Page 32 of Cruelest Kiss and Fairest Blood
“Please, tell us how you really feel.” Cassius chuckles.
“You know, aside from the lustful women part, it actually sounds a lot like a prince is just a muscle-laden toddler.” I jest, of course. In actuality, I find myself rather flustered in the presence of someone so handsome and sure of themselves.
Cassius brings our joined hands to the center of his chest. “The final blow. I am wounded. Are you always this mean to people who are trying to sweep you off your feet?”
Embarrassment has my steps stuttering. “Apologies. It would appear defensiveness is my response to compliments, and insults are my way of flirting. How very unattractive.”
“And what does it say of me that I find the pointed attacks so punishingly attractive?”
My mouth drops open. The fire in my belly roars to life at the admission.
Cassius’s expression drops. Red deepens the coloring of his tanned skin. His steps falter and we bump into a nearby couple. He’s quick to apologize and move us back into formation.
“It would seem now I’m the one who’s flustered. A slip of the tongue, Princess. Please accept my apologies. I did not mean to be so forward.”
“No apology necessary.” We fall silent, staring into each other’s eyes. In another life I would have given anything to be courted by Cassius. Courted for real. Not this show of funand affection that may only come from the knowledge that I’m already betrothed to another. No risk involved in that scenario.
The song ends and a much faster tune takes its place. The familiar music has us all lining up. Partners are traded three times throughout. My heart sinks a little when Cassius drops my hand to take the blonde woman’s across from me. My own hand is stolen away by a short man in a yellow and green jester mask. He’s not nearly as graceful as Cassius. My eyes flick to where he’s currently dancing. His partner is grinning beneath her lavender swan mask. I’m spun to the right, landing in front of my next partner. The hairs on my arms rise at the close proximity. I find myself staring up at the towering figure of the King of Montrésor. His golden lion’s mask glistens as he bows.
“Princess.” He holds a hand out, drawing me in the same moment I accept it. A blinding light flashes behind my eyes as images flood my thoughts. A castle, a rose, a hideous monster. Black fur and bloodstained teeth roar in my mind.
Magic sparks beneath my skin, tingling where our fingers meet and running up the length of my arm and down my spine.
The king’s lips fall open, a surprised expression taking over his masculine face. Did he see that same image when we touched?
Another image takes control of my thoughts. The king currently holding my hand stands before a massive mirror. The man looking in the mirror appears to be the same as the man standing before me, but the creature in the mirror is not human at all. That black-furred beast stares back at him with matching blue eyes.
I suck in a breath. Are they one and the same? The images fade.
“Fascinating,” he breathes. “I had no idea the Princess of Roseheart was so… unique.”
Before I can ask him what he means, a familiar hand taps on his shoulder. “Mind if I take over?” Cassius is tense behind him.
“Not at all.” The king dips his head and kisses the back of my hand. “It’s been a pleasure.”
My nerves are still shaky when Cassius pulls me into his arms.
“How has your evening fared so far?”
“I’m enjoying myself immensely now.” I lean into him in a manner that I’m sure is far too intimate for someone who is not my fiancé. I can’t help it. I melt when I’m with Cassius. His energy is so inviting and warm.
The song ends too soon. Cassius bows low, and when he does, a flash of silver catches my eye. Harrow is watching me once more, his face still hidden beneath the silver skull mask. Cassius rises, obscuring my view.
“Are you well? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.” Cassius raises a hand to my cheek.
Have I seen a ghost?What in the world was all of that?
I sidestep the touch, now acutely aware of our closeness. “I need to refresh myself. Please excuse me.”
As warm as the company of Cassius is, I suddenly yearn for the cool, mysterious presence of Harrow. And maybe he will be able to make sense of these… premonitions, or were they glimpses of the past? Or perhaps just haunting scenes of an overactive imagination.
Cassius doesn’t have time to respond before I’ve slipped away.I just need to get to Harrow.
Chapter 12
Lenore
My large dress is just one in a sea of illustrious gowns. That, combined with my petite stature, allows me to move through the guests without drawing too much attention. Once free from the throng of partygoers, I stick to the shadowy edges of the wall. If I’m spotted leaving unchaperoned, Mother will surely send a guard detail for me. I rise on my tiptoes, my tight shoes suffocating my feet further with the action.
