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I mistakenly read the wrong poem.She gave a small smile and handed the book back to him. He took it, periodically giving it back throughout the day for her to read. Along with him being chivalrous, there was a playfulness about him.

It was when Bradwick started flirting lightly that she felt she was out of her depth. It took every ounce of her control not to look towards Geryon, but she knew he’d left them when the king began to touch her rather affectionately.

Valerie managed to direct him away from this kind of attention with ease. It continued to happen, and she figured he must be enjoying her company enough to be so open and forward with her.

If he touched her, she would point to something in the distance, like she was curious. There was nothing she could do about his cheeky humour. She concluded he was expecting her to blush, or was, at least, trying to make it his goal.

She would merely laugh with him and call him silly, then she would subtly change the subject.

There was one moment in which he attempted to kiss her, and she pretended to fall before he got too close, so it wouldn’t appear obvious she’d avoided it. He laughed at her apparent clumsiness.

“My my, Cecily. Here I thought you were a lady of constant poise and grace, but it appears as though you can be inelegant upon closer inspection.”

He held his hand out to help her back to her feet. “My apologies, your Highness. I often think pixies follow me to play tricks upon me.”

He gave a bellowing laugh. “I heard they are mischievous creatures. If you like, I can have a guard follow you with a bow and arrow to ward them off if such things are true.”

“That may be wise. I fear I have unwittingly brought a plague of them upon your castle.”

His smile widened at her jest. “Perhaps I will have to have you spanked if disorder occurs.”

She placed her hand up as a ward. “Please, your Majesty.” She began to rub her bottom like it hurt from her fall. “I believe I am punished enough for my unsteadiness.”

“Very true.” His face turned to the sky, since it was starting to darken.

Valerie had managed to keep them both outside for the entire day – sticking to the shade if she could. With Charlotte showing the king that the ladies could be available to him in an intimate way, she didn’t want to be alone with him.

“Dinner will be served soon. We can wander back to the palace while we converse.” She unfortunately had to take his arm, but she did go with him. “I will be open with you; I was unsure of how our day would progress, but I must say, I have rather enjoyed myself today, Cecily. Your humour and conversations are strange but quite wonderful.”

“Thank you. I do try my best to be entertaining.”

“Yes,” he said in a thoughtful tone, placing his hand on his chin. “You do seem to know how to play your part in every situation. You mix well with the court. I have not heard a single unpleasantry about you from them.” He gave her a chuckle with a roll of his eyes. “And rumours do circulate so fast.”

“I have noticed gossip is a quick topic. If you will permit me to be so forward, your Highness, I am cautious of your court.”

“With good reason. You have chosen well to keep your distance.” Then he eyed her through the corner of his lids, his brown eyes striking even from this angle. “You have given me much to think on.”

“I am pleased.”Think on what?She didn’t know if that was a good thing or not.

Once they reached the palace walls, he guided her to the dining hall and sat her down.

They were the last to arrive, as Bradwick and his companion usually were, and he helped her to sit. Only when he started to eat did the dinner begin. The conversation was mild and often shared with his other guests seated around them. She wondered if it was to see how she interacted with those he considered close to him.

Geryon appeared unhappy, leaning against the wall with his arms folded. His gaze was elsewhere, and she shrugged.He knew I was here for the king. He has no one to blame but himself.She hadn’t instigated their relationship.

Actually, she’d been very much against it from the beginning.

It is a shame I like him.There was something about Geryon that made her feel weak.If there was a chance I could return to this palace without being beheaded or put on the stake, I would have happily allowed him to try and win me.

She thought she would have enjoyed the game.

Not many men made Valerie feel this way. She usually avoided them because she was a Witch, but there were a handful of men who had grabbed her attention.

I do like it when they look rough around the edges.When she tried to be spiteful and prove something to her mother, she’d been fond of human soldiers, strong, meaty men who could lift her like she wasn’t some tall, giant woman.Hardened muscles, rough, calloused hands.

Valerie looked at King Bradwick while he ate.

He was a pretty type of handsome, a man who looked kind and gentle with his sparkling light brown eyes, long blond hair, and soft features. She often thought men who looked as beautiful as women wouldn’t be strong enough to demand her pleasure and desire, and would be meek and cowardly in bed.