Page 97 of The Assassin's Dancer
“Won’t I?” The prince grins, flashing a row of teeth before pressing the blade harder against Ruby’s neck. She whimpers, desperately trying to catch her breath as blood trickles onto her bodice.
“Stop,” I growl, but he ignores me. “Damn it, stop!” I toss my dagger to the ground, holding up my palms in surrender.
“No!” Ruby cries.
“That’s it,” Orion laughs, lifting his blade slightly. “You see now, pet?” He lowers his lips to Ruby’s ear. “When we behave, we get what we want. Remember that for later.”
My gaze darkens as she squirms against his hold. Blood pounds in my ears. On the other side of the ballroom, the princesses have all huddled together, crying quietly, but the only tears I can focus on are the ones rolling down Ruby’s face.
My Ruby.
“Take. Your. Fucking. Hands. Off. Her.” My voice has never been more feral.
“Now, now, Henry.” Orion smirks, keeping the blade against her neck. “Or should I say… Kasimir?” He tilts his head. “You know I was curious about you after our first meeting on the road. I know I promised I wouldn’t report you, but I couldn’t help myself. After I saw the way you looked at my bride, I charged into the garrison and demanded you be assigned somewhere else. And you know what they said?” he sneers. “They said there were no ‘Henry’s assigned to any of the princesses, and when I described you to them, they didn’t have a clue who you were.”
Ruby sobs quietly as I keep my chin high.
“Who are you, Kasimir?” Orion continues, glaring. “Because you’re certainly not a guard. None of Sol’s guards fight like that.”
“I’m good at my job,” I bite out.
The prince scowls, then he turns to his three remaining guards – two of which are still struggling to stand after getting knocked to the floor by their buddy. “You three, search him.” He jerks his chin towards me.
The guards hobble over as my fingers burn for my blades.
“And don’t even think of trying anything else,” Orion says, adjusting his grip on his sword. “I might not be able to kill Amaryllis, but I only need her womb to make an heir. Arms and legs aren’t important. Though it would be a shame to cripple such a talented dancer.” He strokes her tear-stained cheek with the back of his hand.
“Fucking prick,” I hiss, letting the guards pat me down.
Orion grins. Metal clinks upon metal as they toss all my daggers onto the floor, and as the last blade joins the pile, I feel ill.
“That’s everything, Your Highness,” one of the guards says.
“Good,” Orion purrs. “Now take him to the dungeon, and have him executed.”
“No!” Ruby screams.
Ignoring her, the guards grab my arms. I don’t put up a fight. I can’t. Not while Orion’s so close to her. But the second we’re out of sight, I’ll make these guards wish they never took this job, then I’ll save my fucking princess.
“No, please,” Ruby sobs as I’m dragged away. “Please!”
I slide her a smile. “Stay strong for me sweetheart.”I’ll come back for you.
“NO!” she thrashes against the prince. “Please, Orion! Please!” she screams. “I’ll do anything, please don’t kill him.”
Orion smirks. “Anything?” He holds up a hand to pause the guards.
“No, Ruby!” I cry out. “Don’t you dare let him touch you!”
“Quiet,” Orion hisses to me. Then he turns back to Ruby, grinning. “If I spare him, what will you do for me?”
“Anything you want,” she says, eyes glossy. “I’ll be good for you. I’ll play any part you want me to. Just please, please let him live.”
Orion’s face lights up like the sun. “Guards.” He turns to his men. “See to it that Kasimir gets a comfortable cell. My dear princess has decided to behave, for once.”
My lip curls. “Don’t do this, Ruby. You owe him nothing!”
“Oh, but she does,” Orion beams, facing me. “And the moment my darling forgets her place, I’ll have your head decorating the wall of our bedchamber.”
