Page 4 of The Assassin's Dancer
“Prince Hugo,” Father beams, gesturing towards us as if there isn’t a hideous creature beside him. “Please allow me to introduce my lovely daughters.”
“How delightful,” Hugo exclaims, rubbing his hands together.
Of course, his voice is equally foul – grating and a little high-pitched, as if someone is scratching their nails down the side of a cauldron.
“I’ve always wondered about the twelve little darlings you keep hidden away here. But now I see why you’ve kept them so locked up. And they’re all so different too.” Hugo’s eyes gleam. “Like different flavours in a chocolate box.”
With a smile, Father leads him towards us. “Yes, well, each girl was birthed by a different mother,” he explains. “My desire for a son led me all over the realm. And while it was enjoyable to sample the women of every nation, you can see my mission was unsuccessful.” He laughs as Hugo chuckles along with him.
Father rarely talks about our mothers. It’s strange to hear him bring them up at all.
Sometimes I wonder about my mother – if I look like her, or if she’d even recognise me if we passed each other at a ball. Then again, Father always says, if our mothers loved us, they’d come and visit. But they never do…
I’m just lucky to have my sisters.
And Father too, of course.
Hugo’s scratchy voice tears me from my thoughts. “Such delightful, exotic creatures,” he coos. “How I shall enjoy tasting each one.”
Beside me, Blossom stifles a gag. I reach around to subtly rub her back.
Meeting princes might be sickening, but they’re always harmless. Father will let this one pick a few of his favourites to promenade around the grounds, where they’ll be forced to listen to his gloating. But then he’ll be sent away, just like the rest of them – although perhaps with a much more bruised ego after being rejected by not one but twelve princesses.
Hugo is harmless. Disgusting, but harmless.
“I am so looking forward to hearing what you think of them,” Father replies as he guides Hugo to the start of the line, stopping inches from my feet. “It has been decades since we’ve had a wedding in the palace. I cannot wait to hear which of my daughters will be the lucky maiden to accept your hand.”
My brow shoots up. Surely Father is joking. He must be going blind if he thinks any of us will be interested in anything other than waving goodbye to thisprinceas he leaves on his horse.
“Of course.” Hugo grins. I taste bile in my throat as he leans closer, his gaze dropping straight to my bust. “I am very particular, though. I like my brides to be a certain way…” With a huff, his face scrunches up. “No, no. This one won’t do at all. Too old.”
“Too old?” I choke. For Star’s sake, I’m twenty-five!
“No matter, you still have eleven more to choose from.” Father ignores me while continuing to guide Hugo down the line. “I’m sure one will meet your tastes enough for us to satisfy our bargain.”
“Bargain?” I echo, before realising I’ve just said that out loud.
“Quiet, Amaryllis.” Father shoots me a warning look.
My stomach dips. “Forgive me,” I mutter, bowing my head. I can almost feel the wide-eyed stares of my sisters on my skin.
“Please ignore my eldest. I’m afraid she can be quite protective,” Father says.
Hugo chuckles. “Not to worry. All is forgiven.”
“May I introduce Blossom and Camellia?” Father gestures towards the second and third eldest. “Either would make an ideal bride, wouldn’t you agree?”
Beside me, Blossom, in her rose-pink gown, fixes her gaze dead ahead, while Camellia stares at the floor, her cheeks paling to a sickly green.
Hugo scowls, clearly displeased. “Once again, too old.”
I hear both girls let out a thankful sigh as he moves along.
Unfortunately, I don’t share their relief. Unable to contain myself, I march out of the line. “Father, what is the meaning of this?”
Both Father and the prince whip around to face me.
“What is this talk of brides and marriage?” I demand. “And who is this man? Clearly none of us would ever agree to marry him. Why are you even entertaining this fool?”
