“Thank you,” she says again. I release her hand from mine as she steps further in. Her tired eyes take in the bedchamber.
“There’s extra blankets in the dresser, and I’ll call for a servant to bring you some water to wash with,” I add, leaning against the doorframe with my arms folded. “Do you need any help undressing?”
Ruby’s lips part, but only for a moment before her cheeks burn as red as her hair. “What?” she squeaks.
Smirking, I tilt my head. “I was going to suggest that a servant could help you,” I laugh. “But if you’d prefer my assistance, I’d be more than happy to help strip you of your gown.”
Ruby flushes darker than wine.
“No!” she stutters. “I can do it myself. This dress isn’t hard to remove.” Her breath quickens. “B-but thank you for the offer.”
My chest shakes with laughter. I should feel bad for teasing her, but how can I when she’s this adorable all flustered? Damn her title. If she wasn’t the king’s daughter, I’d never let her leave my townhouse, let alone return to the palace.
“I should get some sleep now,” she says shyly.
“Of course.” I tip my chin, straightening in the doorway. “Anything you need, just call for me.”
Slowly, she nods.
“Oh, and Ruby?”
Violet eyes meet mine.
“If you can’t sleep, I’m happy to help with that too.” My words send confusion tugging at her features. “Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten about last night.” I raise an eyebrow. “I’m quite skilled in tiring you out, remember?” My fingers trace the smooth door handle. “Sweet dreams, Ruby.”
Chuckling, I swing the door shut just as her face burns crimson.
Sweet dreams indeed.
There’s not a sound from Ruby’s bedchamber during the night. Even when dawn arrives, and the sun continues to rise high into the sky, there’s only silence behind her closed door. By late afternoon, as the sunlight turns golden through the windows ofmy townhouse, I’m drumming my fingers against the kitchen table.
Meera sits across from me, watching me with a bored expression.
“I’m going to check on her,” I say at last, shoving myself up from my seat.
“No you’re not,” she grunts. “The girl said she’s tired, so let her sleep.”
“But what if something’s happened?”
“While she’s alone in your spare bedroom?” Meera raises an eyebrow. “Sit down, Kaz.I’llgo and check on her. Don’t you know it’s improper for a man to enter a lady’s bedchamber without her permission – especially a princess’s,” she chides, kicking her chair back and heaving herself up. “Why don’t you go and sharpen your blades or something. Just do something other thanmope. I’ll let you know how she is.”
I bite my tongue as Meera leaves the room. I’m not moping. It’s just late, and I can’t help but worry something’s happened. I did lock the windows, right? And the front door. That’s always locked. I think. Fuck.
Slamming my hands down, I wander off to sharpen my blades.
An hour later, two sets of footsteps tread carefully down the stairs. I drop the whetstone along with the dagger I was sharpening onto the kitchen counter. Mine were already beyond sharp so I worked on the reserve weapons stash – and the back-up reserve too, along with the kitchen knives.
I had to do something.
Emerging from the kitchen, I see Meera turning around the bannister. She’s closely followed by Ruby, who?—
My chest seizes.
“Meera,” I hiss between gritted teeth. “What is this?”
Meera smirks. “Do you like it?”
“Like it?” My eyes can hardly remain in their sockets. Pressed against Ruby’s skin is the most revealing dress I’ve ever seen. Dark burgundy fabric drapes around her curves, while a low yet suffocatingly tight neckline pushes her breasts up towards her chin. A long slit travels up to her thigh, and while I can’t deny she looks irresistible, a gown like that would fit right in at any of the whorehouses along Night Alley. Even the dark tint on her lips makes her look wanting, fuckable.
