He frowned, a low growl rumbling in his chest, but he stopped it, and his face returned to a mask of stone. His fingers fluttered, and his pointer finger brushed momentarily against my thigh.
Shivers danced up my side, and my entire body seized. His touch had been fleeting, if it could even be called a touch since it’d been more like a brush of contact, yet all of my attention zeroed in with razor-sharp precision to his hand. Those very fingers had nearly swept my underthings to the side just a few nights ago.
And I’d loved every second of it.
I swallowed sharply as my heart thrummed painfully hard.
“I owe you a life debt,” the prince said at last.
“Because I saved you?”
“Yes, but you more than saved me. You saved yourself too.”
I plucked at a thread on the bedspread as lavender scents from the candle billowed around me. I inched farther away from him. I needed him not to touch me again. If he didn’t touch me, my head remained clear. “Perhaps. Does that mean that I can ask anything of you if you owe me a debt?”
“Do I want to know what you’re going to ask?” A sly smile lifted his lips.
My lips curved in return, since I was unable to help it. “Probably not.”
“You can’t break our bargain. That’s non-negotiable.”
“I know.”
“Then what is it you want?”
“To not partake in the Trial.”
The arrogant tilt to his lips disappeared. “Does the thought of marrying me repulse you that much?”
I picked at the thread more. My heart beat harder, so hard I was certain he could hear it. “I wish to be free, not to be told who I have to marry and when.”
“So it’s not the thought of marrying me. It’s the thought of being told you must marry me.” His smug smirk returned.
I rolled my eyes. “I have no desire to have a debate over semantics, my prince. I believe I’ve made my wishes clear regarding marriage to you or anyone else.”
His hand encircled my wrist, the pad of his thumb brushing lightly along my skin. The feel of his grip seized my lungs. Tingles shot up my arm, an explosive array of fireworks zinging along my nerves. I wanted to pull free of him, knew I should, yet . . . his touch felt incredibly addictive, almost hypnotic.
His voice dipped, quieter yet filled with meaning. “I cannot stop the Olirum Accords. Not even for you. I tried again today to ensure you’ll never have to marry another, but the king refuses. I’m sorry.”
Stunned, I didn’t move. He’d apologized to me again. At one point in my life, I’d been convinced I would never receive any apologies at all from the prince.
Shaking my head, I brushed that realization off.
“But I meant it when I said I’ll find a way to keep you from the other males.”
I stilled. “How?”
“I don’t know yet.” He growled. “My father already knows I have an undue interest in you. If he were to know the extent of what I . . .”
“Extent of you . . . what?” I asked, brow furrowing.
“Nothing.”
But his hesitance to answer my question reminded me of what he’d said on the night of the ball, that it was important for his father not to know what I was to him. Whatever that meant, especially considering all I knew was that the prince believed me a valuable commodity who he desired to own.
But why would he hide those desires from his father?
I frowned. “What aren’t you telling me, my prince?”
His gaze searched mine, his look veiled yet . . . intense. “When the time comes that you know, your question will be answered.”
“Riddles? Seriously?”
“It only sounds like a riddle to you because you’re female.”
I whipped my wrist from him. “Really? Is that where this conversation is going? That because I’m female, I couldn’t possibly comprehend your cryptic words?”
He reached for me, but I rose from the bed and took a step back.
“You misunderstand me.”
“As seems to be a common occurrence, my prince.” I turned and strode toward the door and called over my shoulder. “You know, all of this would be so much easier if you simply spoke plainly to me.”
But when he didn’t explain what he’d meant, his expression only darkening, I made a sound of disgust. “Goodnight, my prince. I shall see you in the morning when you no doubt fetch me, your loyal slave, for another session of saving the continent.”
A rumble of his power vibrated the stone flooring, but it didn’t deter me. Storming away from him, I slammed the door behind me.
CHAPTER 10
Sandus and I trained again the next morning, and the prince came for me promptly when we finished.
Despite still being angry with him, I couldn’t stop from looking the prince up and down as anxiety pulsed through me. He stood tall and strong, his aura potent, yet only two days ago his belly had been torn wide open.
“Are you—” I forced myself to swallow. “Fully healed?”
Norivun’s nostrils flared as a knowing smile spread his lips. “Why, Lady Seary, are you concerned for my well-being?”
I ran an agitated hand through my hair. “No, of course not, but I just wondered if you’re . . .” I made a disgusted sound. “Can’t I just ask how you are without it meaning more or you inhaling to detect every emotion I feel?”
His smile grew, and his nostrils kept flaring. “Very well, yes, I’m indeed fine and back to normal, thanks to Murl and you. And sorry, but no, I plan to devour every emotional scent you reveal. I can’t help it. Your scents are mouthwatering.”
Flustered, I put more distance between us. Staying away from the prince was the only way I was going to survive my time at the castle given my innate attraction to him.
Behind him, Haxil, Nish, and Ryder waited. Given the dangers we’d experienced, I wasn’t surprised that all four of his personal guards were accompanying us back to Isalee. I had a feeling they’d be joining us for the foreseeable future.
We spent another day very similar to the first. I kept as much distance from Prince Norivun as I could while I healed another field before returning to the castle for another grueling session with Matron Olsander.
By the time evening rolled around, my eyes were dripping with exhaustion, but I couldn’t rest. It was the night of the first Trial dinner, followed by my first official date—with the prince nonetheless.
I sat on the couch in my living area, freshly bathed, my hair dry thanks to Daiseeum’s magic, as she held up a floor-length dress.
“I thought this one would be perfect.” Firelight caught on the gems woven through the midnight-blue material as Daiseeum twirled it about. The gown sparkled like a thousand moons. “It’s so beautiful. Exquisite really. What I wouldn’t give to have a figure like yours and don such a breathtaking item.” Daiseeum smiled, her expression wistful.
“Do you want to try it on?” I offered. “You can borrow it if you want.”
Daiseeum’s jaw dropped. “Borrow a lady’s gown? Have you lost your mind, Ilara?”
“I don’t think so, although that could be debatable. Cailis certainly thinks I have.”