Page 15 of Vicious Princess
Once I have all the power and influence, I’ll be a stone’s throw away to avenging my family’s death.
The momentI round the corner, I walk into something hard. Or, rather,someone.
I brace my hands on this person’s broad chest to steady myself. Two strong hands grip my shoulders to help keep me upright.
“Oh, sorry,” I say, startled. “I was so lost in thought, I didn’t see you there.”
A low chuckle rumbles from the depths of that broad chest. I lift my head to find two deep amber eyes looking down at me. The stark beauty of this fae takes my breath away. His jaw is square and sharp, his lips plush and sensual, full of secrets untold. He reminds me of one of those ancient soldier statues carved from marble we have in all the temples around Wetra.
“No, allow me to apologize,” the young fae says. His voice is smooth as silk, and it snakes up my spine, spreading pleasant tingles. “I should have paid more attention rather than rushing so blindly.”
Before I get too sucked in by his charm and ungodly beauty, I clear my throat and take a step back. He lets go of my shoulders, but I can still feel the phantom of his touch lingering.
He observes me with curiosity. Nothing like the judgmental appraisals that I’ve experienced so far in Ekios.
“I’ve never seen you here before,” he says. How can someone have such a hot voice? “Are you a new recruit?”
I brace one hand on my hip. “Do you personally know every single person who walks in and out of Ezkai Castle?”
He laughs. “Good callout. I don’t know everyone. But I would remember if I had seenyouhere before.”
“I’m flattered.”
His eyes sparkle when he rubs the corner of his mouth. “Not going to tell me why you’re here?”
I cock my head to the side and purse my lips, pretending that I’m considering whether I should.
“How about your name, then?”
I feel rejuvenated for a moment. Free of the burdens I’ve been carrying. It’s fun to flirt and get lost in the moment while an attractive stranger courts me. Yet it’s not why I’m here. I made a promise to myself that I intend to keep.
“Ifour paths cross again, I’ll tell you my name.” I walk around him without waiting for his answer.
“Whenour paths cross again, I’ll want more than that,” he calls after me.
Despite my best efforts, my lips curl into a smile.
CHAPTER FIVE
The next day, I wake up with a lighter heart. While my nightmares haunt me and I don’t get much sleep, I have a new sense of purpose when I rise from my bed at the inn and get dressed.
Before I start my training, I need a proper weapon.
When I enter the kitchen before eight, only Kazh and a cook are there. The proprietor sits at the table, a cup of steaming tea and a newspaper in hand.
“Someone’s early,” she says without looking up from the paper. “Take a seat. Breakfast will be ready in five minutes.”
“Good morning,” I say.
The cook, a middle-aged fae with one missing eye, grunts something and nods without looking up from the stove. I take a seat in front of Kazh.
“Tea?”
“No, thank you.”
She glances up at me. “Drinking tea is a huge part of Ekiosh culture. You better get used to it if you plan on staying.”
“I’ll start tomorrow.”
