Page 67 of Vicious Princess
“She’s a Phantom Ranger, just like you. The only difference is she’s mastered her bow and her affinity. Can you see the difference in the way she moves compared to others?”
I nod, speechless.
“That’s what true mastery looks like,” Daegel says. “Now, the second archer, he missed not because he lacks the skill but because he doesn’t have full control over his bow. Did you see the way his hand quivered before the last shot? His bow made him miss, which lost him the bet and a whole lot of frade.”
“That’s what mine does, too,” I say, nodding to myself. “He had so many bandages on his fingers. He’s trying to break the bow in, right? Not bond and find a peaceful connection.”
“That’s right. Not going too well for him, unfortunately.”
I snort. For a while, Daegel surveys me as if he’s trying to solve a puzzle.
“What?” I snap, unable to bear the tension.
Daegel arches an eyebrow. “You’re not outraged by what you’ve just seen? After you witnessed the last archer, all you had to say was ‘Who is she?’”
I turn to face him, my back against the iron fence now, and cross my arms over my chest. “The thing that outrages me is how hypocritical fae are. This may be cruel, but you’re right—lifeis fucking cruel. You either end up on the wall with an arrow between your eyes or are the one holding the bow. I know what I’d rather choose.”
Daegel’s eyes narrow while he inspects my face as if he’s seeing who I am for the first time. “I think I misread you the first time around, Wildarrow.” My stomach drops despite my better judgment. “I assumed you’re here because you’re ambitious. But there’s more to it, isn’t there?”
My pulse hammers in my ears. I don’t want him reading into my soul and my heart. Getting too close.
Everyone close to me ends up dead. Or left behind. There’s no space for them in my life. Not until I claim vengeance.
He thinks he’s on the verge of getting a look at what’s behind that thick, tall wall I’ve build around myself. It’s written in his gaze.
I shut it right the fuck off. “Don’t know what you mean.”
My rejection bounces off him with ease. Playfully, Daegel tsk-tsks. “Little human princess is keeping secrets.”
“Whatever.”
“Come on, Wildarrow. You’ve seen all I wanted you to see here.”
A seductive voice drawls from behind Daegel. “Leaving without even saying hello?” I glance around Daegel to where the Phantom Ranger stands, a cruel smirk curling her perfect perky lips. She clicks her tongue. Daegel’s jaw is set tight. “How rude of you, sweetheart.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Slowly, Daegel turns to face the petite fae. “Leti.”
I don’t miss the way he shifts his body to cover me from her view. Is he trying to shield me to protect me, or is he trying to hide me?
The way she looks up at him through her lashes makes my insides twist. I ball my hands into fists at my sides.
I don’t like the way she looks at him. Not one bit. I don’t have a right to feel this way, though. It’s not like Daegel is mine.
“Long time, no see,” she says. Each word that comes out of her mouth is like the caress of a lover, gliding over my skin even though she isn’t speaking to me.Damn these beautiful fae.“You’ve been hiding in that castle or what?”
“Not hiding, Leti. I have responsibilities in the Order.” Daegel’s voice is level and smooth.
No sign of familiarity or affection. He’s cold as a stone.
Leti doesn’t look at me, but I know she’s talking about me. “Isthatone of those responsibilities you’re hiding right there?”
Daegel goes completely still. Her mouth curves even higher. When her gaze shifts to me, my head peeking over Daegel’s shoulder, my insides freeze.
“Come on, little pet. No need to hide from me.” Her smirk turns into a mischievous smile. All sharp white teeth. She raises her hands in mock surrender. “I’m friendly and don’t bite. Pinky promise.”
Despite the fear she instills in me, especially after watching her shoot five innocent fae in the head for entertainment purposes, I step to the side and put some distance between me and Daegel.
