Chapter 16: Between Fire and Frost...
"What are you doing here?" Emerald demanded, rising from the grass with slow grace. Her robe slipped slightly off one shoulder, moonlight caressing the curve of her collarbone.
Adrien’s eyes followed the movement unapologetically. "Well, that’s quite the welcome. Not even a ’good morning’ for your charming mate?"
Emerald narrowed her eyes. "You didn’t answer my question."
"Could ask you the same, my lady. Though I must say... this is quite the vision for so early in the morning."
Emerald narrowed her eyes. The sky was still dark, stars still scattered above them in full display. "It’s barely past moonset. Why are you at the castle?"
Adrien’s gaze dipped pointedly to her bare legs, then back up to her face, his lips twitching with mischief. "If I’d known nightwear suited you so well, I’d have dropped by unannounced more often."
She rolled her eyes. "I’m not in the mood for your games, Adrien."
Adrien held up his hands, his playful grin still in place. "Relax, my lady. I had business in the southern region of your territory: trade discussions, some politics, the usual Alpha headaches."
He paused, then added more quietly, "I just happened to follow your scent on the wind. Lucky me."
Emerald gave him a hard look. "Right." She crossed her arms, the robe tightening around her waist. "You just happened to find me lying alone in the garden? What a coincidence."
"Completely," he grinned. "Though I’ll admit... I do like the view."