Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 238

Chapter 238

The feast unfolded beneath a canopy of glowing lanterns and twin–moon light, the palace courtyard transformed into something almost dreamlike.

Music drifted through the night in rich, melodic waves–harps woven with deep percussion and airy flutes that carried across the marble terraces. Long banquet tables overflowed with jeweled fruits, honey glazed sweets, roasted delicacies, and goblets brimming with luminous wine that shimmered faintly beneath the lantern glow.

For the first time in centuries, Seelie and Unseelie mingled freely.

Not divided by pride.

Not separated by prejudice.

Together.

Laughter echoed across the courtyard as dancers spun beneath strands of floating lights. Children darted between tables playing games of chase, their delighted shrieks occasionally rising above the music as tiny fairies zipped after them, scattering trails of glittering dust.

Some of the older Unseelie warriors stood stiffly at first, uncertain beneath the warmth of Seelie celebration, but little by little even that tension began to melt away beneath shared drinks, shared stories, and the strange realization that none of them were rivals.

At the center of it all, Kaelani sat sideways across Julian’s lap at the royal table overlooking the festivities below.

One of his arms rested securely around her waist while the other held a crystal goblet loosely against his thigh. He barely paid attention to the feast around them.

Most of his attention remained on her.

Kaelani lifted a piece of exotic fruit from one of the ornate platters before them. Its flesh glimmered a pale blush–gold beneath the soft glow of the lanterns, juice catching along her fingertips as she took a

bite.

Her eyes fluttered closed instantly.

“Oh my God,” she breathed.

Julian huffed a quiet laugh at her reaction.

Kaelani turned toward him immediately, already reaching toward his mouth with the remaining piece.

“You have to try the fruit here,” she insisted. “If you think the wine here is extraordinary, you’ll love this.”

Julian leaned forward obediently and took a bite from her fingers.

He chewed slowly.

Σ

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Swallowed.

Then nodded once

“Okay,” he admitted. “That’s actually really good.”

Kaelani grinned triumphantly.

“But,” he added casually, “I’ve tasted better.”

She furrowed her brows at him immediately.

“Oh really?” she asked, thoroughly invested. “Like what?”

Julian’s gaze dragged slowly over her mouth before he bit lightly against his lower lip.

“You.”

Kaelani stared at him for a beat before a laugh escaped her.

She smacked his shoulder playfully.

“Stop,” she said, fighting a smile. “You don’t have to sweet–talk me. I’ll still have sex with you.”

Julian looked at her for a long moment, completely serious despite the amusement flickering in his eyes.

“We don’t have sex,” he said.

Kaelani blinked once.

Julian’s arm tightened slightly around her waist as he leaned closer.

“We make love.”

A smile spread slowly across her lips.

“Oh,” she said, lifting a brow. “My apologies, Mr. Romantic.”

She shifted slightly against him, the sparkle in her eyes turning far more mischievous.

“Yes, we make love.”

Then she leaned in closer, lowering her voice just enough for him alone.

“But sometimes…”

Her lips curved.

“We fuck. Hard.”

She winked.

Julian stared at her briefly before a low laugh slipped beneath his breath. Then he cupped her face

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gently and kissed her soft and slow.

Tender in a way that immediately unraveled every teasing word that had come before it.

When he finally pulled back just enough for their foreheads to brush, his thumb swept lightly across her cheek.

“We’re still making love,” he murmured.

Something in Kaelani’s chest melted completely at the quiet sincerity in his voice

She kissed him again.

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