“Sorry to interrupt, Your Highness. The memorial council has requested your attendance.” I could hear the voice, not immediately recognizing it. It was a male’s voice so I assumed it was Morgan. I duck into the bathroom, seeing myself in the mirror. My cheeks were bright red, my hair a mess. I pulled my hair back into a bun and splash cold water on my face.
“I told you, I don’t want to be a part of that. Actually, I am going to be taking a trip, Morgan. Can you please schedule with Jeffries for my new servant and I to be away for the next four days?” I stop and lean back, listening to the two of them speaking. A trip?
“Of course, Your Highness. I will tell Queen Isla you are unavailable and will touch base with Jeffries. Apologies again for the intrusion.”
I peek my head around the door frame and watch as Prince Malik whispers something to Morgan before closing the door. Once the door is closed I step out of the bathroom, brushing my dress again to get out the wrinkles.
“I will be back for your lunch.” I say, trying to sound neutral.
He frowns, cupping my face and pulling me in for a kiss but this time I do not reciprocate it. I stay still, trying to put back up a wall between us. This never should have happened. I was a servant. I am not a Princess, no matter how much he calls me that. When he pulls away I can see the disappointment in his eyes but he doesn’t push me.
“I will see you then, Princess.” He motions for the door, and I keep my eyes averted as I escape, running back to my room.
MALIK
After earlier in the day letting my anger consume me with Delany, the time with Celeste was just what I needed to calm my beast down. The way she made little breathy moans with my touches, the way her body moved against me and the way she begged.
The way she fucking begged made me rabid.
When Morgan interrupted us it was all I could do to control myself when I spoke to him. All I wanted was to be with Celeste, show her just what she means to me. I had finally gotten her to break down some of her walls and then she closed them back up. She was scared, understandably, but I needed to convince her no harm would come to her.
Better not.
It would not. Calm down. The way she looked at me when she left killed me. I wanted to reassure her, hold her in my arms. I had already told Morgan I didn’t want to be a part of the memorial committee. A thought had popped into my head when he was talking, wanting to spend time with Celeste but alsowanting to remember my grandmother. I would take Celeste to a spot I used to go when I was young. My grandmother’s cottage.
It would be perfect. It was in the woods, away from any prying eyes. No servants were there or anyone who would interrupt us. She wouldn’t have to worry about interruptions or people catching us. It could be me and her. Maybe that would be what is best for us.
When she left I pulled on my clothes, confident in my decision. Now I just had to break the news to my Mother. I rolled my eyes, already thinking about what things she was going to say. I left my room, heading toward the west wing where most of the family lived. It was mid morning, she probably would be in the study so that is where I headed.
The study was rarely used like it used to be. It took up a large area between the west wing and the main palace. Double wooden doors entered into a big room with bookshelves stacked on either side of the room and a large bay window straight back. The ceilings were high, arching like the foyer. There were three old desks, heavy wooden ones that used to be used for the war room. They held so many memories. They had been used for conquering neighboring towns, planning out war efforts, signing contracts for goods and making plans with other families. It was a place rich with history if you just looked for it.
“Ah, my son. What are you doing?”
I catch her glance and walk over to her.
She was tall like me, long black hair cascaded down her back and landed just above her hips. She always moved with an air of elegance and her dresses were always ethereal, making her seem to float anywhere she moved.
“I just wanted to let you know I would be gone for a few days.” I lean against the bookshelf, crossing one leg over the other as I look down at the book she is reading. “Catching up on some romance?”
“Where are you heading?” She asks, closing the book in front of her and ignoring my question. Her brown eyes sear into my soul. She always had a commanding presence which is why I had imagined she was married to my father. She wouldn’t back down unless he told her to and he was a pushover. She was independent but would also take care of any situation with ease.
“To grandmother’s cottage. I need a break from everything.” I shrug.
She nods, looking down at her hands, holding out one to inspect her nails like I was boring her.
“And who are you bringing?” She asks, her eyes flicking up to mine.
“Just my servant. They can spend time in the outbuilding. Is there still a bed set up?” I make sure not to slip and say it is a woman, let alone Celeste. My mother nods and puts the book down on the desk before taking a step toward me. Her lavender scent hits me.
“Don’t get caught up in the drama. You know why you are here, to take the throne.” Her voice drips venom.
“And what if I don’t want that anymore, Mother?” I spit back, pushing off from the book shelf and standing up straight. She was tall but I was still a couple inches taller.
“Then we need to have a conversation, or should I remind you what is at stake?” She raises an eyebrow, crossing her arms.
“I don’t give a fuck. I am sick of playing your little puppet. If you want the throne, take it yourself. I will be leaving tonight.” I turn and walk away, feeling her sneering gaze on my back. I didn’t care anymore. I had a mate now, that took priority over her little mind game.
As long as I could remember my Mother had a personal vendetta over the rest of my family. She wanted the throne but it wouldn’t happen. My Aunt Isla was the oldest and would have taken it either way. Her children would be first in line for thethrone. Except, nobody else knew the secret I carried with me. Only my Grandmother and Mother knew that and my Mother was hoping to use it to skip ahead of the line.
