“So it was a kindness to kill them. That’s a relief.”
“Yes, they would’ve suffered had we not intervened. My father taught us to show compassion towards all living things.”
“And he rules this land, I presume?”
“He died years ago, unfortunately. My mother is now in charge, along with a council of advisors.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” I replied softly. “I lost mine too. He didn’t die though. He just left.” This day…this man… was making me loose-lipped.
“You experienced the loss just the same. My father was a noble leader; powerful, yet merciful. The type of King I aspire to be.” He tightened his grip around my waist, shifting us into a more comfortable position.
His hard stomach muscles pressed against my back and I couldn’t help but notice that he was built like a sleek warrior. How did someone even acquire a body like his? Did he spend his day carrying heavy things around?
That led me to imagine what it would feel like to be carried by him. I barely had to use my imagination, since his sizable biceps were wrapped around me, making me flood with heat.What was wrong with me?
“Tell me something about yourself—something not everyone knows,” he said as he steered us back to the trail.
“I’m not that interesting… my life back home is tame—boring, even,” I replied, evading the question.
“In the short time I’ve known you, I can definitively say you areanything, but boring.” His laugh caressed the tiny hairs on the back ofmy neck, making my skin prickle. I squirmed in response, making him go suddenly stiff. “The verdict is still out on whether you’re tame,” he said, clearing his throat.
“I try to be.” I smiled. “I think I have a rebellious spirit. Someone once called me a‘barn cat in a ballgown.’” It had been Thea, earlier today.
“You held your own against those wylks with nothing but a stick, while wearing a… tent. I’d like to see a barn cat do that.” He picked up the frilly fabric of my dress, scoffing. “I refuse to believe thisthingwas designed for movement of any kind. And… is it meant toattractthe opposite sex?”
He raised a brow suspiciously before meeting my gaze and holding it. “Fascinating. It seems to be working,” he said with a smirk.
Flirt. My heart began to throb throughout my whole body.
“So tell me… what does an Aurelian rebel do for fun?”
I snorted. If only he knew how little control I had over my own life. “I believe I said that I have a rebellious spirit, not that Iama rebel.”
He gave a dissatisfied grunt. “Keeping secrets from the future King is an act of rebellion in itself, you know.”
I bit my lip to keep from smiling. He wanted me to confide in him—to tell him something real—but there was no reason I should tell him my truth, especially when he waslyingto me.
If I was smart, I’d keep my mouth shut until we arrived at our destination—just completelystoptalking. He couldn’tforceinformation out of me…
I lasted less than a minute. “Fine,” I sighed with exasperation. “I’m an escape artist. I like to climb out my window. I never do anything that bad… it’s just nice to feel free.”
His silky laugh sent another shiver down my spine. “Rebel.I knew it. When was the last time you snuck out?”
“Recently. I took a night swim in the lake, under the full moon.”
“Sounds refreshing. Did you swim alone… or did you have company?”
“My friend, Cara, came with me.”
“And is Cara a lover?” Galen asked with peaked interest.
“No… just a friend. Not that it’s any of your business,” I said, hyper-aware of the sweat forming between our bodies.
“Can I make it my business?” he whispered, brushing his lips against the shell of my ear.
Butterflies fluttered wildly in response. Straightening my spine, I vowed that the next time they flapped their wings, I was going to stomp them to a pulp.
I was confident Prince Charming had a knack for seducing anything that walked, and I just happened to be the current closest thing to him. I had more important things to worry about, like where we were. Not to mention, I’djustended things with Deric. Hot shame washed over me.
