He knotted one end around Dancer’s wrist and then the other to hers. “Here, before these witnesses and members of your families, you have publicly declared your intention to combine your lineages. The gods are pleased, and so we will leave you to consummate your intentions.”

His eyes filled with love, Dancer stood first and helped her to her feet. Side by side, they walked the path to the bedchamber that was behind the altar, that had been decorated for their unification.

As soon as the doors were closed, Dancer pulled her against his chest and held her tight. “I never thought I’d actually see the inside of this room.”

She tsked at him. “You really looked like you thought I was going to deny you.”

“I had a moment.”

“And now?”

He led her to the bed. “Now, I want to finish this and claim you as mine. Forever.”

Biting her lip, she followed his direction. Kneeling on the bed, they faced each other.

“Sumi, of the Most Sovereign Blood Clan of eton Anatole, will you grant me the honor of kissing your lips?”

“I will.” She smiled up at him. “Dancer of the Warring Blood Clan of Hauk, will you grant me the honor of kissing yours?”

“Absolutely.” He dipped his head to tease her mouth with his, taking care to touch no other part of her body. “And will you grant me the honor of seeing your unadorned beauty?”

She knew this was serious, but she couldn’t help teasing him. “Uh, yeah. Pretty sure you and everyone in that temple have already done so.”

Laughing, he bit his lip. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes.”

Slowly, he removed her gown until she was exposed to him.

“May I have the honor of seeing yours?”

He nodded.

As she removed his loincloth, she couldn’t resist copping a small feel.

He sucked his breath in sharply. “You’re getting ahead of the ceremony.”

“Sorry.”

Hauk laughed at the unrepentant light in her eyes. “May I have the honor of touching you?”

“I am all yours, baby.”

He cupped her breasts in his hands before he trailed one hand down to gently explore the part of her he was dying for.

Sumi shivered as he carefully dipped each of his fingers inside her. “And may I have the honor of touching you?”

His eyes glowing a brighter shade of red, he nodded.

Licking her lips, she slowly stroked him until he was primed for consummating the rest of their union.

His breathing ragged, he stared intently at her. “Do you grant me the honor of entering your body and fathering your progeny?”

She rubbed her nose against his. “Haven’t you already done that, too?”

“You are in a mood.” He nibbled her chin. “And you have to grant me permission or I can’t finish this.”