Page 40 of Glass Hearts
Grayer makes a gesture our way.
Bri snorts, “I knew it. They have never once called for towels and water after training, yet as soon as you are here, theymusthave it. Come on, Ella.” She intertwines our elbows as we leave our place on the bench.
When we get down to the arena, towels and waters in hand, Master Bruce is debriefing the princes.
“Now, Grayer, you were merciless as always. But maybe next time let’s not look at the pretty ladies. You must focus. What if Koi had been compromised by one of the ghouls and one came for you in your blind spot?”
Koi is laughing as Grayer shrugs, “Worth it.”
He lights up when he sees us approach.
“Bri! You are the best wing-woman!”
“I will remember that for the next time I need a favour,” she jests back, setting down the jugs of water as I set down the glasses and towels.
Up close, the princes are a sinful delight to the eyes. All muscles, coated with sweat and dirt from their battle. I can’t take my eyes away, and I think Koi notices as he smirks, puffing out his chest just a bit more. I try to look somewhere else. But fail. I suppose I am weak when it comes to these dang princes. Why couldn’t they be ugly or something? It’s one thing to have crushes on regular folk—but powerful princes!? I need to get a grip.
“That was very well done, my Princes, perhaps you all would like a little tending to after working so hard. I know how much you enjoyed having me in your bed after all,” I snap out of my ogling as one of the court ladies, Adrianna, I believe, walks up from behind me. From what I could gather, she is Councilman Clarsef’s daughter. Also, the woman Grayer said he was visiting. I can see why now; she is wearing a sheer dress that barely covers her breasts. She is stunning and quite beautiful. My stomach sours as my jealousy rears its ugly head again.
“Ah, Adrianna, lovely to see you again,” Archer says seductively, looking her up and down.
“Go away, Adrianna,” Grayer says, waving her off as he tries to get closer to me. She puts a hand on his chest, stopping him. She notices him looking my way and turns her head to me, as if just noticing me.
“Little mouse, you brought your waters and towels. Now run along; you must remember that the help should not be seen. Especially a drab thing like you. It’s time for the Prince’s to be with a proper lady.” I turn away in shame and leave.
I can feel Bri start to leave with me, too. But not before I hear her say, “Adrianna, get your dad’s dick out of your ass.”
I love my new friend, and thankful she gives me the chance to hide my tears.
If they have had Adrianna in their bed before, how could I even compare? Like an idiot, I quickly glance behind as I see her head to Archer’s open arms.
“Fuck off, Adrianna. Seriously,” I hear Grayer say. I pick up my pace into a run as I faintly hear Koi also call out, “Arabella, wait!”
Archer
Arabella hurried off as soon as Adrianna made her appearance. Which is for the best, even though my betraying heart drops. The hunger in her eyes undid me as she took us in, in all our glory.
As soon as she is out of sight, I drop Adrianna’s arms and push her away.
“What’s the deal, Archer?” she pouts as she crosses her arms, trying to bring awareness to her chest.
“You fucktards can deal with her. I am going to find the duchess. I didn’t like that look on her face from that bitch’s words,” Gray says through the bond.
“No, brother. We have a meeting with the council. And we had agreed that we wouldn’t be intervening with the Vixen,” Sylas responds.
Ever since his attack on the dishwasher, Mike, we have had to keep all hands on deck intercepting Grayer from going to the little thief, especially when word got back to the council. Needless to say, our attention on Arabella has displeased them.
“Eventually, you will all have to accept me. It will either be by being one of your wives or by taking over my father’s spot on the council. You cannot deny me.” She stalks off, no doubt to complain to her father.
Koi and Grayer leave with a huff. Sylas is looking very lost, just trying to keep us all together. Yet we are fraying as a bond, and it all started with that dang little thief.
* * *
After my shower, I dress and head to the council room. All the members are already present and arguing back and forth. Koi and Grayer look bored off to the side, but are whispering to each other. I raise a brow at Sylas, who looks annoyed, the bags under his eyes growing heavier.
“They are worried about Arabella. They think Adrianna’s words hurt her feelings, and they are trying to figure out how they can comfort her tonight. You will have to be on her guard duty. I can’t trust Koi anymore to watch her. Also, the council wants to increase taxes in the pleasure district to eradicate the influx of problematic dealings,” Sylas says to me.
“I will watch her tonight. I don’t think increasing the taxes would help. If anything, it would exacerbate the issue.”
