Conaan's smile was small as he moved away, then brought his other hand behind him, his hand holding on to Eleanor's, his thumb running along the delicate skin.

"Reine?" Eleanor asked, her brows furrowed.

He smiled again, apparently enjoying her confusion. Suddenly, he pulled her close to him, her hand instinctively resting on his chest then leaned to her ear.

"I heard it means Queen, exactly what you shall be."

His voice was soft and caressed the sensitive skin of her earlobe, and she felt herself going red. He moved away and met her eyes again, his smile calm, assuring, and she felt all her nervousness melt away.

Slowly, he...