Page 29 of Ravenrose

The guard’s eyes narrow, and while his fingers twitch at his side, he begrudgingly steps back into position on Theo’s left. My gaze travels back to the prince, noting the mischief now dancing in those blue eyes, the dangerous smile curving across his face as he rises from his seat, looking down at me.

“Who knew something so wicked could be so pretty?” he muses, letting his eyes trail over me.

My eyes narrow. Something? My lip curls up, flashing Theo a single fang in response.

Another man steps forward now, much smaller than the guard to his left, his expression anxious as he addresses the prince. “Your Highness, I suggest we gag the fae and possibly replace the hood?” He eyes me nervously, looking ready to jump out of his skin if I so much as blink at him. “Tricksters and witches, they are,” the man mutters, looking around for support.

I scoff. What a hypocrite. Especially considering the company they keep: the shadow demon they have in their ranks.

A few others murmur their agreement, and I look around incredulously. They can’t seriously believe that.

While taking in the reactions of those in the tent, I shift anxiously on my knees, scanning the small crowd again for any sign of the wretched creature, relief coursing through me when I don’t find it—or feel it. Though my gaze catches upon one familiar face, finding Captain Rusic amongst the group. His glacial expression never wavers, not even when I glare back at him. And while the others whisper around him, he remains silent. I can’t help but notice how he’s strategically placed himself between the prince and me.

But Theo just waves off his advisor as he presses his argument further, and my gaze falls back on him, surveying him in this new light.

Theo is actually Prince Thaddeus Devereaux, Kovaria’s crown prince.

We’d met. At a diplomatic dinner in Aurielle years ago, long before Fel took him prisoner. We were just children then. Our fathers met to discuss updating land treaty terms. He bowed, and I curtsied, and that was just about all I could remember of him, other than I had thought he was handsome. Even back then, with his unruly blonde hair and cerulean eyes. Features that had only grown with him. I can see why the Kovari prince is rumored to be so highly desired by the ladies of his court.

The slightest nod from Rusic draws my attention back to him, just before one of his men grasps my shoulder, holding me still, while the other rips the crown from atop my head. A golden circle of twisted thorns with rose blossoms intertwined within. Rusic steps forward, taking the crown from his man.

My cheeks burn at the sight of it in his dirty hands.

Rusic turns to approach the prince, bowing deeply before presenting my crown to him. “The Princess of Sitara, by all accounts.” His tone, combined with his arched brow, conveys that he thinks otherwise.

Theo reaches out, taking the circlet from him, examining the detail. “And the two princes?”

I try not to flinch at the mention of my brothers.

The captain just shakes his head, and I have to fight the smile pulling at the corner of my lips. The tunnels remain undiscovered. Fel and Riven are safe.

The prince releases a sigh, his gaze fixed on the crown in his hands.

“Thank you, Captain. I know you have a lot to attend to. You and your men are dismissed.”

Captain Rusic doesn’t spare me another glance before turning to stride out of the tent, and a couple more soldiers, all in black armour, follow him out.

Once they’re gone, Theo sets my crown down on the arm of his chair and takes a step closer, looking at me as if I’m a problem to solve. “But what to do with you?”

I open my mouth as if to answer, but his advisor cuts me off.

“She should die.” He nods furiously, looking around again for support. “Here and now,” he states boldly, lifting his chin smugly. “Send Sitara, and its king, a message.”

The prince doesn’t bother acknowledging him, almost as if he hasn’t even heard him, his eyes still on me.

“Tell me, Princess, where is your army? The soldiers I arrived with?” He asks his question patiently, his eyes still light, his face a cool mask, but I can see past the masked indifference to the hidden desperation deep within those cerulean eyes of his.

I just stare back, refusing to look away, even though I have no intention of answering him, careful to keep my face blank.

He takes another step closer, his tone more serious. “Where are your brothers?”

I’m as still as death, aware of how the guards nearest to me grip the hilts of their weapons a little tighter as the prince travels even closer.

“The heir?” Another step, and the prince is now close enough to touch. “The near entirety of the village?” His head tilts to the side, studying my face. His blue eyes burning with more questions.

Still on my knees, I keep hold of his gaze, staring him right in the eyes. My face impassive, my eyes unblinking. It’s an expression I have honed and perfected over the years. Well tested. Its entire purpose was to incur my governess’ ire, and I can tell by the prince’s frown that he indeed recognizes it for what it was.

Unyielding.