Page 16 of A Thieving Curse

“Palace?” The monster’s voice sounded deeper, rougher. “Who are you?”

Should she answer? Mentioning the palace had clearly been a mistake. She pressed her eyes closed, her heart racing.

“Tell me!” he roared. She flinched back as the scent of smoke filled the room.

“Alex,” Jasper coaxed. She opened her eyes, hoping against hope that he would help her. But he was focused on the monster.

“Who are you?” The monster’s red irises shone, and dissipating smoke curled in front of his mouth and chest. “What’s your business at the palace?” He bared his teeth as if he might tear her apart, his fangs glinting in the firelight.

“Raelyn Argent!” Determined not to break down, she lifted her chin the way Frederick always did and tried to channel Gareth’s confidence, even though she continued to tremble. “I am the Princess of Eynlae on my way to marry Crown Prince Tristan Carbrey.”

The monster staggered back, his mouth hanging open.

Raelyn pressed on. “Deliver me to my family safely, and you will be rewarded.”

Jasper cleared his throat, his face pale. “A word outside, Alexan—”

“Quiet!” The demon’s wings jerked, then settled against his back again as he turned in a circle. His tail swished like an agitated cat’s, his eyes glowing and forehead creased. “Princess Raelyn of Eynlae. Betrothed to thecrown prince.” He growled, and Raelyn shrank back.

I should have lied.

6

RAELYN CLUTCHED HER skirt tighter. She wanted to look away from the monster’s shining red eyes, but she felt frozen, as if held in a trance. Her teeth chattered despite the heat of the fire.

“Are you telling the truth?” The monster stepped closer. “Are you the princess?”

She scrambled to the far corner of the bed as her mouth went dry.Dragons kidnap princesses. In all the stories.She hung her head, hoping she would appear penitent. “No—”

“Then why did you say you were?”

“I lied!” she said desperately. “I’m sorry. I thought I could trick you—” The beast lunged forward and grabbed her arm.

“No, wait, please!” Raelyn tried to tug free, then stopped as his claws pushed through her sleeve.

“Alexander, stop!” Jasper stepped closer, but the dragon-man jerked her to her feet. She stiffened as he pressed a hot hand against the side of her neck.

“Tell me the truth.” Smoke poured from the monster’s mouth, and she coughed. “Who are you?”

She was too frightened to lie again. “Raelyn! Princess Raelyn Argent.”I am a princess.An Argent.She looked into his demon eyes. “And if you hurt me, my brother willkill you.”

He snorted. “Princess indeed.” His hand left her neck, and he pushed her back onto the bed. She scooted away, forcing her tight lungs to breathe. The monster headed for the door as his wings twitched and his tail thumped the ground. “I’ve changed my mind.” His voice dropped to a low register. “She stays.”

Jasper pursed his lips. “Don’t be rash.”

“She’d tell him!” He swung a claw-tipped hand in her direction. “She. Stays.”

Raelyn broke into a cold sweat. “People are looking for me—”

“Lock her in.” The monster strode out of the room.

“Alexander!” Jasper looked between Raelyn and the doorway. “Get back here!”

To her shock, the dragon-man returned, his arms crossed and smoke pouring from his nostrils with every exhale as more scales covered his face. “What?”

“You’re losing control,” Jasper said calmly. “And you manhandled a lady.”

The demon glanced at her and a sob tore out of her throat. His pupils had narrowed to reptilian slits. “Hence why I’mleaving.” As he spoke, scales grew through the skin on his neck.

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