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“Sir Arvid, we can—” I turned and found that someone else stood in Sir Arvid’s place.

Chapter 33

NEVE

“Prince Rhistel.” I frowned at the heir.

What was he doing here? And why hadn’t my guard announced him to me? Wherewasmy Clawsguard? I peered around the heir, trying to find Sir Arvid.

“Have I lost your interest already?” Rhistel smirked. His face was so like Vale’s and yet, so not at the same time. Whereas Vale’s face radiated warmth and strength, Rhistel’s was shrouded in mystery and cunning.

Annoyed, I met his gaze, wondering what to say to someone I didn’t want to be around but couldn’t ignore.

“I didn’t hear you approach,” I settled on.

The heir smirked. “What are you doing in the library?”

Ah, yes, Rhistel was touted far and wide as the scholar prince. Knowing him, he thought this library was his and his alone. Pompousarse.

“Looking up precious gems. I’m almost done.”

“Eyeing the crown jewels, are you?”

I scoffed. I already possessed one of the rarest and most expensive jewels and it didn’t belong to his family. “Merely curious.”

“As am I.” Rhistel came closer, a dangerous gleam sparking in his eyes.

I took a corresponding step back. “I was leaving.” I spun, prepared to walk away, when Rhistel grabbed my arm and yanked me back around.

“I’m afraid you’re not.” His eyes burned into mine. “I have to understand what Roar and Vale see in you—besides the obvious, of course. Beauty is tempting, but to ensnare two of the most powerful males in the kingdom, there has to be more to you than a pretty face and a pleasing figure.”

As he spoke, his hand trailed downward and grabbed mine. I hissed and realized that where he touched me, we were skin to skin.

Rhistel wasn’t wearing gloves.

I’d only seen him remove them once. That day in the solarium. The day Vale had gone berserk. My heart rate spiking, I tried to pull away, but suddenly, the room dimmed and my mind clouded.

Perhaps before I delve into your simple mind, I’ll see for myself if you truly are merely a tempting morsel.Rhistel’s voice wound through my head.Kiss me. And make it good.

A small part of me recoiled, but I lifted onto my toes all the same, mouth parting for the prince in front ofme.

Stop,Rhistel said, though his mouth did not move.

Hovering on tiptoes, I froze.

I blinked and tried to force my feet to the ground, tried to put distance between Rhistel and me, but to no avail. Though a part of me wanted to scream at the thought of kissing him, I was powerless to stop it. What in the stars was happening?

A slow grin bloomed on Rhistel’s face.I have to say, I like you better like this, Neve. Docile. Silent. I?—

Pain ripped through my body, and the lights in the library brightened, blinding me. I gasped as all my faculties engaged, and I found myself still on my tiptoes and Prince Rhistel laid out on the floor.

“Princess Neve.” A voice drew my gaze up from Rhistel. Filip stood before me, his eyes wide with horror. “Are you harmed?”

“What? No, but I-I’m not sure what happened.” I looked around. “Or where Sir Arvid went.”

“He left. Prince Rhistel spoke to him and the Clawsguard left the library and then the prince approached you and you—you almost kissed him, Princess Neve.”

I shook my head. “I would never do that. Not willingly.”