Page 5 of Dragons' Bride
I take a step back. Then another. "I'm sorry," I mutter. "I'm sorry. I’m not feeling so well.”
“The sea can take some getting used to,” says Dane, not without sympathy even though there is barely any motion to the ship. He is still standing patiently, his hands clasped behind his back.
“Yes, the sea,” I mutter. “Excuse me.” The final backward step brings me to the door. I bolt out.
3. KIT
Irush away from the captain’s dining room and up to the deck. I need air and space. And I don’t know where else to go. I thank the stars that Nora dressed me in flat boots of soft leather that make rushing along the ship possible. Still, pieces of my dress snag on the wooden planking and rip underfoot as I scamper up the ladder and rush by the surprised crew toward the rail.
It would be easier if I were seasick, but no such luck is on my side today as I lean over the rail.
"Turnip."
I flinch at the sound of Hauck’s voice, which hits me between the shoulder blades. Then the prince himself is beside me, his familiar scent of earth and woods mixing with the salty air. He leans his forearms against the rail. “What happened?” he asks.
"I couldn’t do it." I stare out toward the ocean.
“Choose a chair?”
“Pretend I'm some... some royal who is supposed to be wearing these dresses, and jewelry and everything. I know full well that I should be scurrying about with chamber pots, not sitting at the captain’s table and pretending otherwise, it’s… it’s a charade everyone will see through the moment I take another step.”
Hauck turns so that his back is to the ocean and his elbows rest on the rail. For once, he doesn't have any smart remarks though. Probably because he knows I speak the truth.
“I can't fit into the world where princes pull out my chairs and the captain of a ship stands when I enter the room. It’s like... like being a piece of common glass pretending to be a diamond," I speak the words toward the ocean, filling the void of silence stretching between Hauck and me. It's a relief to voice the truth, and the words spill more quickly as I continue. "I can only shimmer for so long before everyone realizes that the glow is nothing more than a trick of the light. That I'm no precious jewel. I'm sorry, Hauck. I'm so so sorry."
"What are you apologizing for exactly?"
"For making a deal that I cannot possibly keep," I whisper. "Cordelia was noble born and she still had to train her entire life to be your bride. The arrogance of me thinking I could fit into those shoes is... was a heat of the moment stupidity. A few weeks of preparation won't shine a piece of glass into a precious stone. And the moment everyone sees –"
"You keep mentioning that," Hauck says. "The part about what everyone around sees, or will see, or should see. Is it important?"
I turn toward him. "Of course it's important. It's what this whole game is about."
"Hmm." He makes a sound with the back of his throat, then scoops me toward him until my back presses against his chest.
I gasp. "What are you doing?"
Hauck nuzzles my ear. "See all those sailors scurrying about, they may look like they are going about their duties, but they are watching us. Do you know what they see?"
"A human broodmare the royals picked up. Except I'm faking even that part."
"They see the most beautiful woman, fae or human, who they've ever laid eyes on, standing in a prince's arms," says Hauck. "And you know what they are thinking? That I am the luckiest rutting male in Massa'eve for getting to leave my scent on you. For being able to do this." He rubs his cheek on my neck, right over my pulse, then does the same on the insides of my wrists. Taking a whiff of his handiwork, Hauck makes a content purring sound that vibrates his chest.
"But –"
"Shush." Hauck nips the top of my ear, the sudden sting making me gasp before turning into an erotic warmth as he laps the bite. "It's my turn to talk. Can we agree that I'm a royal prince?"
I snort. "Yes. I'm very well aware of your birth."
"And so is this crew. Do you agree with that?"
"What's the point –"
"Just answer me."
"Yes," I sigh. "They, the whole crew, know you are a royal prince."
"And as a royal prince of Massa’eve, I can have any woman I choose, couldn't I?"
