Page 5 of Deadwood
My eyes narrowed at his use of the nickname and the way he said the word like it was venom on his tongue. Was that what changed his attitude toward me? Seeing me beside the king? “I’m no princess.”
He smirked at my neglect to answer his question. I was already annoyed, and his childish little nickname got under my skin all too easily. “Are you not the daughter of a king?”
“That means nothing.”
Malice lit his eyes, along with a hint of humor, as if he thought my response was funny. “Oh, it meanseverything.”
Ignoring his jab, I turned back to the scenery, setting my hands on the cold railing as I worked to take in one full fucking breath. If I could, I’d fire my maid for tying this damn corset so tight. Not only was my life dictated by this entire fucking kingdom, but now my breathing was, too.
“Trouble, Princess?” he asked, but the way he said it made it seem like hewishedI was having some sort of problem, only so he could let me suffer from it.
My eyes squeezed shut as my chest was somehow strangled even tighter.How was it possible this godsforsaken garment could be any more restricting?“No.”
Seconds later, he was beside me, but I ignored him as he faced me. I wouldn’t let him continue to play with my head. Gods, how could he have been so flirtatious inside, then completely flip around and be so blatantly rude? Was everyone out to ruin my night?
“Your cheeks are red,” he stated.
“And the stars are bright,” I bit back.
“You look like you need some help. Can’t do much on your own, I assume,” he said blandly.
“As if I’d let a stranger touch my bodice.”
He crooked a brow. “I meant grabbing you some water, but if it’s your corset that’s bothering you, I can be of use as well. Although, touching a Tenere is the last thing I want to get my hands dirty with tonight.”
I paid his comment no mind, reaching up to tie the mask back around my head. I loosed a breath when my finger caught in my braid, but finally resecured the mask. Hiding sounded much more appealing now. Adjusting it over my eyes, I faced him, forcing in another deep inhale.
“Mybetrothedcan do that for me.” Even the word tasted bad on my tongue.
He gave a slow nod as a small smirk pulled at his mouth. “You sure about that?”
“What makes you think I wouldn’t be?”
He jerked his head in the direction of the door. “Didn’t seem like you were very pleased with the announcement, is all, Princess.”
I tried my best to seem confident as I asked, “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Behind the mask, his blue eyes were hooded by narrowed eyelids. “I don’t like liars.”
“It’s a good thing I’m not marrying you, then, isn’t it?” I spit back as forcefully as I could with still no breath in my lungs. If only he knew just how manipulative my father was with his half-truths, then this man wouldn’t think so poorly of me.
He chuckled. Fuckingchuckled. “The prince has his hands full with this one.”
My jaw nearly dropped, but I held it in place. “I didn’t ask you to like me.” I tried to regain my composure with the statement, needing to back off from this, but realized it was just confirming that I’d lied about being happy with the engagement. “You’re the one who’s onmyterrace anyhow.”
Gods, I needed to shut up.
He took a step forward until we were practically chest to chest. Suddenly, I was thankful for the tightness of the corset, because if it weren’t for the dress, my breasts would’ve brushed his body with every inhale I struggled to take.
He leaned into my space, but I refused to back away. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
“Don’t waste your breath, Princess. Everyone else may fall for the act, but not me.” His tone dripped with malevolence.
Despite my body telling me to cower, I refused. I tipped my chin higher, inching closer. “You were much nicer in the ballroom. Perhaps you need a bit more alcohol in your system to lighten up that scowl of yours.”
He cocked his head. “If a certain thief hadn’t stolen mine, I could have made your wishes come true.”
My jaw dropped, unable to help itself this time. “A thief?”
