Page 9 of Of Night and Blood: Special Edition

“I need you to behave, Ash. We must please the mortal prince, we must present a strong team to our subjects, and we must stick together as a family,” he whispered.

My smile was not strong, but it was genuine. I knew he loved me, Xavier. Both of the royals did. More than I deserved, really. But I also knew they loved their realm more, far more, and that meant I would always come second to the ambition that maintained it. His smile faltered slightly, his hands gripped onto my biceps, squeezing enough to wrench a gasp from my lips.

“Do not ever undermine me that way again.”

Chapter Five

“Good morning,” I said over breakfast the next day as I took my seat opposite the queen and to the left of the king. As always, Sterling sat beside me, prepared to occasionally brush his fingers against my hand when I set down my spoon or press his knee into my thigh between courses. It annoyed me to no end.

“Good morning, my flower, how did you sleep?” Mia asked, a smile on her face. Her golden gown clung tightly to her torso, the intricate ties and buttons in the front holding her stomach and breasts in. She had cosmetics on already, her lips and cheeks a youthful pink. Her hair was loose, the orange such a startling shade that it took precedence over even her golden crown, which was littered with diamonds.

Xavier matched, his own tunic a shiny gold that appeared almost metallic. He too wore his crown of gold and diamonds, his black hair pulled back behind his head in order to draw attention to the menacing symbol of his reign.

Sterling, who stood out in his forest green top, spoke before I could.

“I do apologize for not walking you to your chambers, it seems I had the sudden urge to dance the night away.” His face was lit up with a handsome smile, but his tone was accusing.

After falling asleep, I had not thought again about the excuses I would need to make for Sterling. However, it seemed they would be unnecessary, as Mia was prepared. She cut back in, tone still light and welcoming.

“Unfortunately, Princess Asher had to maintain your safety before disposing of the disrespectful male from last night. I daresay he might have been a danger if given the chance,” she uttered, clearly feigning concern. Mia was not known to be afraid of anyone, no matter their power. Even I, with all my unknown and unheard of abilities, did not scare her in the slightest.

A small thud could be heard under the table, and Xavier’s face briefly contorted in pain before he added, “Yes, we did promise your father that we would keep you safe after all. Asher merely did her part, and she begs your forgiveness for the intrusion of your mind.”

Normally, I would have maintained my look of impassive agreeance, but last night had jarred me, and it showed through the disbelief on my face. My previous unfaltering façade with Sterling had been slowly cracking, but it shattered at my introductory ball, and I was struggling to maintain a semblance of it.

Sterling caught my slip, narrowing his eyes at me. Before he could comment, I set down my spoon and faced him fully, my knees pressed to his thigh this time. It was something I knew he would enjoy, perhaps enough to quench his doubts.

“King Xavier is right, I am horribly sorry for what I did to you. There are no excuses, at least, none that are good enough to justify such an action. However, I beg for your forgiveness, and I do hope you will see the remorse in me that I so deeply feel.” Lies, all of it. Yet, my smooth tone, sultry and submissive, was enough to halt him. To ensure my success, I even reached out and took his hand from the table, wrapping both my own around it and pressing them to my heart.

Sterling startled at the contact, so used to my reluctance with physical intimacy that even this small action was a surprise. I nearly smirked in triumph when a smile formed on his face, one that reached his eyes and brought small crinkles to their corners. Unfortunately, that meant I had no reason to pull away as he leaned forward and placed a kiss to my lips.

It was not a ravenous kiss like Bellamy’s had been, rather a soft and slow joining that seemed to say, this is only the start. I considered that, a life full of being touched and complimented by Sterling. No sparks or warmth filled me, no emotions other than impatience at the length. For the rest of my existence, I would endure this loveless coupling, and never would I feel how I did last night.

An old and welcoming sense of panic came to me, which had been my companion for months. A dear friend that reminded me no escape was coming, no help. I would marry the boy whose lips felt like concrete, whose touch sent unease through me, whose personality left me exhausted. I would marry Sterling.

When we broke apart, I was forced to smile, to feign enjoyment. A flush filled my face, though I knew it was not from embarrassment or lust, but grief at the life I would never have.

“I forgive you, Asher. You are my future, and I would not dare risk a life with you over such a pesky creature. That man—I mean male—shall get what he deserves in the end. And I will have you, a prize grander than any other,” the prince declared. It might have been a pretty speech if it were not for the gleam in his brown eyes that told me his motivations were far more selfish, more ambitious, than merely being at my side.

Still, I plastered on a small smile, placated and devoted as ever. When I moved to free his hand, he maneuvered to quickly clasp onto one of mine, entwining our fingers. Apparently, I had been far too convincing. Yet, I knew that if I let on my reservations, doubt might once again creep into the prince’s mind. With my orders not to use my power on him, I was forced to allow the affectionate hold.

Adjusting to face my breakfast once more, I was met with a joyous look on Mia’s face. She was proud. I could feel it radiating from her, projecting. Xavier looked just as pleased, even eager. They knew what an alliance between the fae and mortals would mean, and I had finally shown my first sign of submission.

“Back to my question, how did you sleep last night, Asher love?” Mia inquired once more, a newfound spring to her voice. I fixed that same look of reserved giddiness onto my face, allowing my voice to lift as well. We remained that way, chatting and smiling during all three courses of breakfast, which I dutifully pushed around rather than eating.

Throughout that time, I allowed my mind to stray to Bellamy, who had adventured to every inch of the fae lands. This was a rarity, even among fae of high standing, but he had managed it, had seen the realm in its entirety.

Why could I, the crown princess and future queen, not do so as well? The idea that I was limited in such a way suddenly felt ludicrous. Mia and Xavier had always insinuated my place was at The Capital, where I could rule on a throne of gold. But how could I rule a realm I had never seen?

Xavier was discussing my natural leadership, his tone that of respect and delight. He too was proud of who I was and would be. Confidence poured over me. I was going to be an incredible queen, one which had never before been seen. Once again I rallied, prepared to ask to see more of the realm that I would preside over.

“Xavier, Mia, I wonder if I might ask a favor of you both?” Their eyes snapped to me at once, the happiness draining from their faces instantly. I had asked before, though they never outright denied my request, the pair always managed to steer the conversation away from talk of travel.

Xavier recovered slower than Mia, who at once brought forth a smile again and said, “Of course, love. What is it that you ask?” I braced myself for the possible denial, which Xavier appeared ready to provide. There was no sense in being upset if I was told no, though I hoped for a different answer.

“I want to travel, to see the realm,” I said softly. The royals both cringed at my words, as if I had insulted them somehow. Could that be why they remained hesitant? Did they think me not thankful for the roof over my head and the food in my stomach—for my place in their family?

Reassuring words formed in my mind, ready to be offered as penance for my foolishness, but Xavier had finally found his voice.

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