Page 58 of Of Song and Scepter
I sink against the rock, sucking in deep breaths to steady my pounding heart. I have no time to look for her, no matter how much each cell in my body screams at me to find her and claim her again. Even now, mere moments later, she slips out of my grasp.
“My prince, I implore you to answer me,” Hugo says, irritation straining his manners.
Gritting my teeth, I pull on my pants, adjust myself, and emerge from behind the rock. Hugo stands there, holding up my discarded shirt and trident. I take the shirt wordlessly, slipping my arms through the sleeves.
“Deepest apologies, Your Highness. Her Majesty insisted you see her right away. When you didn’t return from your sparringsession with the captain on time, well…” He clucks his tongue, taking in my disheveled appearance.
I tie my shirt, then decide better of it, letting the material hang loose. Hugo lifts a quizzical brow.
“Her Majesty is impatient and should wait until breakfast to see me. As usual.”
“I’m only the messenger, Your Highness.” He turns toward the gate. “You’re lucky it was me and not someone with a higher propensity for gossip. The captain did not seem to know what I was talking about.”
I pray to the gods Nara will forgive me, but I don’t regret my choice. Not for a moment. I’d trade a thousand mornings in the ring to spar with Enna again.
We walk to the gate in silence, our irritation clashing between us like waves battering a stubborn cliff.
Hugo clears his throat again.
“Got something in your throat, Hugo?” I snap.
“No, Your Highness. Just wanted to say. Whoever it was with you behind the rock, I’d advise you to cut ties now. I have a feeling the princess doesn’t take kindly to competition.”
I rub the tightness in my chest, but the pressure refuses to dissipate. “What rock, Hugo?” I say. “You said you have no propensity for gossip.”
He chuckles. “Quite right, Your Highness.”
My stomach churns, flipping itself over again and again. I’m pissed. The fight, the magic, the sex—none of it eased my tension. None of it cured my want for Enna. I can still taste her on my lips. My hands tingle in the absence of her touch.
I may never want to be cured of her.
Chapter thirty-three
Enna
I hide behind therocks until the prince disappears through the city gate. As his broad shoulders shift with each step, I repeat my mantra again:just because it’s pretty, doesn’t mean it’s mine.
The gates close, cutting off my view. Only then do I tear my gaze from him and lean against the boulder, my heart still drumming like a damn rattlefish.
It was just sex. Sure, it was lusty, heated sex unlike anything I’ve experienced before, but still—just sex. In Vespyr, random hate sex with strangers is the best way to pass the time. Under the cover of darkness, a warm body is a warm body, and even a half-blood like me can meet her needs. That’s all this was; two people with needs expressing them in the heat of the moment. I shouldn’t be reacting this way.
Just because it’s pretty…
I cut the mantra short. This sex was different; I feel it deep in my bones. But acknowledging the consequence has me spiraling. I replay the scene in my mind, my body tingling with the ghost of his touch. He’d taken me roughly, but with the utmost care. He’d shoved me against the rocks, but took a moment to make sure I was comfortable. I melt just thinking about it. No one has ever taken care of me like that before, and I’m afraid the prince has ruined me for anyone else.
PrinceSoren.His name clouds out the formal moniker of his station, attaching new meaning and flavor to his presence in my mind. It was Soren who placed that fabric beneath my ass, arranged it so as to not damage my skin as he pounded into me with his cock. It was Soren who whispered my name into my hair, his tone sweet as sugar, like he was worshiping a goddess. Soren who brought me to the pinnacle of the best orgasm of my life; Soren who left me here, aching and wanting for more.
I try to take a step forward, but my knees shake and wobble, and I collapse against the rock.
He has unbalanced me, and I may never be stable again.
With a laborious breath, I push off the boulder. The tides slosh around my feet, a reminder of the passing time. I need to get back to Odissa before she notices my prolonged absence. I fasten my chest piece, reattach my belt, and secure my skirts to conceal my knives beneath. With a quick pass of the fabric, I wipe myself clean of my arousal. Like it never even happened.
Just because it’s pretty…
“Doesn’t mean it’s mine,” I finish under my breath, shaking my head.
This interaction with Soren—the prince—will be a mere blip in my existence; a mistake at best. I will not let myself be bested by a naked male on a beach, not when my life hangs in the balance, tied to the fate of him choosing another. I need Odissa to winher bargain, as quickly as possible. Only then will I be free of this blood oath that binds me, only then can I escape this horrid place, rich and deliciously alone.
