Cinder doesn’t look exactly psyched to announce her engagement. As always, her expression remains neutral and unreadable, giving away no hint of her inner thoughts or emotions.
Needing to sell this, I pull her to my side. The way her slight frame fits perfectly to me takes me by surprise as I feel aninaudible click at the connection. Her body is near scalding even through our clothes, making me wonder—do all humans run this hot?
No, I’ve had humans before. They are significantly warmer, but Cinder is running at a near volcanic temperature. I can’t say I don’t enjoy the burn.
Despite our perfect fit, a murderous gleam broadcasts from her violet eyes.
My father goes on with his announcements. “We shall continue with the social season, in celebration of the prince’s pending nuptials. At the end of which, we shall hold the biggest wedding celebration this land or any other has seen.”
He's putting on a show for the ambassadors, masking his true feelings behind a façade of acceptance. I relish how uncomfortable I know he is. He’s almost always able to act however he sees fit, but right now he has to play a part. A part that he abhors but is necessary for his survival.
I can relate.
My father's piercing gaze now falls upon Cinder, and my skin prickles with anticipation. “And I shall be glad to host Cinder Park in our abode until that day comes.”
His words hang heavy in the air, effectively trapping Cinder in our realm, in our castle. While I possess a great, if not inexplicable, desire to keep her close, I know deep down that my father is not announcing her stay out of genuine hospitality.
No, it's just another way for him to assert his control over her like he does with me and everyone else. All under the guise of false kindness and hospitality.
Then with a flick of the King’s wrist, the orchestra strikes up a song and fairies take to the dance floor.
Cinder stumbles next to me, her eyes glazed and unfocused. I pull her arm into mine, steadying her.
Something’s wrong. She's even paler than usual, if that’s possible. This close I can hear her heart beating in an excited arrhythmic pattern.
“I think the excitement might be a bit too much for my bride,” I announce to my father, mother, and those close enough to hear. “We shall take a moment to get our bearings before returning.”
My hand firmly connects to her lower back so I can steer her past the scrutiny of a court consumed by suspicion, disgust, and envy. As soon as I touch her, Cinder stiffens. With a sharp inhale her lips flatten, as if she’s enduring some kind of torture from my physical contact.
As we leave the ballroom, I spot the ambassadors whispering among themselves, their expressions calculating. They know as well as I do that this engagement is a political move, one that could shift the balance of power between our worlds.
I close the doors behind us in a warmly lit library with a roaring fireplace that is nearly as tall as me.
“Are you okay?” I ask once we are alone.
She darts away from me with a wild look in her eyes. “I’m fine. I just need a minute.”
Letting out a shaky breath, she grips the back of the couch with white knuckles. Her chest heaves as she tries to calm herself down, inhaling deeply through her nose.
Something is definitely wrong, but I don’t push. I simply give her a chance to recover. I use the time to study her more closely.
The skinny little girl I knew is still there, but there is a jaded darkness that she wears like a mantle. I imagine it came after her father died.
Seeming to recover somewhat, Cinder comes over to stand before me in front of the firelight.
The light of the dancing flames plays along Cinder’s face, making her look ethereal and inviting. Those lips purse slightly,and I’m suddenly desperate to close the distance and kiss her senseless.
I want to make her mine. As if we really were?—
A sharp smack across my face interrupts my thoughts.
I touch my stinging cheek.
“You presumptuous asshole.” Her eyes are a cutting glare. “Is that your normal tactic? Put a girl on the spot so they can’t refuse you?”
Can’t say I didn’t see this reaction coming.
Can’t even say I don’t deserve it.
