Free Weight of the Crown by Christina Hollis Page B

shook her out of her delicious trance, and back into real life.
    ‘I don’t think so. Not at ten o’clock at night. He’s only five years old, Lysander. He needs his sleep,’ she said defiantly, expecting him to argue.
    That was the last thing on his mind. He stood back, shocked.
    ‘I had no idea it was that late! The staff only told me about this reception an hour before it happened, when I asked to have dinner served in my suite. My late brother was so disorganised, bless him, that this household practically runs itself. They have been used to telling their king what to do at the last minute. It meant he never had to worry about making any arrangements for himself. It was safer that way. So when I wanted to offer you dinner this evening to welcome you to Rosara …’ his voice took on a softer tone ‘ … it threw everything into confusion, and I lost track of time. Of course you’re right—I’ll go back and tell everyone they’ll have to see what a wonderful job you’re doing with Ra’id another day. Maybe he could host his own little party. The staff would love to arrange that.’
    ‘Don’t make him grow up too fast,’ Alyssa warned.
    Lysander nodded. ‘That’s a good point. I had to when I was young, to make sure the staff didn’t push Akil, my brother, too hard. It wasn’t fun.’ His lips became athin, serious line. ‘You’re right—I’ll tell the assembly they’ll have to meet our little star another time, and leave it at that.’
    Alyssa smiled. ‘They’ll understand. I’m sure many of your guests have children of their own. But you’d better get back to your dinner party. You are the host, after all.’
    ‘Yes … and a lonely business it is too, despite all the racket.’ He laughed, without sounding happy. ‘It’s almost as barren as my old celebrity circuit.’
    ‘But much more useful.’ Alyssa glanced back along the way she had come, towards the nursery wing. ‘I have to hurry back. Even with this, I still worry about Ra’id.’ She tapped the monitor attached to the belt of her robe.
    ‘That’s why I never need to worry about him when he’s out of my sight, because I have you,’ Lysander said with a warmth that was completely different from his usual flirting. ‘Thank you, Alyssa.’
    Dipping his head, he kissed her, in a brief echo of her wonderful dream. It was only the smallest gesture, but it was enough to send heat powering through Alyssa’s veins. Instinctively she reached out her hands, sliding them up his arms. It was all the encouragement he needed. His light touch became an all consuming embrace as he crushed her tightly against his body.

CHAPTER FIVE
    B EING kissed by Lysander was so much better than any dream. Alyssa relaxed into him as desire welled up within her, blotting out everything but the need to be held and appreciated. It felt so right, she knew it couldn’t be wrong—not while it was happening. There would be plenty of time to worry later … As she softened beneath his hands Lysander’s kiss became fiercely possessive. His hand slid to her bottom, kneading it until the fabric of her robe reefed up and he made contact with her warm, yielding skin.
    It was a defining moment. As he released her mouth to kiss the gentle curve of her neck she gasped and braced her hands against his shoulders.
    ‘Lysander, no …’
    He stopped. Leaning back, he looked at her. His eyes glittered with the need to make her his own and his breathing was ragged. It was the first time any man had looked at her with such naked desire, and Alyssa was spellbound. She knew she should break free and run to save her sanity, but she needed to enjoy her moment, and bask in the sun of his appreciation. For long, spectacular seconds she revelled in the warmth of his arms holding her close and would have done anythingto make time stand still. Then he closed his eyes, and with a moan of animal intensity peeled his body away from hers.
    Her heart sank as he stepped back. Lysander