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I didn’t answer him, and he spun me around again. I felt his eyes on me, but I refused to meet his gaze. This dance was for show, nothing more. I had to remember that.
He pulled me tighter and his chest pressed against my back. I felt his heartbeat, strong and steady. He was so sure of himself, so confident. I had to give him credit. He was good at this. But I would not let him win.
I turned and placed my hands on his chest. “If that is what you believe, Prince Maedras, then I shall play along.For now.”
Prince Maedras. Not Maedras or husband. Prince Maedras.
He understood my meaning, and his eyes narrowed. Good. I wanted him to know that I would not be a pushover.
“It will be a splendid game, my wife.” His lips lingered above mine and I felt my stomach flutter.
I took a step back, out of his arms. “The game has already begun, and I’m not sure you know which one we are playing,” I answered sweetly.
He cocked his head to the side, regarding me with a newfound interest. “Oh? Enlighten me then.”
“That’s no fun.” I smiled as his hand grazed my lower back, pulling me closer. “You’ll just have to figure it out.”
The music ended, and Prince Maedras led me off the dance floor. He didn’t release my hand, the warmth of his fingers still wrapped around mine.
“Thank you for the dance, princess,” he said, his voice low and husky. “I hope we can do it again soon.”
The mind games or the dance? I pulled my hand away from him and took a step back. “Unlikely. I’ll have to retire soon, otherwise, I will turn into a mouse.”
The old childhood story about a Midarian princess who turned into a mouse popped into my head. My father used to tell me this story when I was younger. The princess offended the Elves, and as punishment, they cursed her. They doomed her to turn into a mouse every time the sun set.
The power dynamics were different in this story. I was the one who held the power. And I would not let Prince Maedras get the best of me.
“A mouse, huh?” He took a step closer to me and I fought the urge to take a step back. I refused to show weakness in front of him. “I don’t believe you. You’re not the type of girl who turns into a mouse.”
“And what type of girl am I?” I asked, lifting my chin.
“A dragon.” He replied, his eyes never leaving mine. “A dragon who breathes fire and doesn’t back down from a challenge. Even now when she’s met her match. A mouse, truly?”
“Yes,” I said, trying to keep the anger out of my voice. “A mouse that you can crush with your boot.”
He straightened and looked at me, his eyes narrowed. “You think I would do that?”
The moment he said it, I regretted it. I didn’t want him to think I was afraid of him. But it was too late.
“I don’t know.” I cocked my head. “But it’s a distinct possibility.”
He stared at me for a moment, and then he laughed. The sound was rich and full, and it sent a shiver downmy spine. “Mice are weak creatures. They cower in the shadows and are afraid of the light. You, my dear wife, are neither of those things."
“Mice are also cunning and quick,” I added. “And they always find a way to survive.”
“And what am I?” he asked, his voice soft.
“A cockroach,” I replied. “You’re relentless and you never die. No matter how hard I try, you always come back.”
He chuckled and took a step closer to me. “Cockroaches are also resilient and adaptable. They can survive anything.”
“Yes, they can,” I said. “But they are still cockroaches.”
He reached out and brushed his thumb over my lower lip. “And you are still my wife.”
I took a step back, out of his reach. “Not yet.”
“Mice and cockroaches.” He shook his head and sighed. “I never thought I would be compared to vermin.”
