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No. I didn’t think so. It would be easier if he remained a stranger. If I did not have to see the disappointment in his eyes when he realized the princess they promised him was not what he wanted.
“Yes, I would like that,” I said. “It would be easier if we got to know each other.”
“If my soon-to-be wife desires this, why should I not grant her her wish.” The prince’s voice came from behind me and I turned around to see him standing there, an icy resolve in his eyes.
He was taller than I thought he would be. And bigger. His shoulders were broad and his chest was thick with muscle. Even more handsome up close, if not a little intimidating.
He stared down at me, and I fought the urge to take a step back.
The Caid and Bers moved their fists to their heart before raising two fingers to their chins.
“You will be my wife.” His voice was low and filled with a resolve that made my stomach tighten.
I inclined my head but said nothing.
It wasn’t a question, and I didn’t know how to answer.
He stared down at me, his eyes boring into mine. I felt the weight of his gaze, but I didn’t lower my own. Hiding was not an option.
“Follow me,” he said as he walked away.
I glanced at Bers, who gave me an encouraging nod before I followed Prince Maedras. His back was straight and his steps purposeful.
I hurried to keep up with him, but I didn’t mind. It was better than standing around awkwardly.
The prince led me to a small room off to the side of the great hall and gestured for me to enter.
I did so hesitantly, half expecting him to follow me in and trap me. But he didn’t. He remained in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest.
“Sit,” he said, gesturing to the small table in the center of the room.
I sat down in the chair closest to me, my hands clasping the edges of the seat.
He stared at me for a moment before he sighed and walked over to sit in the other chair.
The Caid and Bers stood several feet apart, looking out the window.
He steepled his fingers and studied me for a minute as I did the same. Looking for any signal that would give me an idea of what he was thinking, but I found none.
Only when he leaned forward, his elbows on the table, did I see a glimmer of something in his eyes.
“You’re not what I expected,” he said.
I raised my eyebrows. “What did you expect?”
He leaned back in his chair and regarded me thoughtfully. “Someone… softer, I suppose.”
A weakling, he meant. Someone who would bend to his will without a fight.
“I am not soft,” I said evenly. “But I am not a warrior, either.”
He huffed. “That is clear.”
I clenched my jaw and forced myself to remain calm. He was testing me and I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of losing my temper.
He leaned back in his chair. “You wanted to talk?”
His voice was gentle, but there was an edge to it.
