If it weren’t for Orion, I’d never dare walk this far out into the palace grounds. Father doesn’t like us leaving the palace, and we’re not supposed to interact with the nobles. He said they’d ‘taint us’. I’m still not sure what he means by that, but either way, just standing here so close to the rest of the nobility, and so out in the open, makes me nervous.
“Are you alright, Amaryllis?” Orion’s voice makes me flinch.
Blinking, I shake my head. “Yes, sorry, I’m just?—”
“Perhaps we should go somewhere more private?” he suggests, wrapping my arm around his. Before I can reply, he guides us further down the grassy path, away from the fields. “Did I see there was a hedge maze signposted? Perhaps we can take a few minutes to rest there?”
“Yes, there’s a maze here,” I reply, a little breathlessly. Again, technically my sisters and I are not supposed to enter the maze, but maybe Orion is right. Maybe being out of sight might ease the tightness in my chest. At least spending some time in the shade sounds appealing.
He keeps my arm around his as we follow the signs towards the maze, passing by several more fish ponds and dipping beneath a rose-covered arch.
Eventually, we arrive at a much quieter area within the palace grounds. Father’s hedge maze stands proud before us, its thorny green walls towering over Orion as he charges inside.
But instead of following, I find myself slipping out of his grip. Something about this makes me nervous. And it’s not the good kind of nerves, it’s the kind that makes my slippers take root in the grass.
Shaking my head, I follow Orion inside. Maybe it’s just the tiniest part of me that wants to break the rules, or maybe I’m just desperate to escape the sun. With every breath, my beaded gown grows more and more uncomfortable against my skin.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” he asks as I take his arm.
A heavy breath brushes my lips. “Yes, I think… I just need a moment.”
He nods. “Of course.” Quickly, he steers us around a few corners until we reach a stone bench marking a dead-end. “Here,” he offers, guiding me towards the seat.
I collapse in a heap of violet fabric while he sits more gracefully beside me.
“Sorry,” I chuckle, ignoring all decorum as I use my hand to fan my sweaty face. “I fear my maids may have laced my corset a little too tight.”
Orion eyes me with a smirk. “It’s no matter. Perhaps you would like me to help loosen it?”
I blink, dropping my gaze to the floor. “Oh, no thank you,” I laugh nervously. “I’m sure I’ll be fine in a few minutes.”
“Come now, Amaryllis.” Orion lowers his voice. “If you’re feeling shy, we can always take this to my bedchamber instead? I’ve had more than enough experience in removing corsets.”
“What?” I breathe. Slowly, I meet the prince’s now heated gaze as he leans closer.
One of his hands settles on my thigh, and I bristle as his other hand catches my chin, tilting it towards him.
“My dear, you are certainly as beautiful as the stars?—”
Every part of me freezes as his lips draw closer.
“But you must allow me to sample the goods before I commit fully.” My stomach drops. “I do wish for our marriage to be enjoyable for the both of us. Surely you understand?”
His lips brush mine. Someone screams. Me. I scream. Until suddenly, I’m no longer frozen and I shove him away, hard, tumbling backwards off the bench.
“Stop!” I panic, scrambling to my feet.
Orion blinks with wide confused eyes.
Should I run? I don’t know. My heart pounds against my ribs, begging me to move, get away, but I can’t. It’s like my body has forgotten how to run.
“It cannot be,” the prince says, a laugh punctuating his words. “Amaryllis, tell me you are not still a virgin? Tell me the stories were false.”
I stutter, trying to speak, but nothing comes out. My limbs remain frozen. I never should’ve gone with him, especially unchaperoned. I’m such a fool.
Chuckling, Orion rises off the bench. “Oh, Princess.” He shakes his head. “I fear I have misjudged you. I had such little faith in yourself and your sisters.” He steps closer, running his hands down my rigid arms. “I see now how innocent you truly are. And what a delightful surprise this is.” Stopping at my fingertips, his hands clasp mine. Then he brings them to his lips, placing a cold kiss against my skin.
I shudder. But the iciness of his touch makes something inside me snap, and finally anger charges past the knot in my throat.
