Page 69 of Between Realms

“Is that why you sniffed me just now? To check what Eldrin did with me?” I ask indignantly. “You could have just talked to me instead of… you know… doing all that weird, intense touching.”

His jaw tenses, but he nods. “True, but my protectiveness overcame me.”

That’s how he demonstrates his protectiveness?

“I don’t intend to harm the prince.” I grump. Then I worry maybe I might harm him accidentally. What if Iamcursed? What if I already hurt him and we haven’t seen the effects yet? I’ve read that sometimes curses can take a while to manifest.

“That’s not atallwhat I meant.” Jaden shakes his head like I’m missing his point.

I’m about to insist he explain his point when we arrive at the seamstress’s workshop.

I grimace, out of breath from running to keep up with Jaden’s gait. The Elven female glances at both of us and reads the tension, trying to figure out what just happened.

“The human is here for her fitting,” Jaden barks and sits down in an empty overstuffed chair, crossing his arms and turning away.

“Greetings, I’m Wyn,the human. Obviously.” I smile without humor and bow.

“I am Pamina,” she says in a curt voice and gestures sharply to a dress on a designing form. “The prince sent down his specific request. Let’s see how the garment fits you.”

The gown is gorgeous. Periwinkle with white flowers embroidered along the bodice with a full flowing skirt. “It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve seen. You created thislastnight?”

Pamina glances at Jaden. A quick non-verbal communication occurs between the two elves.

I sense there is secret here, but I am treading on thin ice with Jaden’s patience and apparently the female’s as well.

He turns his head, dismissing me again.

“I should see what I need to adjust for your… petite frame.”

I frown. Standing at least six inches shorter than the average Elven female, I’m not necessarily petite. I have more curves, full hips, and large breasts. Perhaps that is a factor in Eldrin’s strange attraction to me. I am different, quirky,peculiar.

Pamina yanks the dress I’m wearing right over my head with no preamble. I cross my hands over my naked body but realize I’m being ridiculous. Jaden already has glimpsed my naked body during Eldrin’s explorations, and this seamstress hardly cares other than to clothe me.

In my peripheral vision, I notice Jaden covertly observing Pamina as she takes her time getting the new gown onto me. My cheeks flush pink.

Though it seems he’s watching her more than me. Does he find her attractive? Or does he worry she might harm me?

Once the garment is on my body, I’m self-conscious about how my breasts are pushed upward in the tight bodice, like an offering of melons to be eaten. While I don’t mind how Eldrin tasted me last night, I’ll have to stop indulging him in his human fascination. However, this dress might only spur on his already considerable interest in my disgracefully full breasts, in front of other elves, no less.

Maybe the only way to cure Eldrin is to offer my body completely when he comes to visit me tonight. Then I can leave the castle before the party, and he will move on to his next acquisition. Isn’t that all I am to him—a trinket to acquire? Once I give my body to him to do with as he pleases, he’ll believe he has fully claimed my forgiveness. He can assume he’s a better elf for winning me over, then he will be satisfied with our strange deal. It’s what Oakes suggests—that I am only something to procure and then toss aside. Eldrin admits it himself that he’s spoiled.

Jaden’s comment echoes in my head.The prince gets what he wants.

Perhaps giving in to his original offer is what’s best. Because I now want to experience sex too. Then we can both get our wish and continue on with our lives—separately. I will be safely back with Merlara, where I won’t cause him problems with his kingdom. Oakes and Jaden can relax and protect their prince. They all can go on with their long happy lives, and I will only be a vague, amusing memory.

Pamina places a pair of shoes in front of me. I try them after being told I will wear them with the gown. She marks a couple of adjustments to be made in the length of my skirt.

I shake my head as I stare at myself in the mirror. “It’s too much. I look ridiculous in such a gorgeous, expensive dress.” My shoulders slump at the absurdity of my circumstances. The prince is dressing the servant in jewels. “Ishe trying to make a joke of me?”

“What? He wouldn’t do that.” Jaden rushes over to me and holds my hands in his. “You are gorgeous…”

His violet eyes cut through me again. I suck in a breath. Why does he affect me so much?

He quickly adds, “In this beautiful dress that Pamina so skillfully created.”

Oh, so maybe he doesn’t want to offend the dress designer.

When the tension between us subsides, Jaden retreats to the edge of the room so Pamina can finish her adjustments.

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