Free Raines, Elizabeth - Captivated [Wicked Missions 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Elizabeth Raines Page B

shoulders, drawing another gasp from the crowd. The murmurs quickly began, rising to a din.
    Steraph strode over, set his hands on his hips, and glared at Jayce. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing?”
    “I’m introducing my future bride to my people.”
    The first sound of applause took him by surprise. One pair of hands clapped, joined soon by another and another until the crowd erupted in a cheer. Izzie had been right—the people of Bromond were ready to discard the antiquated rules. He smiled and bowed to the citizens, pleased that they were so willing to accept his gesture.
    To her credit, Izzie stood stalwart at his side. He was so proud of her that he almost tempted further scandal by brushing a kiss over her lips. But the Bromondi citizens had been given enough enlightening surprises for one day. The royal wedding would be a better venue to publically show his affection.
    Her eyes narrowed, imperceptible to anyone who didn’t know her as well as he did. She was angry he’d made the announcement public when she’d yet to agree to the marriage. He had to admit—if only to himself—that one of the biggest reasons he’d decided to tell his father and his people now was that she wouldn’t refuse him with an audience watching. Izzie loved him. He was sure of it, just as he was sure she loved Damian. She’d marry him now, simply to save him the public humiliation of decrying his claim. Judging from the emerald fire flashing in her eyes, she would, however, make him pay in private for pulling the trick.
    Jayce couldn’t worry about that now, knowing he could kiss the anger right out of her. At that moment, the rage coming from the king burned hot enough, he knew he was about to get burned.

    * * * *

    Damian watched the drama unfolding around him with such fascination he couldn’t even force himself to budge. Damn, but he was proud of Jayce. He’d known for years just how strong the crown prince was deep down inside. It was one of the things that had attracted him so intensely. The potential had always been there, but whatever fire he knew drove Jayce was constantly tempered—if not nearly extinguished—by the blustering superiority of Steraph. To see Jayce stand up to the king for the first time in his life and to see the acceptance and support of the Bromondi people were sights Damian would remember and cherish for the rest of his life.
    And Izzie…their beautiful Izzie. His love for her was as absolute as his love for Jayce. When this was over, Jayce was probably going to get his ass kicked but good—not physically, but the king was sure to let his displeasure be known as forcefully as he could, short of striking the crown prince. Although that wasn’t beyond thought as well… To announce to essentially the entire populace that he was marrying was bold enough. To not only allow Izzie to reveal her face and hair but to be the one bringing about that unveiling elevated Jayce to a level of daring worthy of the king he would one day become. The applause of the crowd would be the last disgrace the king would bear from his son.
    “You will leave now,” Steraph announced. “We’ll meet back at the palace to…discuss this matter.” He fixed another glare on Izzie. “Cover yourself, woman!” he shouted as the applause began to die and shocked faces focused on the enraged king.
    Izzie looked to Jayce. He gave her back a curt nod, but said, “For now.”
    Damian stooped to pick up her discarded clothing. With tender care and a sympathetic smile, he helped her put things back into place. Then he took her back to the hovercar, and Jayce fell in step beside them.

Chapter 7

    “Let me introduce you to my family.” Jayce took Izzie’s hand and dragged her to the gaggle of women waiting in the gathering room of his father’s suite. He’d removed her veil and wenora again the moment they’d stepped inside the palace grounds.
    Thankfully, the women in his family had all set aside their layers as