Page 12 of Bonded Chaos

“Oh my!” she gasped as she placed her hand at the base of her throat. “Where are my manners? My name is Scarlette,” she said and offered me her hand.

“Cadence.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cadence,” she said, beaming.

“Likewise.”

My mind raced for a way to get past her… unless I didn’t have to. Perhaps this woman would be an ally. It would be a lot easier to escape if I had help. I needed to gauge how loyal she was to the prince. Maybe she despised Ryker like those in the Seelie Kingdom. I could turn her to my side. I just needed to…

A door clicking shut pulled me from my thoughts. As I scanned the chamber once more, I realized Scarlette had already left.

“Perfect!”

I sighed in defeat and made my way over to the closet where she had deposited my clothes.

I couldn’t help the gasp that escaped me when I took in the garments. The closet was filled with the most beautiful dresses I’d ever seen. Made from the finest materials and embroidered with the most elegant designs, they were simply breathtaking. My fingers slid over the different fabrics, and I all but groaned when I touched a silk nightdress.

While he was a complete bastard, I had to admit, the prince had exceptional taste.

I plucked a nightdress from the offerings and pulled it flush against my body. It looked about right.

I quickly rid myself of my clothing and pulled the nightdress over my head.

It fit like a glove, and this knowledge only made my blood boil hotter.

That asshole.

It was bad enough that he kidnapped me, brought me to an unknown and deadly kingdom, kept me locked up like some godsdamned pet. You’d think he would draw a line somewhere.

But no.

He also thought it was acceptable to touch my body without my permission while I was unconscious and couldn’t do anything about it.

I shouldn’t have been surprised, knowing what I did about him, but I was.

Ryker may have been a prince and used to everyone dancing to his tune, but he had crossed a line.

The gods wouldn’t be cruel enough to make that man my mate.

Would they?

My only comfort for the time was knowing that I didn’t feel the same pull toward him that he seemed to feel towards me.

Are you sure?My inner voice taunted.Didn’t you feel him watching you in the marketplace?

I shook my head to rid myself of the intrusive thoughts. I refused to accept the Unseelie Prince was my mate, no matter his claims.

Even if he hadn’t taken me by force, he would always be my enemy.

That was not a healthy foundation for a bond.

That was bonded chaos.

I laughed bitterly at the thought.

The one man who would kill me without hesitation if he knew the truth about me, believed he was my mate.

Chapter Six

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