Page 65 of Dark Prince's Captive

It’s futile.Each time, I find the doors tightly sealed and heavily guarded.Unless I sprout wings and fly from the window, I’m not going anywhere soon, not unless Aruan allows it.

So, when he walks into his quarters with a brand-new pair of soft, suede-like boots and asks if I’d like to go for a walk on the grounds, I’m not too proud to jump on the opportunity.

A short while later, he escorts me down the cliff steps with my arm tucked through his.This time, I’m not wearing one of those long, impractical dresses.I nicked a pair of Aruan’s pants, which I’ve rolled up several times and tied with laces around my waist.One of his white shirts that I’ve knotted in the front completes my outfit.

People working the fields next to the palace stare with open mouths as he leads me regally down the path, going in the opposite direction from the lake.They’re obviously not used to seeing women in men’s clothes.Or perhaps it’s the formidable and intimidating sight of Aruan.Or maybe it’s just me—Aruan’s “terrifying” mate.

Aruan grins as he drags his gaze over me.“Did you miss me so much that you had to steal my clothes just to feel a little nearer to me, my sweet?”He continues with his wicked teasing, “You don’t have to be ashamed to admit it.”

Ah.It seems our quiet spell is broken.

“Ha.”I turn up my nose.“No one can trudge through the mud in those long skirts.”I lift a foot to admire the comfortable, perfectly fitting boot.“These are much better than those princess shoes.”

“I’ll have to rectify the situation.”Laughter sounds in his voice.“I’ll order you some men’s clothes in your size.”

Suspicious, I glance at him sideways.“You’re in a good mood.”

He looks down at me with a smoldering smile.“That’s because the moon is almost full.”

My heart gives a funny little jerk.

No.

I refuse to admit just how handsome he is when he smiles like that, both with arrogance and a soft warmth that reaches his eyes.

Regretting broaching the subject, I scoff.“Well, only one of us is looking forward to that.But don’t think for one moment I won’t fight you.”

“Oh, I know you will.”His eyes gleam.“I’m bargaining on it.”

Fuck.My belly heats before bottoming out in a very anticipatory way.He knows how to get to me, and byme, I specifically mean my dormant lady bits.

I turn away to hide my flush.“Where are we going?”

“The sacred site,” he answers, and it’s all I can do to hide my excitement as he continues, “I’ve been very busy with politics these past few days, so I haven’t had the time to take you there as I promised.”

My ears prick up.“What do these politics involve?”Maybe I’ll finally learn something.

He sighs and says cryptically, “Diplomatic issues.”

Right.He’s not going to divulge anything.So much for picking his brain.

“Is it far?”When he frowns, I add, “The sacred site.”

He points toward a cluster of palm trees in the distance.“It’s a short walk.”

I pick up my pace as excitement courses through me.Soon, I’m the one leading, dragging Aruan faster down the path.

He laughs.“Slow down, my sweet.Don’t you want to enjoy the fresh air, make it last?”

“I want to see the site,” I say honestly, barely able to contain myself.

His voice is deep and gruff, sending goosebumps over my skin.“In that case, I won’t make you wait.I’d loathe to disappoint you.”

I don’t reply because something else has captured my attention.

A brown-gray moth flutters past us before settling on the pineapple-shaped cone of a cycad.

A kalligrammatid!

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