Page 23 of Prince of Blaze and Embers
“Go on,” Rosa said, throwing her hands up again and clapping them down onto her flour-covered apron.
“Why are you doing this for us?” I asked, lightly touching the carafe.
“It’s my duty.”
“We’re slaves,” Bella responded.
I poured wine for both of us, not wanting to wait until the world changed its mind about all the treats being offered to us. The second the wine hit my lips, I realized that all the other wine I’d had in my life was far inferior to the silky, delightful one that I sucked into my mouth, swishing it around to consume my whole mouth in the taste.
“Slaves,” Rosa scoffed under her voice.
Bella and I shared a confusing glance at one another. Why’d she say it like that? It was almost as if she detested the word.
But isn’t she a slave? Or is she here of her own free will? Why would anyone choose to be here in this secluded place with such dangerous men?
Rosa walked back to the kitchen without finishing her thought.
“Thank you,” I said between shovels of bites.
Another five or ten minutes passed. The meat was as tender as anything I’d ever had, and a smeared piece of bread with jam hit my tongue last, letting the sweetness take me.
After our stomachs were full and our mouths wiped with delicate lace napkins, we both sat back in our chairs, curious about our new situation, and surely the near future.
I gazed around the room. Books by the hundreds lined old wooden shelved built into the round walls. Everything from history to fables to books titled in words from a language I never heard of. Thick curtains hung heavy on both sides of the glass windows. The glass was old enough to stretch over the many years. The glass was thick at the bottom, like slightly melted candles oozing hot wax. A haze hung in the air from the cooking Rosa had done in the kitchen. From my full belly, slowed mind, I felt as if I may be in a dream—being in such a magical, enchanting place.
The footsteps on the other side of the door only gave us a faint second to realize Prince Cade and Hunter were back. Thedoor swung in with fury, and the two men were deep in the middle of a heated conversation. I looked at him, obviously, but he didn’t even glance my way.
Why would he? I mean, look at him—dripping with sexuality, a towering man with all the wealth, power, and rugged good looks deserving of a prince. And then there was me… all I’d been told my life was how worthless, undeserving, and not special I was.
“She’s not going to stop,” Hunter followed Cade into the room, a flicker of a glance shot our way. “No matter what…”
“I know, I know,” Cade shook his head; anger tracing his words.
They were both quickly in the kitchen, picking up both plates. Cade touched Rosa’s shoulder ever so gently, and she bowed her head.
“We can’t hide here forever,” Hunter gave us another glance, seemingly curious about our own expressions by the pursing of his lips and his narrowed eyes. “Even with the old magic in these woods, it won’t stop her from finding this place.”
“I know. I’ll figure it out. I just need time,” the prince turned and made his way for the front door.
“We don’t have time, Cade. She’s going to want answers, now.”
Cade groaned. “Not before I get my answers first…”
His head dipped toward his shoulder, and his gaze focused on mine. It was steely and cold.
Even him looking at me a little made me want to melt into the floorboards. He, looking dark and angry, tightened my chest like a ball of yarn squeezed taut. Those eyes, those lips, I couldn’t help but want him to walk up to me, take me in those strong arms of his, and kiss me.
What the fuck is wrong with me? I’m infatuated with a mass-murdering psychopath!
But the more I watched him, the less I was sure I believed myown thoughts. He’d done nothing to show me he was the evil man from the tales.
As they approached the door, both with their plates in their hands, still covered with napkins, the prince stopped. He turned and angled toward us at the table, both frozen in our thoughts.
“Do not leave this place. Do you hear me? Stay put.”
I gulped down the last bite of bread and jam in my mouth. He was so firm in his words; all I could think to do was nod. So I did, and that seemed to be enough for him.
He and Hunter left the room, closing the door hard behind them. I felt crushed. For some reason, I thought they’d sit with us, enjoy their food, and I could get to know the real prince. But that didn’t seem to be on his ‘important—to-do list—get to know his new Gold-Marked slave.’
