Page 21 of Court of Rivals
“Most men say that until they try it,” I say without thinking.
His face turns red, and he clears his throat. “Yeah, well…”
“Sorry,” I say, “you know how a girl’s thoughts roam.”
“It’s okay. We’re all like that, being connected to the dragons and all.” I’m about to ask what the hell that means, when he continues. “Well, why don’t you get situated. The bedside tables should be filled with the books we read here. I’ll have your dinner sent in to give you a little downtime.”
“Thanks,” I say.
“Of course,” he turns and heads out the door.
I watch him leaving, feeling a little strange. It’s clear that this Roland fellow doesn’t like me any more than the others, but he’s helping me because the king has ordered as much. It’s not the way I’d prefer to get information, but it’s better than getting no information at all. All I can hope is that tomorrow is better.
It has to be better.Right?
9
Harper
It’s weird. I woke up feeling unbelievably horny today. Like, so horny that I didn’t know what to do with myself. Well, Ididknow what to do with myself, but I wasn’t sure there was time for that. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Okay, well, I do know part of the problem. My mind keeps going back to the princes. They seem like assholes, and I’mneverattracted to assholes, but my mind doesn’t seem to accept that. It’s like my mind and body are completely at odds with each other.
Assholes can still be good in bed…My thoughts taunt.
I spent a long night picturing them in various ways. Prince Gareth with his dark good looks. His long black hair. His deep blue eyes. A body that seems built by the gods themselves. I’ve never fixated on a guy’s arms before, but this man was obviously in a shirt a couple sizes too small, and I’m not complaining about that one bit. Prince Lucien is the opposite. Long blond hair. Green eyes. A little shorter, but not significantly, with his shirt unbuttoned low to show off his hard chest and part of his muscled stomach. My gods, that’s the kind of man you eat things off of. And, finally, Prince Alaric. Short brown hair. Brown eyes. He has the air of someone wrapped up too tightly. And men whoare that tightly wound are bound to explode at some point. Is it wrong that I kind of want him to explode on me?
Fuck, who am I kidding, I want him to explodeinsideof me.
Shaking my head, I set my clothes in the wardrobe by the long mirror near the balcony, and then I place my most important belongings around the room. A cat carved out of wood that Arthur made me. My dagger I slip into a sheath at my belt. It’s identical to the one my brothers have. There’s a drawing an artist made of my family and I on a small piece of paper in a metal frame. It’s not perfect, but I was lucky to get it. I put a book on my nightstand called Words of Love. It’s a collection of poetry I bought from a traveling trader that I adore. I go to place my necklace down. It’s a metal heart with a locket of Arthur’s hair in it, he has an identical one, but then I decide to put it on. I could use all the love I can get today.
There’s a knock at my door.
“Come in!” I call.
Roland steps in looking nervous. When he glances at me, his gaze travels from my face down my entire body, which is weird. I was wearing tightly fitted leather last night too, and I don’t remember him taking this much interest in me. When he’s done, he seems to have realized what he’s doing, and glances back up, locking eyes, his cheeks red.
“I came to get you for breakfast.”
“Perfect. I like something sweet early in the morning.”
His blush only deepens, and I try not to laugh. I wasn’t entirely sure if I was talking about him or breakfast, but hopefully he’s taking it as a compliment.
We head outside and start walking.
He casts me another glance.
“What?” I ask.
He winces. “The thing is. Well. You see–”
“What?” I prod a little harder.
“All the dragon riders are men.”
“Uh huh.”
“Like, everyone you’ll be spending time with.”
“Yes?”
