Page 169 of Hidden Kingdoms

I fucking hated that.

“I’d hardly call it convenient.”

I just loved having my magik chained, and my memories hidden behind a brick wall in my own mind. Super fun.

“Where’s Kaius?”

If I was going anywhere, it would be with him.

“Busy.”

“Well then where’s Alouette?”

Another great option.

“Again, busy.” He folded his arms across his thick, broad chest, foot still jammed in the door, stopping me from smashing it into his frustratingly handsome face.

Instead, I gave him my sweetest smile as I placed my hand on the wood, ready to slam it the moment he moved his big ass self out of the way. “That’s a shame, because I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“This was what you wanted, was it not?” Bastian asked, far too smug for my liking.

“Yes,” I answered reluctantly, smile dropping as my eyes narrowed. I really did want this block removed, I just wished it involved literallyanyonebut him.

“Then what’s the point in fighting it, Princess?”

“Why in the gods should I believe you’re not going to try and remove it yourself?Again.”

Bastian’s eyes flicked shut at my question, a short, exasperated sigh leaving him—which was laughable, because it was pretty fucking relevant—before he levelled his gaze on me once more. “Because despite the fact I couldn’t care less about your wellbeing, I have been informed that should the kingdom be made aware I turned your brain into mushby my own hands, it would not be a good look for the palace.”

Was he born with this level of audacity, or was it something honed by the privileged life of a prince?

“But by someone else’s, it’s acceptable.” That seed of anger began to vibrate inside me ready to grow into a fucking beanstalk at every word that came from his lips. The charcoal scent of him seeped into my skin and I wanted to scrub it from my skin.

“Glad to know you’re paying attention. Now let’s go.” He stepped back, finally moving his foot, and as much as I wanted to continue with my previous plan of introducing his face to the door, I wanted this block removed more.

“I don’t have time for this. Come, now.” The edge of anger that was just creeping into his voice had my pulse racing, my magik fluttering low in my belly.

Oh, I would, but in my own fucking time.

“If you want me tocome, Prince, I need to get dressed.” I pushed the wooden door wider, stepping back slowly. Seeing the way his eyes slid down my body, I added, “Unless you want to watch me. Is that your thing?”

“Just hurry the fuck up,” Bastian growled, eyes darting back to my face and keeping himself firmly on the other side on the door. I laughed loudly as I walked away from him.

60

CHAPTER SIXTY

BASTIAN

Because Elodie was the most infuriating woman I had the displeasure of knowing, she kept me waiting for far too fucking long. There was no chance in the depths of Meirskja I was going in there to get her. Instead, I stayed in the corridor outside her room looking like a sulking child as her laughter echoed through my mind. Leaning against the doorframe and refusing to look anywhere but at the wall ahead, despite the fact her room lay open to me. I worked hard to swallow down my rising annoyance. It was a battle I wasn’t willing to lose.

Unlike yesterday when I’d completely lost my shit.

I wasn’t inclined to bring it up, though I knew she would be stewing on it, holding it tight and waiting for her moment to lash out.

She could try, but she wouldn’t get far.

I’d spent the night restless, wondering just what her revelations yesterday could mean, how they could affect everything we were doing here.

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