"I won't risk my life." Her voice softened. "You protect me. You fight for me. You'd give everything for me. "So let me protect you in my way." It was only blood. She could replace it with a few potions. She'd spilled far more hunting beasts on her own. When she finished speaking, she leaned down and kissed the space between his brows, slow and tender. Being bonded to Lucien felt different. Now that she bore his beast mark, she could feel every emotion pulsing through him—his guilt, his devotion, his love—each one burning in her chest like a living flame.That wild surge of emotion hit Emma like lightning. It was deep, overwhelming, and impossible to fight. Her fingers brushed over Lucien's lips, tracing them like she wanted to memorize the shape. Lucien's crimson eyes flickered with heat, glowing brighter and dimmer like a flame fighting the wind. "Emma," he whispered, his voice low and rough, "don't you want to kiss me?" His throat moved as he swallowed, every muscle in his body tight with restraint. Before she could say a word, his hand slid around her waist and pulled her close. His lips met hers, soft and burning, his kiss deep and slow. He laid her down gently, his fingers trailing across her skin, coaxing her deeper into the warmth.By the time he let her go, Emma felt like she had melted against him. Lucien looked down at her, his gaze sweeping over the light fabric of her thin nightgown. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "This outfit. Silas picked it, didn't he?" Emma blinked, realizing what she had on. Her face turned scarlet. That idiot Silas. He didn't pack a single normal piece of clothing. Lucien chuckled, the sound low and teasing. "I'll have new clothes sent up today. You can keep this one for special occasions. It's not exactly something to lounge around in." Emma's blush deepened. "I wasn't planning to wear it around the house."The thought of walking down the hall dressed like that made her want to disappear into the floor. She could die of embarrassment. Lucien smiled softly, his tone gentle. "I know you're not that kind of woman. Silas just has terrible taste. I'll deal with him later." He said it lightly, but there was something dark behind that smile. Emma suddenly felt bad for Silas. She realized then that Lucien wasn't as mild as he seemed. He looked calm, but underneath, his thoughts were sharp and dangerous. Still, being near him made her feel safe. Lucien walked to the closet, scanning the rows of clothes with a cold look. So Silas really expected her to wear revealing pieces at home and gowns or battle suits outside? Lucien pulled out a simple outfit and turned back to her. "Put this on for now. I'll have more made that actually fit you." Emma shook her head quickly. "You don't have to. I have clothes in my storage band." Well, except for the nightwear. That was still with Edric. She hadn't expected Silas to be this bold. She pulled a few sets from her ring, and Lucien immediately tossed his choice aside. He picked one of hers instead and helped her dress, his hands careful and sure. Emma had tried to insist on doing it herself, but after a few soft words from him, she gave in.Downstairs, Corvin sat sprawled on the couch, flicking his lightcore screen lazily. Beside him, Silas leaned back in his command uniform, one hand resting on his temple, eyes closed like he was half-asleep. Corvin glanced at the time. It was almost ten. Lucien still hadn't come down from the huntress' room. Just what did that prince do to make her keep him there all night? Could it be that he was even more favored than Edric? Corvin frowned, annoyance flashing across his face. He reached over and jabbed Silas' arm hard. "What's with the fancy outfit? You planning to charm the huntress?" Corvin squinted. "Or is this your way of testing if the whole uniform fantasy thing works?" He thought about it for a second, then frowned. Maybe he should go change too. But then he remembered what his own uniforms looked like. Gray. Dull. Miserable. Even he couldn't stand them. The huntress definitely wouldn't. Silas sat nearby, still as a statue. He didn't even open his eyes. "You'll know soon enough," he said, his voice slow and cool. Lucien appeared at the top of the stairs with Emma leaning against him. He guided her gently, one arm holding her steady. When he spoke, his tone was quiet and protective. "If there's anything you need, tell me. Let me do it. "You gave me too much of your blood last night. You're still weak. You need to rest." "I got it," Emma said. She gave him a tired smile. He'd said the same thing at least a dozen times. "Don't worry. I'm not doing anything today."