Page 51 of Shadows and Roses

What was it about her that made him want to touch, caress, knead those muscles into relaxed surrender? He could, so easily, if she lay spread out before him, his oiled fingers working her skin until she fell into blissful sleep. Or playing along her curves and brushing sensitive strokes until she moaned his name.

He blinked, almost failing to block a basic strike from his irritable tutor. Octavius’ perpetual scowl seemed darker in the training circles. The Master-at-arms would be even more aggravated if he knew Castien’s thoughts.

Especially the image of her naked and writhing beneath him while he barely held back. Chasing his own pleasure wasn't the goal, usually. But with her, it might be difficult to restrain himself.

"Dead." The tip of a blade pressed against his chest and Master Octavius glowered at him. "You're daydreaming again. Get it out of your system before it gets you killed."

Castien glared back, batting aside the dull blade. "I'm fine. You can't expect me to be a swordsman in two weeks." But maybe Octavius was right—this obsession was just from his recent lack of bedroom activities. Yet no one else drove him to distraction.

"I can expect you to pay attention, boy. Since you clearly can't, go do a few laps in the lake and cool off."

"Splendid idea." Castien tossed his sword into the rack and stripped off his leathers.

The lake was a short way up a hill behind the palace. It fed their multitude of bathing chambers and was in turn fed by several streams. The walk was pleasant with a cool breezethat promised the end of summer.

Two guards trailed him to the lake. He'd gained his own shadow whenever he left the palace. For his protection, yes, but they were a reminder of the gilded cage he lived in.

For a moment, he had the impulse to run from the guards, to see if they'd chase. Probably.

You belong to me, and a Dark Queen does not relinquish that which is hers.

Yesterday, he'd asked if she would consider releasing him. She could not—Escorts didn't leave her, especially not so quickly. Though he had to admit that some part of him had enjoyed hearing those words on her lips. The mad bastard inside him wanted to curl up around her, bask in the feel of her body against his.

The lake spread out before him as he shoved those whispers out of his mind. Further along the shore was a pavilion with a small dock and a gathering of nobles. He walked in the opposite direction. A pity the lake wasn't very large; he'd still be able to hear murmurs from that group.

Stripping off his clothes and bracers, he quickly submerged himself in the cool water. No murmuring underneath the water.

You belong to me. Except his own traitorous thoughts. He shivered and rose, gasping for air. Right. Time to get in the exercise that was supposed to clear his mind.

A few laps almost helped.

Cruel laughter drifted to his ears and he coughed, startling a guard into approaching. Castien waved away the guard. He was drowning, but not from this lake. Out. He had to get out. Of this lake, of this court, of this palace, of his five years' contract.

Five years. Water dripped down his face, not tears. No, they would have his anger, not his tears.

The contracts were immutable; the House held all the power and they had no interest in making changes. In hisspecial case, the Queen held his leash—and clearly she would not let go. He had tried.

He swam another lap, thinking. His stipend. A small fortune was waiting for him, more than enough for a comfortable life. Since he was technically free, he could access it now. The beginnings of a smile curved is lips. It was time to take his friends up on their offer and vanish.

Chapter 13

Vern

After Castien stormed off and Octavius went to bully another of his trainees, Vern paused and lowered his sword.

"You should bed the boy," he mumbled.

"Vern!" Anais exclaimed.

It wasn't his habit to push her into anyone's bed, but he raised a brow. "Have you seen the way he looks at you?"

She shrugged. "He knows his business. He hasn't approached me. Maybe what you're seeing is fear."

They put away their practice gear while he considered her out of the corners of his eyes. Mistaking fear for naked hunger was unlike her. The boy hid his emotions poorly. Vern opened his mouth, then tilted his head. She was double checking her belt buckle, something she only did when she was nervous. She was flustered. Anais, flustered?

As they belted on their regular weapons, he decided to test her. "It's not all fear."

She unnecessarily shifted the position of a dagger on the stand. "Then he'll come to me when he's ready. I can't just ask him, you know. Do you think he'd dare refuse me? The Queen?"

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