Page 20 of The Shattered Kingdom
I won’t apologize.
The action draws Kie’s full attention, though. He meets my gaze before darting lower, the motion so quick, I wouldn’t have noticed if I weren’t watching. I know he and Mason can see through the water, and I hug my knees closer to my chest.
I’d say something about him keeping his eyes to himself if it wouldn’t make things weird with Lill. Kie’s her mate, and I’m not going to make snide comments about Kie trying to look at my bare body in front of her. That’s wildly uncomfortable.
Kie finally looks away, his eyes squeezing shut. “And it begins.”
Andwhatbegins?
Two women enter the bathhouse, their voices echoing off the stone walls. They’re naked, which isn’t surprising. Faerie women are tall and lithe, like they spend hours a day in a Pilates studio. It’s bullshit.
They look around the room, and matching smiles spread over their lips as they spot Kie and Mason.
“Your Highnesses,” the woman on the left says.
I faintly remember her from yesterday. She was reporting Kie’s whereabouts to Queen Gitta, and she wore a red dress. I think her name is Jackie. Her hair is tied up at the nape of her neck, probably to keep it from getting wet, and she bows politely toward Kie and Mason before stepping into the pool.
She submerges herself to the neck before standing so her entire upper body is exposed. Water drips down her chest and waist, and I fight the urge to look away. The faeries are comfortable with nudity, and I don’t want them knowing I’m uncomfortable.
Jackie faces Kie, and I exchange a look with Lill. Is she getting the same energy from the woman? Jackie hasn’t done anything wrong, at least not outwardly, but I’m no fool. I know when a woman is attempting to stake a claim on a male, and Jackie is attempting to do so with Kie.
Jackie gestures toward Lill. “Who’s this?”
She ignores me, which is to be expected. I’m a safe distance from the princes, but Kie’s bicep is almost touching Lill. Kie makes no attempts to move it.
“This is Lillian,” he says. “And that’s Abby.”
I guess I appreciate the introduction, but I’m happy fading into the background.
“Lillian,” Jackie repeats. “How nice to meet you. I’m JacquelineRowe.”
She overemphasizes her last name. I’m unimpressed. If Lillnotices, she doesn’t let it show.
Lill offers a smile. “I’m aware. It’s nice to meet you.”
I sink low into the water, waiting for Jackie to ask about the relationship between Kie, Mason, and Lill. She turns toward me instead. She looks down, openly scanning my body beneath the water. It takes everything in me not to react. I may not look like the faerie women, but I won’t be made to feel ashamed of myself.
I lift my chin as the corners of her lips twitch. She’s laughing at me. I’m horrified.
There’s a splash of water. Kie.
Four women step into the room, momentarily capturing my attention. They look around just as Jackie and her friend did, and they perk up the same way when they spot Kie and Mason. It almost makes me feel bad for the princes. They’re treated like broodmares.
I’m sure they use that to their advantage, though. It’s not an accident that there’s a drawer full of condoms in their spare bedroom.
“That’s enough, Jackie,” Kie orders. “Take your seat.”
Jackie’s face turns red. The faerie prince is taking a human’s side over hers. That must hurt.
“I’m only looking to meet the human who—”
The water shifts again.
“Sit.” Mason’s voice is lower than I’ve ever heard it. “Now.”
Jackie’s chest heaves, and she works her jaw side to side as she looks between me, Kie, and Mason. I’m surprised she’s even debating continuing to argue. She must not know what Mason looks like in his animal form. If he ever used that voice on me, I’d be petrified.
Jackie’s gaze travels back down my torso.
