Page 93 of The Assassin's Dancer
Well, I suppose she’s not wrong. Relaxing a little, I can’t help but giggle with her.
“What was it like?” Mel asks, slowing her laughter. “Was he romantic?”
“Terribly so,” I say. Visions of wisteria ceilings and dancing under the stars fill my mind.
Camellia sighs. “You’re so lucky.” She plops herself onto my bed. “I hope one day I get to marry someone as lovely as Orion.”
Suddenly, everything in my room feels awfully cold.
“Orion…” I murmur.
“He’s so dreamy, isn’t he? Show me the ring again! We’re all so excited for your wedding,” she sighs, while my heart sinks to my feet.
The ring.
That damned ring is probably still exactly where Kasimir threw it last night – in the ashes of the library fireplace. Oh, Stars, what have I done?
Mel reaches for my hand, and instinctively I go to pull it away, until something glints on my ring finger.
“Oh, it’s so beautiful, Ami,” she gasps.
What?Lifting my hand, I study the sparkling ring on my finger. She’s right, it is beautiful, but it’s not the gaudy ring Orion gave me yesterday. This is the ring Kasimir gave me to wear in Mr Bailey’s tavern.Hisengagement ring…
A new warmth settles the rocking in my stomach, but not all of it. Even if Orion doesn’t notice the swapped ring, he’ll certainly notice the love bites covering my neck and shoulders.
Wincing, I turn to Camellia. “I need to use that cream.”
She nods, but when she looks at me, the teasing in her eyes isn’t there any more.
“Is everything alright?” she asks after a few moments.
“Yes,” I say flatly.
Her eyebrows pull together. “You’re hiding something.”
“I’m not.”
“Is it Orion?”
I try to keep a blank expression, but I shudder just hearing his name.
“My Stars, Ami. Was this consensual?” She gestures at the love bites. “We all just thought you were nervous after he brought us all those presents, and then there was the proposal and—” Her jaw drops. “Did he force himself upon you last night?”
“No!” I blurt. “This was all… it was all very much wanted.” I wince. It’s technically the truth, but I hate the thought of her thinking I’ll be happy with Orion. I hate the thought of her thinkinghegave me these marks.
Still, I can’t tell her about Kasimir. It’s dangerous enough that Dahlia knows. This has to stay a secret. A secret love affair before my long,forevermarriage with Orion. Because I am a princess, and this is my duty.
And, if I don’t marry him, he’s bound to take one of my sisters instead.
Hugging my knees to my chest, I shudder.
“I just need the cream and for you to keep quiet about this,” I say finally.
“I understand.” Mel nods. “I suppose, after all, it is a little improper… To share a kiss is one thing, but this?—”
She stops when I shoot her a glare.
“Sorry.” She clears her throat. “I’ll get you the cream. Then we’ll see if any of the other girls have a clean dance gown you can use for our ballet lesson today. Perhaps one a bit more… modest?” She smiles gently.
