ADELE’S POV

I didn’t plan to crawl across the bed like some desperate, starving woman. But four months of being ignored by your own mate does things to your pride. It bends it. Twists it. Breaks it in places you didn’t know could break.

The silk nightgown Queen Emilia gifted me slid over my thighs like water as I moved across the mattress. The fabric was soft, expensive, the color a deep wine red that made my skin look warmer, richer. I chose it on purpose tonight. I wanted to feel beautiful. I wanted him to see me.

But Lucien didn’t look.

He sat at the end of the bed,...