my hair was clipped up and clearly in need of a wash.

“All right, let’s get this off. I’ll have everything ready by this evening,” my mom assured me.

“We’re kind of running out of time… And for the record, I haven’t gained weight. It’s just because I had my clothes on underneath,” I insisted.

“Hmm,” she murmured noncommittally.

“I’m going to check on a few things, okay? I’ll see you later.” I slipped out of the west wing, letting out a long-suffering sigh the moment I was alone.

~Goddess, I’ll be so relieved when this is all over.~

I didn’t actually need to check on anything—Dawn had handled most of it, and everything was ready. I just needed a little time to myself.

I quietly snuck through the foyer and into the empty north wing, gently closing the door behind me. I made my way to the balcony. It wasn’t nearly as lovely as mine, facing the palace gates and enclosed, half wall and half glass.

I stood for a moment and watched the people come and go before I spotted Adam grabbing Dawn and kissing her. By the way she was hugging him, I suspected she’d accepted him. A smile lit my face, and I was truly happy for them.

There was no furniture, so I sank to the floor, exhaling sharply. The fuss and excitement had drained me completely.

~“Tomorrow’s the big day!”~ Cammy chimed in, brimming with excitement.

~“I can hardly wait,”~ I responded sarcastically.

To top it off, my period was due, which probably explained why I felt so bloated and just…yucky. Closing my eyes, I dozed a little.

Lloyd’s link came through. ~“Where is my little she-witch hiding this time? Everyone is looking for you.”~

~“I’m hiding for that reason.”~

~“Hmm, I love a challenge.”~

I shook my head, knowing Lloyd would find me without much effort. Sometimes, I wished I could mask my scent like he could.

Without a sound, Lloyd appeared in front of me as though he’d been close.

“If you’re planning to take refuge here often, I’ll have to furnish this place,” he said, crouching down to meet my eyes. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Honestly, I’m a little overwhelmed,” I admitted.

He grinned. “Coming from the fearless woman who stormed the palace to rescue me?”

“That was different,” I muttered. “It’s all the people and the bustle…and I’m premenstrual.”

“Are you now? I don’t smell any blood.”

“That’s because the lady in her red Ferrari doesn’t arrive until tomorrow,” I grumbled.

Lloyd stared at me for a moment before bursting into laughter, throwing his head back. “Well, then, there’s no time to waste. Let me make you feel better…” He raised his eyebrows suggestively.

“That’s not going to make me feel better,” I grumbled.

“It will. Fact. Proven,” he replied confidently.

“You’re lying.”

“Only one way to find out…,” he said with a mischievous grin.

“I don’t wanna,” I whined.

Ignoring my protest, he effortlessly lifted me under my arms and wrapped an arm around my waist.

“We’re going to bathe.”

“But there’s nothing here—no towels, no soap, nothing,” I protested.

He carried me into the main bathroom, and I gaped at the sight of steaming water, lit candles, and the soothing scent of lavender filling the air.

“When did you do all this?” I asked, astonished.

He set me down gently and began undressing me. “While you were having your little snooze. I could feel what you needed through the bond.”

Holding my hand, he gestured to the hot tub, and I slipped into the water with a sigh. This bath is made for two, you know.” He grinned, ripping off his clothes. “Move up, little mate.”

I scooched forward, and Lloyd got in behind me. He pulled me close and murmured, “Relax.”

I wasn’t sure what he was up to, but then I heard the pop of a bottle cap, and soon, the soothing scent of arnica oil filled the bathroom.

He massaged my shoulders, and I moaned in pleasure.

Then he grabbed one arm and massaged everything from my hands to my biceps, repeating the procedure with the other arm before moving to my torso, paying particular attention to my breasts and nipples.

He massaged my stomach gently, and I sighed in bliss, but I knew he wouldn’t stop there. His cock was already rock hard against my back.

“Turn around and lean back against the other side,” he instructed gently.

I rolled my eyes but complied. He started by grabbing one foot, expertly massaging the sole and each toe, making me sink deeper into the water with a sigh.

Then he moved up, kneading my ankle, then my calf, and by the time he reached my thigh, a warm flush had spread through me.

He didn’t come near my pussy and started on the other leg. I squinted at him. Was he really doing this to relax me? Males always had ulterior motives.

“That is the most beautiful smell, sweetheart,” he said, praising my arousal. He moved closer and positioned my legs around his waist, his knuckles gliding over my mound gently.

Spreading my pussy lips, he circled my clit unhurriedly until I moaned.

Slipping two fingers into me, he curled them up and rubbed that very sensitive spot. I moaned again and slid deeper into the water.

“How does that feel, gorgeous,” he asked, his voice much deeper.

“Amazing, don’t stop.”

He chuckled and then gently thrust into me, adding another finger. I pushed my hips up, chasing that release, but he didn’t speed up, drawing it out.

“Are you trying to torture me?” I asked, opening one eye and looking pointedly at his cock sticking out of the water.

“You weren’t keen earlier on…,” he trailed off. “But you can hop on so I can massage those butt cheeks.”

I stretched out my arms to him, finding it difficult to make my muscles respond. He chuckled knowingly, grabbed me under the arms, and slid me along his legs, the oil providing plenty of lubrication.

Large hands gripped my ass, and he lifted me, my pussy flush against his stomach, his cock prodding me gently until he found the entrance.

He lowered me gently, inch by inch until I wanted to scream. His cock stretched me deliciously, and I sighed once he was fully seated.

I let him take over completely, wrapping my arms and legs around him and resting my head on his shoulder. He leaned back, pulling me to lie against his chest, my knees against his sides.

His fingers worked their magic, gently massaging my back, digging into tight muscles until they began to loosen and relax.

He moved lower and massaged my butt, kneading it, his fingers trailing between the crease and down to my pussy on repeat, his cock twitching inside me. I tightened my inner muscles in response.

“You do that so well. Do it again,” he requested.

I tightened my muscles and squeezed his cock. Tilting my head up, his mouth found mine, and we kissed passionately, his tongue tangling with mine.

Grabbing my butt cheeks, he lifted me slightly and thrust upward. Water splashed everywhere as he powered into me. I threw my head back and moaned, the friction of his pelvis against my clit driving me higher and higher.

I let the sensations roll over me, vaguely aware of the water sloshing over the edge of the tub and splashing the tiles. His warm, large hands lifted me so easily, my nipples sensitive and pebbled against the rub of his chest.

Every muscle tightened in anticipation as the wave rolled through me, his smell and feel saturating and feeding my senses.

“Lloyd,” I screamed as the explosions rocked my body.

Breathing heavily, we lay in two inches of water and just held each other; there was no need for words.

“My queen,” he whispered softly against my ear.