Page 125 of Their Blood Rite

‘Good evening, Earth Witch.’

I jump as the Prince steps before me. He tilts his head as I face him.

‘Want some advice?’ he asks, without really asking at all. He leans into my face. The smell of tobacco and wine wafting in my face. ‘Beg.’

‘Excuse me?’

‘Beg Cole for forgiveness and return where you belong before it’s too late.’ He runs his finger down my arm. ‘Return towhoyou belong to. Things will be much better for everyone if you do.’

‘Sheiswith who she belongs to.’ Shaw firmly takes my waist and pulls me into his side. I’d fall if he didn’t grip me so tight. ‘And the only man she begs anything for is me.’

‘You are not capable of love, Ronan. Give her back before it’s too late.’

‘Too late for what, My Prince?’

Silence and an extremely awkward stare.

‘Enjoy your stay at the palace, Earth Witch.' He takes my hand in both his, gripping my wrist tighter than needed, and kisses my knuckles. 'Who knows when you will have such luxury again.’

‘Her name is Ashe,’ Shaw says smoothly.

I don’t miss the derisive eye roll before the prince turns away.

‘What did he say to you?’ Shaw demands, watching the prince leave.

‘Just what you heard.’

‘Are you okay?’

‘What did he mean by that?’

‘By what?’

‘ “Give her back before it’s too late”.What did he mean by that?’

A glass of wine is held out to me. I take it, thanking Archie, who offers it. Dorian stands beside him and takes the wine away, placing it on another passing tray.

‘Probably meant before Shaw breaks you,’ Archie laughs, watching the prince as he talks to a group of men.

They all sip from their wine, watching the court and the enemies amongst the crowd.

‘So,’ Archie announces with his usual cheer. ‘Whose room is she staying in tonight?’

‘That would be mine,’ Shaw says firmly.

‘Your future wife?’ Archie teases.

Shaw brings the wine to his lips with a heavy sigh. ‘Shut up, Archie.’

‘Hey. I offered to be the lover. You said no.’

‘Because I’m the one in charge. And no one would believe you to be monogamous.’ Shaw takes my hand and leads me towards the music. ‘Come on. I want you to myself for a bit.’

I’m spun into his arms and pulled close into his chest. Then he starts to dance with me.

‘Everyone is looking at you,’ I tell him, seeing countless eyes on us as he guides me in graceful steps.

‘Let them look.’ He dips me low and returns me slowly. ‘How are you holding up?’

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