Page 14 of The Assassin's Dancer
“Thank you for the offer, but really we should be going.” One of the girls finally manages to wriggle out from under his arm.
Scowling, he reaches for her, and I almost leap forward to stop him when suddenly there’s distant laughter down the hallway.
“Let us both go or we’ll scream,” the girl who slipped away first yelps. Panic flushes her cheeks red.
With a reluctant scowl, Hugo drops his arm from the other girl’s shoulder and stomps towards his bedchamber. “You’d do well to learn your place around here, girls,” he growls overhis shoulder. “You don’t say no to nobility, especially not to princes.”
The two serving girls remain rooted in place until Hugo finally slams the door shut behind him. Then, they bolt down the corridor, leaving me alone to seethe in the candlelit hallway.
Ruby was right. Whatever I end up doing to Hugo, he’d deserve it, and more. Over the past few days I’d caught glimpses of the swine as he’d poke fun at the twelve princesses. He’d go out of his way to make the girls feel uncomfortable.
Still, while his behaviour was inappropriate and at times completely disgusting, it was nothing beyond what I’d expect of someone of royal blood.
But that… What I just saw was deplorable.
Sol might be predatory scum, but at least none of his victims were children.
After waiting a few more minutes, I tuck my dagger back into my sleeve and step out from my hiding place. I’d told Ruby the prince wouldn’t die here, so I’ll wait until he’s on his way home, all tucked up in his cushy, gilded carriage – then I’ll give him all the pain he deserves.
For now, though, I have other matters to deal with. Like the pretty red-haired princess who’s probably just slipped off her dance shoes and climbed into bed.
I believe it’s about time I paid her a visit.
Stepping back out onto the manicured lawn, I sneak along the palace wall until I catch sight of the dim light spilling from her window, high above.
Then, I begin climbing.
6
AMARYLLIS
Hair spills onto my shoulders as I untie the purple ribbon that held it in a tight bun.
Outside, the moon is high in the sky while I perch at my vanity, dressed in a short white nightgown with matching stockings to cover my sore feet.
Ribbon still in hand, I rake my fingers through my hair until the strands near my face are tucked back in a neat bow, while the rest falls over my shoulders. Then, with a yawn, I set to work applying nighttime oils to my face. I never used to bother, but I’ll admit the oils Camellia mixed up for each of us have worked wonders on my skin.
Sweeping the oil across my cheeks, I hum absentmindedly. I’m moments away from finishing when a loud creak interrupts my routine.
“Hello?” I call out, lowering my hand. “Dahlia? Is that you?”
There’s no response – until a cold wind sends goosebumps down my arm.
Turning from the mirror, I hear another creak as the long curtains behind my chaise longue flap in the wind. They tug on the iron bar holding them up above the open window, making it groan ominously.
I want to laugh, but nothing comes out.
I really don’t remember opening that window…
Rising from my vanity, I make my way over to the chaise longue. I’m almost at the flowing curtains when a flash of black whips past me.
“Who’s there?” I squeak, whirling around. But the room is still empty. All I can see is my four-poster bed, my gilded vanity, my bookshelves, a tall dark figure by the dresser, and?—
A tall dark figure!?
Air rushes from my chest. I open my mouth to scream, but before any noise can come out, the figure darts towards me and clamps a hand over my mouth.
My heart slams against my ribs. I think I’m going to collapse, until I feel arms wrapping around my waist, and the intense scent of leather fills my nose.
