Something inside me stiffens, and my fingers itch for my daggers. I won’t kill him. Not yet. Killing princes is riskybusiness, and I’ve already murdered too many for my liking, but if he touches Ruby again, I won’t hesitate to snatch that crown and drive the iron points through his chest.
“That’s very sweet of you.” Ruby winces, squirming her hand out of his hold and inching closer to my side.That’s my good girl. “But I?—”
“Do not underestimate my ability to charm,” Orion cuts her off. He grins, opening his arms with a flourish. “I have heard many stories about you and your eleven sisters. I’ve heard you’re all also quite accomplished dancers, you especially so, my darling. I’m actually quite fond of ballet, myself.”
Call her darling one more time, I dare you?—
“Really?” Lips parted, Ruby drifts away from my side to step towards the prince. “I’ve never met a prince who approves of our dancing before.” Her head dips, avoiding his gaze. “Even Father doesn’t really like it. He thinks it’s improper for young ladies to prance around in short dresses.”
“Improper?” Orion repeats, shocked. “Oh, my sweet princess.” My eyes narrow. “Ballet is an art. It should be respected, worshipped.” He shakes his head, then clasps both of Ruby’s small hands as she stares wide-eyed up at him. “I shall have to have words with your father. Fear not, I shall beat these old-fashioned opinions out of him.”
Ruby giggles, and for once I hate the sound. I hate that he’s touching her, and I hate that she’s letting him. My fingers burn for my daggers.
No. Not yet.
“And who might you be, good sir?” He turns to meet my glare. “Do not tell me the princess already has another prince here to court her?” He’s smiling, but there’s a sharpened edge to his words. It’s a challenge I’m happy to meet.
“Oh, um,” Ruby stutters, stepping back from the prince. “This is?—”
“I’m her guard,” I state, unblinking.
Orion’s brow lowers. “A guard, you say?”
“Yes,” Ruby adds. “A-and it’s my fault we’re out here. I couldn’t sleep, so I left my bedchamber to go for a walk, but then I got lost and my guard came to fetch me.” Her cheeks flush pink as I resist the urge to roll my eyes. She’s a terrible liar. But Orion must be an idiot, because he just nods and tosses her an understanding smile.
“If I may,” I cut in. “I should be returning the princess to her chambers. These roads are not safe for conversation, and I’d hate for Princess Amaryllis to encounter another reckless carriage driver.”Or another smug prince.But I hold that thought inside.
“Of course.” Orion turns to Ruby. “You must forgive my foolish driver for his behaviour today. I will see to it that he is punished accordingly.”
“It’s quite alright,” Ruby says shyly, combing a finger through her hair. “It was an accident, after all.”
Orion grins. “How sweet you are, my darling.”
My jaw ticks. That’s it. The blade hidden by my wrist springs free. I’m just about to drag it across his throat when a warm palm lands on my chest.
“Please take me home,” Ruby says, smiling up at me. My breath catches, and the blade returns to its sheath as all my senses come flooding back to me.
I’ll get her home first. Make sure she’s safe. Then I’ll deal with this new royal problem later.
“Nonsense!” Orion starts as I lift my chin to glare at him. “Princess Amaryllis will ride with me.” He extends his hand, but before Ruby can take it I take her arm instead.
“The princess stays with me,” I say through gritted teeth.
Orion raises an eyebrow. “What is your name, guard?”
“Henry,” I lie.
Orion’s lips twitch. “Well,Henry, I appreciate your concern for the princess’s welfare. But I can assure you she is perfectly safe with me. She may take my carriage while I sit with my driver, and then I will have a servant escort her back to her bedchamber. You need not be so—” He chews his words, flicking a disapproving glance at where my hand grips Ruby’s. “Possessive.”
Anger boils in my throat, but Ruby’s voice stops me from unsheathing my blade again.
“It’s alright,” she says quietly to me. “I should go with Orion. Will you please just return Destiny to the stables?”
My eyes flick to hers. “Are you sure?”
She nods. “It’s better this way.” Her voice drops to a low whisper. “You’re not really my guard, remember? We can’t exactly ride together through the front gates.”
My molars grind together. For her, I would’ve found another way in. But I suppose it doesn’t matter now that Prince Charming has come to save the day.
