Page 21 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2

"I don't know," I admit, my cheeks burning with a hint of embarrassment. "Maybe something about what we might have done."

"I think you can probably guess that from reading Lady Isabella's book."

"Well, yes, but that's not what you specifically want. Bella said..."

"Just how much of a say does Lady Isabella get in what goes on between us?" He steps forward and sets his diary down, reaching out to touch me once he has.

"Nothing," I assure him. "She just gave me advice."

He raises an eyebrow.

"She said to do what felt good, put what we wanted to where we wanted to, and that I should ask you what you like."

"I like you," he responds, leaning in and kissing my nose.

"I know that. I think she meant where I'm supposed to touch you."

"I don't know that," he reminds me. "I'm as new to this as you are."

"Yes, but how?" I ask. "You're a prince. And you're charming and handsome. Has there really been no one?" I don't know why I need to ask, especially when there's no reason for him to lie to me.

"Well, since I came to court, I've avoided people. Women included."

"But before that. You spent eighteen years in the human world, did you really not have a sweetheart in all that time? You said that Agnes did."

"Agnes has always been more adventurous than me," he responds. "And she met Hector because she snuck out a lot. Our mother knew who our father was, so she sheltered us a lot. I mostly stayed home and read. You would have liked me then."

"I like you now," I assure him, reaching out to touch his chest.

"I'm glad." He meets my gaze. "I need some blood." He pulls away somewhat abruptly, but I don't question it. I assume talking about his past is making him think about drinking, and it's better that he reaches for blood over wine, especially when he's said that it helps him fight some of the side effects of not drinking after so long constantly consuming wine. He lifts the jug to offer me some.

"I had plenty earlier."

He nods and pours himself a goblet, taking a sip. "So, what about you?" he asks, taking a seat. "Any paramours I need to worry about turning up at the castle and demanding a duel for your hand?"

I snort and go over to sit beside him. "Not really. I suppose I did have a brief flirtation with the butcher's son at one point, but Bastian scared him off before anything could come of it."

Linc raises an eyebrow. "Your brother?"

"Mmm."

"He...no, nevermind."

"Say it, please." I'm sure he's going to make some kind of comment about Bastian insisting on cutting in.

"He seems very protective of you, that's all."

"I guess so. We're all each other had for a long time. He's just used to watching out for me."

Linc nods. "Understandable."

"And it's not like you don't do the same for Agnes," I point out. "You helped her escape from court."

"So I did."

"And for Marcus. You keep his affair with Lord Luca quiet," I remind him. "And presumably help him keep it that way."

"I might have been the one who suggested they use the library if they can't meet in one of their rooms," he admits, though it isn't a huge surprise to me. It's clear he holds a lot of affection for both of his siblings and will do anything to help them.