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My fist flew toward his jaw before I could even think.
He intercepted the blow, warm fingers curling tightly around my own — firm but not cruel.
"You're such an asshole," I bit out. "What in the seven hells does everyone see in you?"
"No strings and a man who lives every day like it's his last. The pierced cock doesn’t hurt either." He winked.
Letting out a frustrated groan, I yanked myself free and stalked off, purposefully ignoring the low laughter behind me.
"See you at the ball, Princess."
"I'd prefer not!" I yelled back. "And stop calling me Princess. It confuses everyone."
"As you wish, my Queen!"
Gods, I clenched my fists. He was truly the most irritating asshole in the Empire.
I wouldn’t let him ruin my day, though. I forced slow breaths in my nose and out my mouth. He wasn’t worth the pain.
The only thing that mattered was that after six long months of recovery, I'd finally be returning to the only thing that mattered.
And the only thing standing in my way was that gods-forsaken ball.
Chapter 2
Kaiya
The carriage rumbled to a stop beneath my feet, and I repositioned my shawl around my shoulders. It itched at my neck, so I shifted it lower. But then it itched at my forearms.
Forsaken hells! Who even cared about shawls?
Ripping it off, I wadded it into a lump and shoved it to the edge of the bench seat.
A gift for some future passenger.
Pressing my hand to my chest, I took a few deep breaths, trying to slow the fluttering of my heart.
It'll be fine. It's just a ball.
It wasn't like I was being charged by a wyvren.
Oh, who was I kidding? A ball was ten times worse. And Lady Frexin hadn't even said how long I needed to stay.
Perhaps I could walk in, be announced, kiss a few wealthy aristocrats' rings, and escape before anyone tried to torture me with a saint's forsaken waltz.
A waltz … I shuddered at the thought. You don't forget the Palace dance instructor throwing his hands up and walking away, muttering "hopeless" as the music room door slammed closed behind him.
Any lingering hope I'd become some 'Diamond of the First Water' was squashed right there. And now I avoided any hint of dancing like the plague.
The doorknob rattled, and the carriage door swung open.
Time’s up.
Pasting a smile on my lips, I smoothed my burgundy velvet skirts and moved to the opening.
A black gloved hand awaited me, and I placed my fingers atop it, stomach leaping at the strange jolt the contact sent through me.
Who —? I craned my neck to see, but the shadows of their top hat concealed their face. They were taller than Jaiel, though. Perhaps some lord that Lady Frexin wanted me to schmooze?
