Page 40 of Downfall of a Princess

It took me a few more minutes to finally free my arm from her grip. As the ambassador moved back into the drawing room, possibly to find my mother to further drive home her idea about the prince and I being a match made in heaven, I gripped the railing with both hands and dropped my head between my shoulders.

The tall formal crown weighed down on my head especially heavily tonight. The bodice of my ballgown must’ve been laced too tightly because it squeezed my chest, pressing against my ribs with every breath.

Gem sidled next to me, holding two glasses of red wine.

“Here.” She handed one of the glasses to me. “I thought you might need a drink after the lengthy conversation with the ambassador.”

“Thanks.” I took a drink, barely tasting the wine.

Gem watched me over the rim of her glass. “It looks like the marriage talks are well on the way, doesn’t it?”

“Looks like it.”

“You don’t seem happy about it.”

“What does it matter if I am or not? A state marriage has nothing to do with happiness. It’s about gaining a political and economic advantage for our country. A union with a queendom like Tresed would bring all of that and more.”

“But what do you think about the prince?”

I shrugged. What could I possibly think about someone I’d never met?

“I’ve never even seen the prince. But I’m sure he knows well what’s expected of him and will make a good royal husband.”

“Judging by what I’ve overheard from the ambassador, he is very well groomed for the role of king consort.”

“Well, there you go. What more can I ask for in a husband?” I tipped the glass again, emptying it into my mouth.

“I suppose you’re right.” Gem casually swirled the wine in her glass. “But since you aren’t married yet, a certain slave is currently waiting for you in your rooms.”

“Salas?” My heart thudded with the excitement it’d sorely lacked earlier tonight. “Why is he in my rooms now?”

“You said you’d like to see him again. And my princess’s wish is my command.” Gem bowed dramatically with playful reverence.

“Didhewant to see me again?”

I remember the words he’d said just before we’d parted and right after he gave me my first kiss.

“I’ve had many kisses... Not all of them I’ve wanted or asked for...”

Salas’s past had not been smooth. No one ended up a slave without hitting a few bumps on the road that led them there. But I sensed his life journey might’ve been even rockier than I’d first thought. He seemed to be a kind man, but his tenderness and patience with me came from a deeper place than mere kindness. It came from understanding.

Gem suddenly burst with laughter.

“You’re being funny, Ari. Who cares whathewants? He’s there for you, that’s all that matters.”

There was no point in discussing it with her when I could ask Salas directly. He was waiting for me in my bedroom this veryminute. And suddenly, that was the only place I wished to be right now.

I handed Gem my empty glass. “Please tell me you didn’t drag him into my rooms against his will.”

“I didn’t have to, sweetie. He went through the entire grooming routine without a word of protest. Now, he’s all clean and smelling nice just for you, ready to finish what he’s started.”

I drew in a breath and fisted my hands in the silk jacquard of my skirts.

“You better not have put him in chains this time.”

Chapter 9

Ari

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