Page 108

Prince Elliot is charming, keeping me giggling throughout breakfast. I gaze at him, momentarily trying to gauge whether a marriage to him would be terrible. As of now, I can’t imagine it would be.

Maybe the Mother is looking out for me by making this my task. Guilt settles heavily in my stomach at the thought. It’s a lie. I’m here for information, to be Umbrahdor’s informant or assassin. If that isn’t wrong enough, I’m in love with Prince Lukene. I sigh loudly, apparently drawing Elliot’s attention. He reaches over and touches my hand, causing me to startle and look at him.

His icy blue eyes shine brightly. “A lot on your lovely little mind, Lavender?”

I smile weakly. “I was thinking about how easy a life with you could be. You seem loving and kind.”

His smile falters slightly. “Are you not used to kindness?”

Swallowing the lump forming in my throat, I reply, “I am. I just wasn’t expecting you to be so kind. I don’t know what I expected.” The honesty feels refreshing yet painful.

“I bet you didn’t think I’d be so handsome…” He wiggles his eyebrows, and a chuckle escapes my lips at his flirty words. “Come. Let’s get you inside.”

Prince Elliot walks me halfway to my room before leaving, stating he has business to attend to and will see me at the ball tonight. When I reach my room, Lukene storms out, looking like a demon from the double burning hells. I swear the ground trembles with fear.

“Where the hells have you been?” Anger radiates from him, dripping from every word as he backs me against my door, caging me with his arms. A prominent crease appears between his brows.

“It is not your concern, Prince Lukene,” I snap back, my heart in my throat.

“Everything that concerns you is my concern!” Tiny tendrils of shadows swirl around him, darkening the air.

His searing gaze takes me in. He notices the flower in my hair, then his eyes travel down to the cloak draped over my shoulders. His chest rises and falls almost as rapidly as mine. “Nothing about me should concern you anymore. You made sure of that when you decided to give me up to the highest bidder for the best information. I meant nothing to you. I’m a mere piece in your game.” I yell, frustration spilling over.

“That is where you are wrong. Dead wrong, Reign!” I shift, trying to back away, but I’m still trapped against the door. He notices my all-black dress. “Why are you dressed like someone died?” he huffs between angry breaths.

Shoving him back hard, I open my door and say, “Because my feelings died for you last night when I saw a servant dressed like a cheap tavern courtesan enter your room—” I slam the door shut in his face, locking it for good measure.

He bangs on the door.Thump. Thump. Thump.

“Reign, let me in!”

“Go away, Prince!” I yell back.

Pulling a chair in front of the fireplace, I remove the cloak and sit down, covering my ears to drown out his relentless pounding. After a minute, the noise stops, but my heart continues to hammer in my chest, mimicking his angry fists. I release my hands from my ears and turn around, only to find Lukene in my room, leaning against the shut door, shadows swirling around him. He unlocked the door with his shadows!

“Out!” I scream as I march toward him.

“Nothing happened,” he says calmly, yet his eyes betray a whirlwind of emotions.

He reaches for me, and I yank my stone palm blade from its hidden spot in my dress. Pressing it against his chest, aiming for his heart, I repeat myself with a shaky voice. “I said… leave.” I’m panting now, my emotions spiraling out of control.

He chuckles, as if it’s amusing that I have a blade to his chest. “Oh Reckless, I am not going anywhere.” He grabs my hand, holding the blade in place against his chest. I try to yank back, but he’s too strong. “Would it make you feel better to stab me, Reckless.” He grins. “Go ahead. Puncture my heart. It’s already bleeding watching you fall out of love with me.” He pushes the blade ever so slightly into his chest.

“Don’t lie to yourself, Prince. I don’t love you.”

“Lies.” He grins as he forces my hand to push the blade deeper.

“Stop!” I scream, struggling to free myself, but he holds firm.

“Admit it.”

“Lukene, stop!” I scream again as he presses the blade further.

“Admit it!”

“I love you!” The confession bursts from my lips, and he immediately releases my hand. I throw the blade to the ground, seeing the tip stained with blood.

“You love me?” he says, amusement sparkling in his eyes, as if the world has shifted on its axis.