He was such a damn good person. If only he’d been born first.
“You should be on the throne, Sawyer.” The words had slipped out, but I didn’t fear his reaction. Sawyer had reassuredme on more than one occasion that I was free to speak my mind with him, just as he was free to do the same with me.
“Alas, I cannot,” he said with a tight smile. “Cedric will ascend the throne one day. However, my position grants me certain liberties that I’ll take full advantage of in order to make the world a little kinder. I may be unable to rule, yet I still have my voice. And I’ll make sure it’s heard.”
Sir Noah stood beside the door, seemingly emotionless. Yet, I caught a gleam in his eyes that made me think he was proud to be serving this prince instead of the other one.
Two cups of tea, four quiches, and one apple tart later, I said goodbye to Sawyer and Kuya and left the study, taking my near-empty basket with me. It was a miracle I didn’t need to be rolled out like the girl who turned into a giant blueberry in Willy Wonka’s factory.
Sawyer had wanted to visit with me longer but needed to leave for a meeting with the head of the accounting department, followed by an afternoon of council meetings.
Busy, busy princely bee.Buzz, buzz.
And it was then, as I was distracted by thoughts of Sawyer buzzing around with tiny fluttering wings and antennas holding up his crown, that a smooth voice called out from behind me.
“I see they’re allowing commoners to freely wander the castle now? I should have their heads for such an offense.”
I came to sharp stop near the top of the stairs, heart pounding.
Footsteps approached. Slow ones that reminded me of a predator who’d cornered his prey and knew he had all the time in the world to do whatever he wanted before going in for the kill.
Taking a deep breath, I turned just as he reached me and quickly bowed my head. “Your Highness.”
“You remembered the correct manner in which to address me,” Prince Cedric said. “Impressive. I suppose the dregs of society such as yourself aren’t as mindless as you appear.”
Dreg of society? What a jerk wad. My pulse quickened, and I bit my tongue. Best not respond to that.
“What did my foolish younger brother want with you?”
“To have tea, Your Highness,” I said in a respectful tone, despite my prickling irritation. Not exactly kissing his ass; just trying to stay on his good side to save my own. “I recently returned to the kingdom, and Prince Sawyer asked about the journey.”
“Ah, yes. That’s right.” Cedric came closer. “You have a prosperous café here in the capital and another in Exalos. Your lowly status is steadily improving, as is your reputation among commoners and nobles alike. But I hope you haven’t forgotten what I once told you. A filthy little pebble is still worthless no matter how much it’s polished.”
“It’s a lesson I’ve kept close to my chest, my prince.” I finally lifted my gaze to him.
Cedric stood taller than me, with short golden hair and a muscular build. He and Sawyer greatly resembled each other, but where Sawyer’s eyes radiated warmth, Cedric’s were like ice.
He looked at the basket over my arm. “What do you have there?”
“Cookies, Your Highness.” After Kuya, Sawyer, and I had our fill, three sugar cookies had been given to Sir Noah—I hadn’t taken no for an answer—and I’d given two more to the guards outside the door. Two chocolate chip remained. I planned to stop by Briar’s clinic before heading home and give them to Thane.
Cedric withdrew a cookie and curled his nose. “How revolting. This isn’t even suitable for the beggars in the lower district to eat.”
He then crumbled it in his fist and tossed it to the floor.
I stared at the scattered crumbs, feeling a burning behind my eyes. He was such a bully. How Sawyer kept his sanity growing up with a monster like Cedric, I’d never know.
“What an interesting expression you have,” he said. “Are you angry with me?”
Shit.I wasn’t the best at hiding my emotions. “Of course not, Your Highness.”
He slowly breathed out and stepped toward me, causing me to step back. “That clench of your jaw says otherwise. I’m awfully curious to hear your true thoughts.”
“I have no thoughts. I’m just a mindless pebble.” The impulsive response was made worse by the sarcastic tone used to say it. If there was ever a time to curse my lack of a filter it was most definitely right then.
Cedric’s expression changed. Darkened. “You say the right words, yet your eyes give way to your defiance. That defiance, if left to fester, will shatter loyalty and lead to betrayal. Do you intend to betray your future king?”
He backed me up against the railing of the stairs.
