The Skin Thief

Chapter 39

Kiora

The man officiating the wedding continues as though what Kiora said was normal. The emperor, on the other hand, stares at her with such intensity, that it makes the hairs on the back of Kiora's neck stand.

She can't quite decipher the meaning behind his look. It almost looks as though it is a strange mix of respect, anger, and arrogance. Kiora challenged him and he is accepting it with the expectation of being able to break her. That idea excites him. That's what Kiora decides the way he is looking at her means. He's a predator, excited for the chase.

Kiora won't let him break her. Nor will he have her. She belongs to Winter and this man will never break that connection.

Kiora stares back into his eyes. Her smile is calm and effortlessly beautiful. But her silver-lilac eyes are as cold as the ice she is made from.

I will never be yours.

"As we stand here, below the watchful gaze of the Sun and Moon, I, as their honourable spokesperson, announce Emperor Nikias and Lady Kiora are one. This union shall now be sealed with a kiss."

The emperor's hand gently presses against Kiora's cheek. His touch almost makes her shiver. She tilts her head up and he leans down.

For a few seconds, they pause. She can feel his warm breath against her skin. His presence consumes her. She is overcome with the scents of smoke and spice. She brings her hands up, resting them on his chest for support as he pulls her slightly closer. Even beneath the layers of the fine silks that make up his jacket, she can feel the hardness of his muscles beneath.

Kiora gulps, her breath hitching as she gazes at his beautiful face and the way his eyes burn with searing hot desire as he gazes upon her.

"My Kiora," he whispers lowly and leans in completely.

His lips press against hers. His kiss is so soft, so gentle and delicate, that it makes Kiora's toes curl.

He pulls away and immediately, Kiora feels a strange coldness lingering on her lips. He smirks, then turns away from her to face the onlookers. Kiora turns too.

They are standing now, and clapping. Wide smiles sit on their faces. Kiora tries to smile, but memories of his kiss replay over in her mind.

The emperor takes her hand, his warm fingers wrapping around hers. Then, he starts leading her down the aisle. Thankfully, he doesn't walk too fast. As they pass, the onlookers bow their heads and they don't look up again until after they have gone.

The sound of loud bells rings through the air and is only louder once they leave the cathedral. Emperor Nikias stops at the top of the stairs. His smile is wide as he stares at all the onlookers, whose clapping and cheering, somehow, is louder than the bells.

He looks down at Kiora, his expression one of pride.

"May I kiss you again?" he asks, a charming smile on his face.

Kiora looks back at the crowds and then back at him.

"If you would like to," she says calmly, trying to make it sound like she doesn't desperately want to feel his soft lips on hers again.

The emperor chuckles. His arm wraps around her waist and he pulls her in closer. Kiora's chest touches his. His strong presence consumes her once more, and she forgets about everyone watching as his hand comes to rest on the side of her neck, his thumb grazing her chin.

He is smiling as he kisses her. It is slightly deeper this time and Kiora almost melts as his warm, and soft lips press against hers.

The cheers get louder, and the emperor pulls away. Kiora gulps, not sure how to react. His stare as he looks down on her is so intense, that she can't look at him anymore. She turns and gazes at the crowd, somehow finding the strength to smile.