Page 25 of Glass Hearts

These princes will be the death of me.

I can still feel the firm grip Archer had on my throat. I couldn’t forget the sensation of his body, the warmth and weight of him as he pressed me roughly against the wall. The hunger in his eyes, along with his erection, undid me entirely.

I remove my Shadow clothes and go to bed naked, my body completely overheated from the exchange.

The next morning, the Courting Events are back in place, and my regular duties are back in full force. The day is so busy that I don’t even have time to see the princes, which is a mercy I needed.

The last few days have really made me realize how strong my attraction to all of them is.

How dangerous it is to fall for them, especially when I should focus on trying to remove my curse.

They are not an option; I constantly have to remind myself.

My betraying heart isn’t catching up with the reality.

By the time I return to my room after dinner, I am already passed out.

* * *

I bolt awake as there’s a frantic knock on my door. Still in my uniform, I open the door to see a desperate Bridgette.

“Sorry to bother you, girl. But do you think you could help with the evening cocktail event? They should wrap up soon, but Buster & Miranda both fell ill for their shift this evening, and everyone else is already a few wines deep.”

“Of course I can help.” I offer a smile to dampen her frantic energy.

“Excellent, it is happening on the west wing terrace. I owe you big time.”

I quickly hurry to the west wing. If she said it was wrapping up, perhaps the Princes won’t be there. I still need a reprieve from seeing their stupid, handsome faces. It feels like a weight on my chest every time I have to look at them.

Opening the grandiose door, my heart drops to my stomach as I take in the scene.

The room is bathed in red and black velvet.

It’s sexy as much as it is intoxicating.

The room is lit low, with just a few candles.

Two councilmen are off to the side, drinking and whispering, but my eyes find the princes instantly.

Grayer and Koi are on two couches opposite each other.

Three ladies were sitting very close to them.

It’s the same black-haired beauty with Grayer, Winona, I believe.

Koi is talking to two of the Quadias, both dressed in matching revealing blue and red low-cut gowns.

The other Quadias, of course, are in the same dress.

Sylas is in a booth. Two of the other Quadias are there, though they are both shooting daggers at the woman currently running her hand all over Sylas’s chest. He whispers in her ear, very close to the woman.

Archer is on a settee with a beautiful blonde on top of him.

Making out as if there isn’t a room full of other ladies and his fellow princes. My heart breaks at the sight.

I knew they weren’t mine. So why do I keep feeling hopeful? Shame rears its ugly head as tears envelop my eyes. Embarrassingly, that’s when I feel a set of eyes on me. Sylas. A treacherous tear escapes down my cheek. I wipe it off, but get to work.

It’s silly, really. Every woman wants to be wanted. To be the girl that is picked by the knight in shining armour… To be loved for every flaw and quirky characteristic. Perhaps I had thought I was immune to seeking connection prior to meeting the princes. I am a downright fool.

I avoid eye contact with the princes for the remainder of my shift, even though I feel the weight of their stares.

“Thank you for helping, Ella. Sorry you had to see Arch make out with that hussy. He is being an idiot,” Bri says disapprovingly, dismissing me from my duty. I manage a meager smile in reply as I quickly hug my friend a goodnight.

Drained, heartbroken, and ready for bed, I head back to my room. As I round the corner, a dark figure emerges. Hidden and in wait for me is Bernice. I had wondered when she would make her appearance to confront me.

“Arabella. I am so disappointed in you. Really? Pretending to be sick so you could get a day off when we first arrived? Or are you thinking you can get some sympathy to get some attention from the princes? Their hearts are softer than I thought.”

“I-I am sorry, Bernice. I hadn’t wanted to cause any trouble. Certainly not looking for any attention from the princes.”

“I see the way you look at the princes. Tell me, girl, do you really think they could love the likes of you?!” She looks me up and down disapprovingly.

“More than they could love your shallow and rude daughters.”

A sharp pain slices on my cheek, stinging instantly from Bernice palm.

Hand to my cheek, the tears now fall. I knew I shouldn’t have said it as soon as the words came out of my mouth. But after all the shit this evening, I didn’t need to hear the confirmation coming from Bernice. I know they aren’t mine.

“Remember your place, Arabella. You have gotten more errant of late. Victor is already lining up your betrothal once the princes propose to my daughters. You are forcing me to speed up the process, Belly. Do you see what position you put me in? Drop your interest in the princes and stop being such an embarrassment.” With that, she storms off.

I know I should hold off until I get to my room.

But the tears fall out, and I sob audibly.

Bernice is right. I had been romanticizing the princes and feeling hopeful.

Grayer and Koi make me feel like I am beautiful.

Sylas gives the feeling of safety. Even Archer has me feeling betraying butterflies. Not alone.

But it’s all a lie.