Page 43 of Monster's Bride

“I’m not leaving, not until you talk to me.”

“I have nothing to say to you,” I growl as I throw my weight against the door again. My shoulder connects first and I wince. “I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t want to see your face. Just go.”

To my dismay, he doesn’t budge, but he also doesn’t force his way into the room. He just stands there, waiting for me to tire myself out fighting against his unshakable hold, and that angers me more than if he’d shoved his way inside.

And he calls me insufferable.

This minotaur is downright infuriating.

“Ten minutes is all I’m asking for,” he says, his voice perfectly level.

“No. Leave me alone,” I say, leaning my back against the door and closing my eyes to keep them from stinging. My frustration is getting out of control and manifesting itself in the form of tears. “That’s how you wanted it, right? Don’t stop now that no one is–”

“Irissa, please.” His tone is tender, borderline desperate.

My heart lurches in my chest as I stare across the room at the opposite wall. Chills zip up my back and skate down my arms, making my fingertips tingle. Did I really just hear that? The logical side of my brain says no, but a tug in my gut says there’s nothing wrong with my hearing.

He begged.

Andhe said my name.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

Nor

I’m quickly starting to regret letting Oryx talk more sense into me. Just weeks ago, I wouldn’t have given his opinion a second thought, but over the last few days, I’ve come to rely on his advice more times than I’m comfortable admitting.

What is wrong with me?

I should have gone straight to my room and slept off all these stubborn feelings, yet here I am, asking my human bride for forgiveness, and she’s not making it easy. Even more of a reason why I should have waited.

Maybe she would have slept off some of her hostility.

Or maybe not.

If I were here for a fight, I could easily shove her out of the way and let myself in, but I didn’t come to make her dislike me more than she already does. There’s a million other ways I could have achieved that. I’m here to apologize, as much as it pains my soul to do so, thanks to Oryx’s insistence.

“If you alienate her, you risk losing the crown altogether.” His words ring in my ears like a bell.

I know without a doubt that he’s right. Father’s watching me now more than ever. If he senses this marriage is as big of a sham as it really is, he could change his mind. He could choose a different heir. I can’t risk it. Nothing is worth losing my right to the crown, not even my reputation. My desire to keep distance between Irissa and I so I can prevent myself from growing too attached to her isn’t worth the crown.

I already enjoy her company too much as it is.

She’s the first woman I’ve met who stands a chance at keeping up with me, and the only one I’ve ever felt the undeniable urge to annoy. I love getting under her skin, making her narrow her eyes in my direction. She has a fiery side–one I’m dying to stoke and bask in the heat of–but getting too close could spell ruin for our truce.

I know how much the agreement means to the princess. The relief in her eyes when I laid out the stipulations, the way her pulse sped up when she realized she’d be going home, told me everything I needed to know. She has no intention of staying here, and I’d be a fool to get attached before letting her go.

If I ignore her, I lose.

If I fall for her, I lose.

Both options equally suck, but one of them stings more than the other. I’ve waited my whole life to be king, and I can’t chance it being ripped from my grasp.

I have to play my part, regardless of how uncomfortable it is, how unbearable.

“Irissa,” I say, keenly aware of how foreign her name sounds. It’s a pretty name, one I’ve never heard before, and it slips easily off my tongue. There’s a spark to it, a fire that demands attention. It suits her. “Open the door.”

After a beat, I hear her shuffle and the tension against the door disappears. I skeptically let go, wondering if it’s a ploy, and try to appear unfazed when it swings open. She’s looking at me with wide eyes, arms crossed over her chest in an attempt to keep the limp fabric of her dress up.

---