Page 44 of The Nymph Prince

Lorcan and Troy showed off their skills, one with archery and the other with daggers. The real excitement began when they switched, though. The nymph was good with a bow, but Troy was better. And vice versa. By the end of their competition, their skin was coated in sweat but both men wore huge smiles.

Malik appeared pleased once we were walking back to the palace. He’d been on edge for a while, his orange gaze darting around the training field, and any time someone had passed, he hadn’t taken his eyes off them until they were gone.

“Did you enjoy the show, mage?” the nymph asked.

“I enjoyed watching Troy knock you off your pedestal a bit.”

Lorcan laughed, and the smooth quality of it settled over my heart. “Next time, perhaps I can teach you a thing or two.”

His hot gaze raked over my body, setting me on fire. His true meaning was clear. Much could be learned from him, both on and off the training field. Neither of us were strangers to sex, yet I felt as if being with him in that way would be like my first time all over again.

He had a hold on me that I couldn’t shake. Part of me wanted to escape that hold. The other part wanted to cling on and never let go.

“Good day, Prince Lorcan,” a man said and bowed. From the black smears on his hands and clothes, I assumed he was a blacksmith.

“Frederick, how does your wife fare?” Lorcan replied.

The man raised his head and offered the prince a bright smile. “You remembered! I’m honored, Your Highness. She is well! Doing much better these days since the sickness has left her. And oh how her appetite has grown.”

Lorcan stepped forward and clapped the blacksmith on the back in a friendly gesture. “I’m pleased to know. When you have the time, visit the palace kitchen and have them bake her something nice, hmm? Tell Gretchen I sent you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness! How generous you are.”

“Fitting since you are generous to all of those in Avalontis,” Lorcan replied. “Our armies wouldn’t be as grand without you mending their armor and forging their weapons.”

The blacksmith went on his way, and we continued to the palace.

Just when I thought I had Lorcan figured out, he managed to surprise me. No wonder the people showed him the upmost respect at his feast. He might’ve slacked a little in his duties as crowned prince, but when it came to compassion for his people, he had that in spades.

Once at the palace, Lorcan went to his room and I went to mine. He had to wash from his training session, and I nearly asked if I could join him. But then I came to my senses and kept my thoughts to myself. There were things I wanted to say to him—do to him. My fear held me back.

What was I truly afraid of?

The intimacy? No. Lorcan made me feel things I’d never allowed myself to feel for others, but that wasn’t the root of my fear.

The fear of betrayal? Aye, if he ever betrayed me it would be like a dagger to the heart, and he was highly skilled with striking them so that they always met their mark. But no. That wasn’t the reason I hesitated.

The fear of losing him?

My gut tightened. There was a bounty on my head. As long as Lorcan was with me, he’d be in danger. But not only that. What happened when I had to leave Avalontis? He was the prince and had responsibilities. In no world would we ever stay together forever. Perhaps I was selfish: denying us both the joy of being together out of my fear of becoming close to him and then having him ripped away from me.

Yet, even as selfish as I knew it was, I couldn’t fight it.

At evening meal, I joined him and Troy in a smaller dining hall. The wooden table held eight chairs, which seemed silly since there were only three of us. The food was delicious. There was a selection of fruits, bread, cubes of cheese, and meat.

My attention kept drifting to the pale-haired male beside me, though. Specifically to his mouth as he sucked on a piece of pineapple.

His gaze held mine as he drew the fruit between his lips.

He’s intentionally teasing me. The wicked demon.

I shifted in my seat and blew out a soft breath. May the gods have mercy on me. This nymph will be my downfall.

***

Though it was difficult not to take Lorcan to his chamber, toss him on the bed, and fuck him senseless, I somehow managed it. Barely.

After the meal, I said goodnight to him and Troy before returning to my room. I wished I could take that leap with Lorcan, but my whole life had been one disappointment after another.