Page 9 of A Storm in Every Heart
His eyebrows pull lower, displaying a hint of frustration, but when he replies his tone is almost impossibly calm. “Fine, not lost, then. You could still be kidnapped.”
I scoff. “Why the hell would anyone want to kidnap me?”
“Besides the obvious?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I feel his eyes on me. “Yes you do. Besides the fact that you’re the most beautiful woman in Vernallis, you’re the king’s sister and the queen’s best friend. If I was going to hold anyone for ransom, I know who I’d choose.”
My cheeks heat, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of backing down. “That’s funny, because if I was going to hold anyone for ransom I’d say you’re a far better choice,Your Majesty.”
He stiffens. “You really need to stop calling me that.”
“Why? Afraid someone will finally realize who you are?”
He shakes his head. “Because it’s not true anymore.”
Startled, I meet his eyes. Over the past year, ever since Kastian fled Dyaspora with Daemon, Jett, and Fox, he never once acknowledged that there’s any truth behind my taunting, or admitted that I’m aware of his identity before he was imprisoned.
I want to needle him about it, but that would require more talking…and honestly, even if he were to talk about “before,” I don’t want to hear whatever warped version of history he believes is true.
“I won’t get lost or kidnapped,” I snap. “It’s a five-minute walk back to the manor.”
“Ten minutes with how slowly you walk.”
Out of spite, I slow my pace even more. His legs are so much longer than mine he’s forced to take comically tiny steps just to keep in pace with me.
I almost smile.
“I see you want to prolong our time together,” he says over the sound of his shuffling feet.
The smile slides off my face.
I like to play this game with myself where I have to go as long as possible without thinking aboutHis Majesty.It works surprisingly well. Except that I’ve long suspected that Kastian is playing a similar game. He likes to get under my skin, and every time I react it’s like he’s tallying up the points I’ve lost and hoarding them for himself.
I’m not sure how, but I think at some point we began playing this game of hatred together.
And he’s winning.
ODESSA, PRESENT
I’m still furious by the time Kastian and I arrive at the end of the lengthy road connecting Ashwater Manor to the village of Storia.
The Ashwater estate is a large and impressive castle-like mansion, dropped on top of a sloping hill. On our right, at the base of the long driveway, stands the new soldiers’ barracks, and beyond that, the vast field where the guards are engaged in sword training. Behind the house, a sprawling rose garden hides the portal to the human realm.
Evidently deciding that he’s done enough to torture me for one afternoon, Kastian falls out of step with me and resumes his normally long strides. “Thanks for the lovely walk, Dessa,” he calls over his shoulder, his voice carrying as he heads toward the barracks. “We should do it again sometime.”
I can practically feel steam coming from my ears.Arrogant asshole!
What was the point of that? If there’s nothing urgent going on at the manor then why would Kastian waste his afternoon looking for me?
I continue to curse under my breath as I walk the last few yards up the driveway. I need to go find Alix. If my best friend really sent that self-satisfied prick to ruin my shopping trip I’m going to give her a piece of my mind. She might be the queen, but that won’t save her from my wrath.
I reach the heavy wooden front door of the manor and push it open to reveal a grand entrance hall. Directly across from the door, a sweeping wooden staircase descends onto the mosaic tiled floor, and at the top of the landing, an enormous arched window casts sunlight down in golden beams. To the right of the stairs is the formal dining room. On the left, a closed door leads to the former sitting room which has recently been re-appropriated into a sort of makeshift throne room.
The Ashwater Manor has always been a magnificent home, but it was never meant to serve as the official palace of Vernallis. Having spent most of my adult years working in the palace, I’m still amazed by how Daemon and Alix’s casual court contrasts with King Thorne’s. It feels less like a royal court and more like a chaotic family business.
As if summoned by my thoughts, my Aunt Beatrix’s loud voice echoes out of the kitchen. “I’m simply suggesting that you pick a date!”
