Page 79 of The Assassin's Dancer
He walks me up the dais and places me in front of the seated prince. Queasiness twists my insides.
“Now, Ami,” Father starts, releasing my hand. “I believe Orion would like to ask you something.”
The prince smiles. “Thank you, Sol. But I’m quite a traditional man so I would like to do this somewhere more private.”
“I’m not going anywhere alone with you,” I bite out.
Father scowls, but I don’t care. Maybe I should run away? Or I could use my dagger?
Stars, what is happening to me?
“I’ll be her chaperone!” I hear Blossom shout.
My stomach drops.
“Ah, thank you, Blossom,” Father says, relieved.
With a grin, Orion rises from his chair. “Come, my dear.” He extends his arm, but I ignore it.
“Ami,” Father warns.
I hate the way my arm slips around Orion’s. Something burns in my chest, and for some reason, I think again of the dagger beneath my bodice.What is wrong with me today?
“Let’s walk,” Orion says, leading me down the dais. Blossom follows closely behind, like a little lost puppy.
“You need not be so concerned, Princess,” he purrs. “I won’t kiss you again, not unless you ask me to.”
More red dances in his eyes as my heart pounds. It’s like I’m seeing the lies as he speaks them.
But I can’t focus on whatever strange magic is happening here. All I can do now is keep my gaze forward as he leads me out into the palace grounds once again.
27
KASIMIR
My little dancer ran from me.
I couldn’t believe it at first. I waited in bed for over an hour, my dick hard as a rock, before searching through the house. I wasn’t angry. I thought she must be hiding somewhere, probably naked, probably touching that pretty pussy while she waits for me to catch her – I bet she loves to be chased.
But it was only when Meera confronted me in the hallway that I got the full story.
This morning Ruby crept out of bed, lied to my face, myaccompliceslet her leave and then, she ran.
I should feel betrayed. I should, like Meera said, take the fucking hint and leave her to her golden crowns, her palace gardens, and her princes. But I can’t. Because the thought of anyone else touching what’s mine makes my hands burn for my daggers and all I see is red.
So now I’m here, watching her once again through the hedgerows while that damned prince blabbers away beside her.
And my vision is fucking crimson.
“I’m quite certain you’ll love my palace,” Orion says with a smug grin. “A few years ago my mother had one of the ballroomsconverted into a theatre. You’d be welcome to use that stage for your dances.” He sits next to Amaryllis on a stone bench, lounging comfortably against the backrest while Ruby sits rigidly beside him. She hasn’t said much the entire half hour I’ve been watching them – only the occasional murmur of approval or shrug. Orion, on the other hand, has been gloating like he’s king of the world.
“Oh, to dance on a real stage would be delightful!” one of Ruby’s sisters beams. Blossom, I believe, sits nearby with a book in her hand – although she’s spent more time admiring Orion than reading.
“A delight, indeed,” he purrs back to her.
Blossom giggles, and I scowl as he tosses her a grin. Fucking bastard is loving every minute of this.
Rolling my shoulders, I carefully lift the bow I stole from a sleeping guard as my fingers nock an arrow into place. It’s been a while since I’ve shot anything other than wooden targets. The winding streets of Night Alley don’t usually lend themselves well to archery, but in this case, it’s perfect. Especially since Orion’s chest is already so puffed out.
