Chapter 531
He could feel her uncertainty. With Elain's hand in his, Lucien had a straight open access to everything coming from her down the bond, and he squeezed her hand gently, trying to be reassuring. That feeling had gotten worse, stronger, when Vassa had smiled at them, and he knew why. That had been a smile he had seen Vassa use on others when she knew that she was about to have her way, or to persuade whoever she turned that smile on to give her her way. He didn't know what it was that she had come here for that would require that manipulative smile, and he understood why Elain had reacted the way she had.
Vassa's blue eyes had looked him over from head to foot, and Lucien had not missed a second of it. He had hoped that what she had done when they had last visited her in the manor house would be put behind them. She had come to him, after Elain had gone to bed, and told him that she was interested in more than the friendship they had previously built. Lucien had thought that he had been more than clear in his response that he was not interested in the same thing. He had reminded her that he was a mated male, and he had hoped that she had properly heard him. At the time, Elain had not yet accepted the bond, and he figured that Vassa had seen this as her opportunity for action. The bond had been well and truly accepted now, they were properly mated, and they were more than happy with one another. If Vassa had it in her mind that she could come to the Day Court and somehow get between that, between himself and Elain, then Lucien was going to have to make it abundantly clear that nothing of that sort would be entertained or tolerated.
Those blue eyes were on him again now, and Lucien felt Elain's sharp intake of breath. Evidently, his mate was not completely in control of her jealousy. Well, she had not yet acted upon it, and he supposed that was a good sign. It was clear she felt some part of it however, and he turned his head to smile at her.
"It's alright, Petal." He said gently, and her dark eyes lifted to meet his gaze. "This is our home, and we have made that clear." He knew that Vassa was still watching him and, both for his mate's benefit, as well as the mortal woman following their movements, he lifted Elain's hand. Bringing her hand to his lips, Lucien pressed a soft kiss to her skin before turning her hand and pressing another kiss to the inside of her wrist. He felt the effect on her, affection rushing toward him down the bond as her smile brightened and she moved a step closer to him, dark brown eyes still on his face. The bond between them shivered and it wasn't for the benefit of anyone watching them when he slid his arm around Elain's waist and drew her against himself. Her gentle hand on his chest was distracting, but Lucien was able to remind himself that they were standing beside the High Lord's throne and that the room was full of representatives from every Court in Prythian. This was not the place to allow himself to give into the Mating Bond. He could save that for later.
The look Elain gave him, gazing up at him with a smile, from where she leaned into him, told Lucien that she was all too aware of the train of his thought.
"Your restraint, Lord," She breathed, "has always been impressive."
"Ah." Lucien gave a low chuckle, "I suppose I am well practiced."
Elain rested her head against his shoulder as they bother turned back to the rest of the room. Vassa was still looking at them, but now he could not read the strange expression on her pretty face.