Page 49 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

Treasure.

Dragons were obsessive and protective of anything they felt was of value. For me to be his most precious treasure wasn’t a blessing… it was a curse.

In a matter of days, I had two men promising to kill people for me. With Tavish, it made me feel loved and cherished because I felt the same way about him. If another woman touched him with any sort of perverted intent, I’d murder her without remorse. But with Pyralis, the idea of meaning that much to him sickened me and made me want to get far, far away from him.

“Good.” Mother placed a hand on her chest. “That’s a relief. No princess should be treated with such disrespect.”

“I’m glad I could ease your mind.” He bowed ever so slightly. “Now that this is settled, I see no reason to remain here.”

My knees almost gave out. Tavish had made it sound like Pyralis would be more determined to keep watch over me, but he was going back to his lands—something I was even more eager for because I couldn’t stand being near him.

“We shall gather the fruits in satchels so you can carry them home with you in beast form.” Father gestured to Mom, who had stayed behind in the hallway. “Hestia, please go handle that.”

“And gather Princess Lira’s things,” Prince Pyralis added.

My heart stopped.

“Why would she need to do that?” Dad rasped.

“Because the princess will be returning home with me,” the dragon prince replied easily and smirked.

I took a step back and prepared to fight.

15

LIRA

I’d rather die than leave with Prince Pyralis. If I had to resort to kicking him in the balls to get away, I would. I didn’t give a damn if my parents got upset with me.

Please tell me that dragon prince isn’t causing your anger right now.Tavish’s voice popped into my head.

Not wanting to be distracted, I opened my mouth to tell Pyralis where he could go, but my father cut me off.

“She willnotbe leaving with you.” Father slammed a hand down on his desk. “Our agreement is that you will marry on her twenty-fifth birthday. We have over two and a half years before that happens, and she will remain here withusuntil then.”

“Unacceptable,” Prince Pyralis snarled. “In the last twelve years, while she’s remained under yourprotection, my betrothed grew up on Earth, was kidnapped by an Unseelie wildling, and returned to Gleann Solas—and we weren’t informed of her return—with fated-matemarkingsall over her, which can’t be hidden. I fear what else will happen if she remains under yourcare.”

Father’s nostrils flared. “How dare you come into my kingdom and castle and insult me in such a way? She ismydaughter, and I’m the best person to protect her. If she remained with you, I suspect she’d be dead with how much disregard you’ve given her until this moment.”

This whole time, I thought my parents were the worst people to watch after me, but I could only imagine what would’ve happened if I’d somehow gotten stuck with the dragons. A shiver ran down my spine at the horrible thought.The dragon prince is demanding that I leave with him, but Father is telling him no.At least there was that.

“Idisrespectedyou?” He laughed bitterly, smoke puffing from his mouth. “Ever since our alliance was sealed, you’ve pretended we shouldn’t have a say in the princess’s protection—something I should’ve been involved with, but you didn’t bestow that consideration on me. She’s old enough to wed, and I can ensure she remains protected and unharmed. She is the woman who will bear my children and future heirs to the throne, and I refuse for that plan to change.”

Chest heaving, Father gritted out, “Are you insinuating that I would try to find a way out of the agreement?”

“Not insinuating.” Prince Pyralis lifted his head and stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, clearly wanting to intimidate. “I believe I’m being clear. You have no control over her and are struggling with what needs to be done to get her to behave the way a princess should.”

Laughter choked me, and I sputtered, “That doesn’t sound like treating someone as if they’re your treasure.” I lobbed his words back at him, and they left a sour, bitter taste in my mouth. I didn’t want to beanythingto the dragon prince, especially not his treasure.

He shook his head. “Treasures must be polished, treated, and, at times, molded to ensure they retain their value or increase in worth.”

My stomach roiled. I wasn’t a person to him. I was property that he planned to use as he pleased. A shudder ran through me. “Clearly, you don’t know me very well.” I wouldn’t change for anyone.

“Courtesy of your parents’ subpar upbringing.” His jaw clenched. “Had you remained in Gleann Solas, I would’ve had that privilege.”

Ew. The idea of him hanging around when I was a child had a sour taste filling my mouth.

“That’s enough,” Mother spat as a breeze swirled in the room. “Everyone, stop fighting because Prince Pyralis is right about one thing.”

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