AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I look back up at the drop I’ve just made. My landing could’ve been much worse. I scratch the irritation on my wrist. My forearm itches from the contact with the vine, and the skin already looks red. The ivy must be poisonous. I need to wash it from my skin before I get a more permanent rash. I edge closer to the window to see where I am. A large four-poster bed is in the centre of the room with a thin lace curtain around it. The candlelight only offers a glimpse of the gothic-style room. The windows are not fully closed. I wedge my fingers into the gap, slowly pushing it farther open. Then I lower myself inside the room.
My heart’s still pounding from the adrenalin when I started my escape. It was completely reckless of me to go into the prince’s room, and the clue in the grimoire wasn’t even helpful. What beast? I hadn’t seen any monsters in the Dutchmen’s realm. I rub my forehead but immediately regret it. I don’t want the poison to spread onto my face.
There’s a bottle of whisky on the nightstand, and I go over to it. Unscrewing the cap, I dab the alcohol over my skin. I rest my back against the bed, almost screaming when I realise I’m not alone. The smell of alcohol is now all over me. I put the whisky bottle back and move closer to the bed. Pushing the lace curtain back, I can see someone’s in a deep sleep. His jewellery and clothing can only make this one person. The king. Nobody’s spoken about him since I’ve arrived, even though Silvi mentioned he was a ruthless leader. His face and hands are covered with something that looks like silver veins. Is he under a spell? I watch his soft breathing for a few more seconds before turning away. I’m not the only one keeping secrets.
It’s likely guards are positioned outside this room, so using the door isn’t an option. The fireplace is covered with odd trinkets and more alcohol bottles. I look inside the chimney breast, but it’s blocked off. There doesn’t seem to be another way out of the room.
Back out the window, I look for another way down, but the poisonous ivy is my only escape route. Taking hold once more, I struggle down to the ground, but not unscathed. Cuts on my legs and arms burn with poison, and I fight back tears. Tidying myself, I smooth my hair, dress, and gloves into place.
The garden is the place I’ve spent most of my time, but I’ve never been this close to the castle. I run through the maze of hedges, almost making it out when I smash into a hard chest and fall to the ground.
“I wondered where you’d disappeared to. Do you make a habit of running around in the dark?” Prince Titan asks.
Why is he outside?
“It’s a nice evening for a jog through the grounds, don’t you think?” My chest rises and falls fast as I try to catch my breath.
“If you were any other girl, I’d agree, but you’re not just any girl,” he says, confirming he’s suspicious of my intentions.
“Okay, you caught me. I was hoping to find some strawberries so I could get up early and make some jam.”
“Do you know who I am?” he asks, raising his voice like his patience is running thin.
“Yes. Prince Titan, the future king of Dutchmen lands.”
He moves closer. “And do you know what that means?”
I swallow down a gulp before answering. “You’re very important.” My naïve answers aren’t working, but I don’t have a better plan.
“It means I can have whatever I want.” He runs his fingers up the bodice of my dress. His piercing blue eyes stare into me. “Why did you come to my realm, Rose?” he whispers.
My heart starts to beat erratically. There’s only one answer I can give, or I’ll be caught like a fly in a spider’s web. “For you, Your Royal Highness,” I say.
He grabs the front of my dress, pulling me towards him. He kisses me with a hunger I’ve never felt before. I kiss him back with the same intensity, meeting his hot mouth with need. He acts like he’s not interested in me, but maybe I do the same. I can’t deny I’m enjoying having him this close, even if it’s wrong. We have no future. I need to get back to my people with something that belongs to his family.
He touches the lace of my dress, and I stop kissing him to watch what he’s doing. He clears his throat like he’s coming back to his senses. “Rose,” he says before stepping back.
“Yes?”
“Next time you break into my room, I better find you laid out on my bed, ready for me to devour you.”
“I didn’t…” I start, but he cuts me off.
“Don’t lie to me.” He covers my lips with his finger. Once he’s silenced me, he kisses me again.
I’m lost for words. He doesn’t trust me, and I don’t trust him, but I can’t deny I’m attracted to him.
I need to find the moonstone and get out of here as soon as possible. Not because the full moon is approaching or because I miss my family, but because my feelings for Prince Titan are more dangerous than my mission.
Chapter Five
TITAN
My father’s breathing is now a struggle, and he gasps for air. His lifeless skin holds a grey, bleak colour, and the poison has spread to every inch of his body.
I touch his ice-cold hand. “Is the kingdom really worth it, Father?” I ask, although I know he won’t answer. My mother told me stories of before we had the protection of the illusion. The struggles of defending our lands led to my grandfather’s death. He’s the reason my father took on the curse over our enemy and used their magic to amplify his own.
My mother enters the room, wiping a tear from her cheek as she takes in my father’s composition. “You need to choose a bride, Titan. You need an heir as soon as possible.”
