Page 109 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

“Why does this guard think that this is my new room?”

He looks past me to the guard and nods to let him know he can leave.

“Come inside, Adina.” His eyes widen in challenge when I don’t move, and I finally storm past him. I wait for the door to shut behind us before repeating my question.

“Why have you had my belongings moved to your room?”

“Because this is where you will be staying.”

I tilt my head back and laugh.

“Like hell I will. I don’t know what you think this is,” I say, pointing between us, “but I’m not sharing a room with you.”

He moves past me toward the dresser to the right of the room, pouring himself a glass of amber-colored liquid as I just stand there staring at him.

“Drink?” he asks.

“No, I don’t want a fucking drink.”

“Gods, that mouth of yours is going to get both of us in trouble one day, little witch.” His eyes darken as they drop to my lips.

“Are you actually hearing what is coming out of it?”

“I always know what is coming out of it.” He pauses to take a long sip of his drink before he begins walking toward me. “In fact, I watch your mouth quite often. It may be my favorite feature of yours.”

I don’t even know what to say, and this seems to amuse him.

“For once, she is speechless.”

“I’m not sleeping in here.”

“On the contrary. Right now, this castle is filled with nobles whom I do not trust, not to mention that since you arrived here, the impures somehow managed to get in and launch a full attack.”

“You think I’m somehow involved?”

“Ithinkthat you are their target, and if that is the case, then I’m sorry, but I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

I cross my arms over my chest.

“So, I’m a prisoner again?”

He shrugs.

“If that’s how you wish to see it. While you ponder the thought, I’m going to have a long soak in the bath. You’re welcome to join me if you like. You could put that beautiful mouth of yours to better use.”

I snatch one of the pillows off the bed and launch it in his direction. He catches it with ease.

“I take that as a no to the bath then?” He raises his brow as if truly expecting an answer.

When he doesn’t get one, he shrugs before disappearing into the bathroom.That arrogant bastard.

I happen to think he’s more confident than arrogant.Athriel’s voice is filled with the same frustrating amusement as the prince’s.

Well, then it’s a good job I didn’t ask you, isn’t it?

I ignore the laughter filling my head; my mind remains fixed on the fact that I must share a room with the prince. He'd better hope I don’t find a way to kill him in his sleep.

“Intentions, little witch, intentions,” he calls out from the bathroom, and I flip him off through the wall. Then I hear his stupid laughter echoing in the space.