“Now, be a good girl and think of how warm you’ll be once you finally accept me.” He tosses me a wolfish grin before reaching for a book and settling into his chair. “I’ll be here whenever you’re ready.”
My fingers are turning blue. I’m not sure how much time has passed. Hours, maybe. The sun has long since set, and Orion has moved from his armchair to study papers at a desk across the room.
But I’m still on the dresser. Soaking wet and sitting in an icy-cold puddle.
My muscles are starting to ache from all the shivering.
After an hour, I lifted my legs and hugged them to my chest, scooting to the side a little while the prince’s back was turned. The new position helped protect my middle from the harsh breeze, and for a few minutes my intense shivers slowed. Until Orion noticed how comfortable I was and called over the servant again. Then, another pitcher of water was dumped over my head, and all the ice returned to my bones.
I hate Orion. I hate him so much that when I catch sight of his smirk as he reads his papers, the anger in my veins makes mewant to scream. But I don’t dare tell him that, not while there’s still broken glass on the floor from his last outburst. And I’m too cold to think of an escape plan, so instead I twist the sparkling ring on my finger and focus on not falling asleep.
For some reason, just touching something that belonged to Kasimir warms the awful chill in my bones, even if it’s just a little.
Stars, I hope he’s alright. Because I’m not certain how I’m going to get out of this.
A tear rolls down my cheek as my heavy eyes begin to shut.
“Look at the state of you.”
I gasp, bolting upright.
Orion stands before me, inches away from the dresser, with his arms folded across his chest. He blinks at me with narrowed eyes while a scowl pours over his sharp features. “I’ve never seen a princess look so unkempt,” he scoffs.
Anger boils inside me, but I’m too cold to do anything other than meet his stare.
“Are you hungry, Amaryllis?” he continues, tilting his head. “I’d offer to escort you to the banquet hall, but you’re clearly in no state to leave my bedchamber.” He smirks.
“My father won’t stand for this,” I say through shivering breaths.
Orion laughs then leans closer. “We’ll see about that, my darling.” He lifts my hand from my damp skirt and presses a kiss to my fingers.
I hate the way his hand feels so warm, and how I miss the feeling when he returns my hand to my knee.
“You can make this all go away,” he whispers. “Just say the word and I’ll have a hot bath prepared for you. Then I’ll dry you myself and carry you into bed. All will be forgiven, Ami.”
“No.” I hug my knees tighter.
Orion’s gaze darkens, and he returns to his full height. “Servant!” he calls out.
I flinch. But before his servant can deliver another pitcher, a knock at the door cuts through the cold air.
“What?” Orion snarls at the door.
It creaks open to reveal Martha, her hands clasped together against the bodice of her servant’s gown. When she notices me on the dresser, her eyes grow wide.
“Oh, my lady…” She gasps behind her hand.
“You have something to share, servant?” Orion barks.
“N-no.” Martha shakes her head, dropping her gaze. “Please forgive me, Your Highness. I was merely sent here to fetch Princess Amaryllis. The King wishes to speak with her.”
My lips part. Father wants to see me? My sisters must’ve told him about Orion... I bring up my hand to stifle a laugh.I’m saved.
Orion turns to glare at me. “It seems your prayers have been answered, my dear.” He steps forward and drops his voice to a whisper. “But don’t get too used to the idea of leaving my bedchamber, because when your father returns you to me – and I’m certain that he will – you won’t walk out that door again until I’ve claimed every part of you.”
I swallow down bile in my throat. “We’ll see about that,” I sneer, before pushing myself off the dresser and stumbling towards Martha.
My maid rushes forward to help. Lifting my arm over her shoulders, she half-carries me through the doorway, and the moment we’re in the hall, I make sure to kick the door shut behind us.
