Snippet Saturday: Dark Moment

Morning Loverlies,

Yes, it's snippet Saturday! Snippet Saturday is hosted by the totally kick ass Lauren Dane. Today's theme is the "Dark Moment" and today's excerpt is from my recent release Reign of Pleasure. Reign of Pleasure is about a disposed queen who's indiscretions have finally caught up with her. In this scene she's rediscovered who she is and the power inside of her that she had forgotten about. This story was recently released from Ellora's Cave. You can buy your own copy here, and read another excerpt here and/or here. Enjoy!

The sound of the door opening woke me. Groaning, I rolled over, seeking the heat and comfort of Ignius' body. When I didn't find it, I opened my eyes to find myself in bed alone.

Sitting up, I looked at Dominique. "Where is Ignius?"

She wouldn't meet my eyes, only draped the clothing she had held over the chair. Her gaze downcast she spoke softly, "I have been advised that your time here has been completed and your services are no longer required."

"Ser—services?" Bile rose swiftly in my throat and I swallowed it down. I knew yesterday had been my last day, but after what had occurred between Ignius and I the night before, I didn't expect to leave.

I ignored the pain in my chest and the stinging in my eyes. "Dominique." I barely recognized my own voice. "Please get Ignius for me. There's a mistake. I need to see him."

Her normally bright and friendly eyes were sad. "I'm sorry, Highness, he's gone."

Gone where? I knew I hadn't misinterpreted the night before. Even if it was possible to misconstrue his words, there was no way to mistake what his body had communicated to mine.

Dominique turned to walk away and I grabbed her arm. "No, wait, Dominique, please. Please take me to Ignius."

Pity flashed in her eyes as she gently removed my hand. "Highness, I'm sorry, that is impossible. He's gone. Now you must get dressed. The car is out front waiting."

I watched her leave the room. When the door closed, my knees buckled. Dry heaves shook my body as tears streamed down my face. I couldn't think, couldn't feel beyond the squeezing in my chest.

Stuffing my fist against my mouth to stifle the sobs, I stumbled to the clothes and did my best to dress myself.

* * * * *

The trip from Ignius' estate passed in a blur. By the time I got to court, my eyes were almost swollen shut from weeping. Instead of comforting me, the sight of the palace's lavish grounds just brought a fresh well of tears. This wasn't my home. My home was with Ignius, but for some reason he didn't feel the same.

It was still early enough that I didn't have to face the crowds and thankfully my attendant Karena took one look at my face and spirited me away to my chambers. Transformed from servant to caretaker she undressed me, bathed me and dressed me in my sleeping gown. I allowed her ministrations but wasn't in the presence of mind to pay attention to the words of comfort she whispered. After she got me into bed, still she didn't leave.

She sat quietly as I wept myself to sleep. She woke me hours later still speaking softly as if I would shatter if she spoke too loud.

"Your Majesty, I brought a little something for you to eat."

She helped me sit up and placed the tray on my lap. The food looked as appetizing as my future seemed. I raised my head and our eyes met until her face blurred.

I didn't sob, I just let the tears fall and wondered how I could survive something so painful. I loved Ignius. And I hurt. I wanted him, needed him, and he'd sent me away without cause or explanation. How could he do such a thing? A body cannot lie—even if every word spoken out of his mouth was based on perfidy, the unspoken ones his body conveyed to mine were nothing but the truth.

He couldn't fake the trembling in his body when we were joined. He couldn't fake the inhalation of breath when my body tightened around his nor could he fake the way his embrace tightened when he pushed me over the edge and then held me while I fell.

Considering the genuineness in all of those things, how could I doubt Ignius loved me?

Well, I hope you enjoyed this week's Saturday Snippet! You can read more Snippets below.

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