The gold coating of his carriage is so bright in the morning sun it stings my eyes, but still I vault myself up onto Destiny and follow closely behind.
19
AMARYLLIS
Well, Prince Orion is dreamy... He stayed true to his word, letting me ride alone in his velvet-lined carriage until we arrived at the palace. And then, like a true gentleman, he stopped just before the entrance gate and made sure I had a servant to escort me back to my bedchamber so Father wouldn’t suspect we’d travelled together unchaperoned.
Our meeting on the road would be a secret, just between the two of us.
I’ll admit my heart fluttered as he kissed my hand before leaving me to return to my room.
So right now, I should be happy. He’s so handsome, I should be painting my own lips crimson, insisting Blossom and Camellia join me as I get ready – maybe even Dahlia so she can teach me how to kiss him.Stars.
But no.
Instead, I’m staring at my pale, tired expression in the mirror, wishing I could’ve met Orion three weeks ago.
Because after last night, my thoughts couldn’t be further away from any charming princes. It’s like I’ve been bewitched,cursed to only think about dark leather under my thighs, strong arms circling my waist, his fingers between my hips?—
“You look like a dream, my lady.”
My gasp is loud enough to make both maids flinch.
“Sorry.” I wave my hands, grateful there’s enough powder on my cheeks to hide the embarrassment burning my face.
“It’s alright,” Martha says as they share a giggle. “It’s only natural to be nervous. I heard from the kitchen staff that he’s quite handsome.”
“And tall too with strong arms,” Lena, my other maid, adds dreamily.
I sniff with laughter. Just like someone else I know.
Shaking my head, I swallow thickly.
“Everything alright, My Lady?” Martha asks, dropping my hair.
“Yes.” I nod. “I’m fine. Just can’t wait to meet him.” Forcing a smile, I try to think of nothing more than the deep swirling green of Orion’s eyes until a servant arrives to whisk me away to Father.
Blue.
Orion’s eyes are blue. A pale, icy blue as I stare at them from the doorway of Father’s drawing room.
He’s tidied himself up since this morning, dressed in a regal white overcoat that brings out the gold in his hair. A glass of whiskey sits in his hand, which he swirls as he converses with Father. The steady expression on his face is far from the furious prince I saw storming out of his carriage.
Upon noticing me, he lowers the glass and grins, rising from his armchair as Father rises too.
“Ami.” Father marches towards me with open arms.
His drawing room is smaller than I remember. Long curtains block out the sun from outside, while golden statues onpedestals line the cream walls. Elegant furniture fills the room, casting shadows in the light of the crackling fireplace.
It’s strange how dark it is in here, considering our yellow sunburst emblem that sits proudly above the mantelpiece.
It’s even stranger that I’m being pulled into a hug. Father doesn’t do hugs. Not unless something’s wrong or this prince is far more important than I thought.
“Behave yourself today, Ami,” he hisses into my ear, squeezing me tight. “Prince Orion has travelled a long way to see you, and a union with his kingdom could mean great things for us. Do not disappoint me today.”
My stomach dips. “Yes, Father.” That explains the hug. I should feel sad, but I’m too busy inhaling his bitter scent of whiskey to care at all.
“Allow me to introduce you to your new suitor,” Father declares, stepping out of the hug. “His Royal Highness, Prince Orion” He then turns to the prince, sweeping a hand towards me. “And Orion, allow me to introduce my eldest daughter, Princess Amaryllis.”
