Page 9 of The Princess of Nothing
He flushed pink. “I’m, uh, under certain pressures where appearances are concerned.”
I squinted and furrowed my brows. “What pressures?”
“Why are you here?” he questioned. “Your father is dead, and your people think you are, so I’ll presume you did something reckless. If you came all the way back here to find me, then you were right about what you told me before. You really must have no friends.”
I knew he meant it jokingly, but the comment stabbed through me, nevertheless.
“I’m sorry,” he said, seeing my pained expression. “I’ve had a lot happen too. I’m actually happy to see you.”
I touched his arm, feeling his warmth beneath my fingertips. “Right now, honestly, I really could use a friend.” Tears pooled in the corner of my eyes. “I need your help.”
His expression turned serious, his smile turning into a hard line. “What do you need? Do you want to come back to my place?”
He had another property here? The last one was in Bluewater province, over near the castle, I remembered.
“Yes, although I’m curious to how you’ve amassed such wealth to have yet another house.”
He tapped the side of his nose. “Some things must stay secret.”
He linked his arm through mine and walked with me. It was nice. I felt like I’d known him forever, when in reality, I barely knew him at all. I’d spent little over a week with him altogether. He just felt... familiar. When we reached the road lined with matching houses, I began to panic. I didn’t really know why I was there. I supposed I just needed to talk to someone. He was right. It was sad I had to travel halfway around the world to find a friend.
CHAPTER FOUR
Isat across the tablein Cedric’s modestly sized beach house. He leaned his elbows against the oak and clasped his fingers together. “I apologize for the size. I don’t frequent this one often. Only when business calls.”
“Business?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Trade deals.”
“Oh yes.”Perhaps that was how he was so wealthy. Trade was a strong business to be in nowadays. Everyone needed something. “Where’s Buttercup?” I asked, noticing the pixie’s absence. “At one of your other houses?” I shook the table with my leg, anxiety buzzing.
His lips pressed into a hard line. “I had to send her back. She was caught, and they gave me two options.” He shuddered. “I gave her to Aquarius for when he next visited Magaelor for trade. He left with her weeks ago.”
“I can’t say I’m not pleased to know she’s back where she belongs.”
He sighed. “I do miss her though.”
