Page 48 of The Stolen Princess
Who were these people? Did they have no humanity? Myka’s eyes went wide as she watched the fanfare unfold around her. If the king of Tolsten found them, they would all be dead. He would show no leniency toward anyone who helped these kidnappers take his daughter. It was hardcore treason. And yet, they all acted like Drake and his buddies were heroes. Why didn’t they seem worried about the kidnapped princess in Drake’s lap and what that might mean for their futures?
Myka didn’t get it.
As the horses strode through the village, every eye fell on her. Their stony glares and hate-filled expressions made something inside of her pull tight. Myka held her chin high even though she didn’t look much like a princess right now. Her long hair was tangled from the journey, dust caked her face, and she smelled like something had crawled inside of her and died.
Several kids ran alongside Drake’s horse.
“Drake! Drake!” they called out. “Give me a five!” Their little hands reached up, and Drake bent over, slapping each one’s palm. The scene would’ve been cute if she even remotely liked him, but since she didn’t, his high-fiving annoyed her.
“Welcome back!” A group of men nodded at them as they passed. “We knew you could do it.”
We knew you could do it?
A young woman around Myka’s age smiled at Drake, ignoring the other kidnappers completely. She had green eyes and short curly brown hair. “We’ve been waiting for you guys to return.” She walked alongside his horse, beaming up at him. “I’vebeen waiting for you to return.” She let out a nervous laugh. “Is there anything I can help you with, Commander Vestry?”
Myka turned over her shoulder and raised her eyebrow. “Does Mr. Grabby Hands have a girl lined up in each city?” she asked under her breath.
Drake shook his head at her, a weak attempt at fighting against her smirk, then he turned to the girl. “Thanks, Cora. It’d be great if we could get the princess a shower so she can wash up.”
Myka straightened. She didn’t like Cora.
“And also,” Drake cleared his throat, “some feminine supplies.”
“Of course,” Cora’s eyes went wide. “I can take the princess to my house to shower...and everything else.” The girl looked at her, and for a moment, Myka thought she saw a bout of jealousy written across her face.
Oh, girl. You’ve got nothing to worry about here. Just give me some feminine products, and the kidnapping playboy is all yours!
Myka smiled at Drake. “Don’t let me ruin your afternoon. My shower can wait if you two need to catch up.”
“That’s not necessary,” Drake said through clenched teeth. He gave Myka a pointed look and steered the horse away. “Thanks, Cora. I’ll tie my horse up and bring the princess to your house.”
The girl nodded, watching after them.
“I hope that wasn’t your girlfriend you brushed off,” Myka said over her shoulder. “Or did you already explain to her your relationship limitations?”
“No,” Drake said. “She’s helpingallof the operatives. That’s it.”
Myka had definitely noticed the way he’d saidallof the operatives, creating a satisfied feeling inside of her.
“Maybe she finds your kidnapping ways a turn-off.”
His tone turned smug. “Does it look like she finds my kidnapping ways a turn-off?”
No.
No, it did not.
Drake was more popular than indoor plumbing, at least with Cora.
The men led their horses to a post, and Drake hopped off the back. He pulled her off the animal, but this time she grabbed the horn of the saddle for support so that she could avoid the whole physical touch problem she’d been having with him. In these situations, it was always good to avoid physical contact. There needed to be boundaries.
“I’m going to take the princess to shower. Then we can all take turns babysitting her while we clean up and eat lunch,” Drake said to the other operatives.
The other four men nodded like they agreed with the plan.
“I don’t like the termbabysitter,” Myka said as Drake pulled her along to Cora’s house. “I’m not a child.”
The corner of Drake’s mouth tilted up into a smile, but he didn’t look at her. “You kind ofarelike a child.” He turned his head, scrunching his nose. “I think it fits perfectly.”
