Page 50 of The Pactbound Angel (The Soul Mirror Duet #1)

"You will be ready, and soon, to try this activity. That isn't the only new thing. I would like to introduce pretending to be another, even resembling things you are not, as a part of sexual play."

I hummed. "I suppose that creates a safe area for you, pretending to be someone else. Allows you to explore without the inhibitions of your real self."

He grinned at me, as though happy I understood.

"Yes, exactly. Though with my help, it is you who will be taking on the role.

We'll come up with options together. Between your wardrobe, what items I can make here, and my own skills, we can make you look like the option you've chosen, no matter how fantastic.

" He tucked me into the crook of his neck, holding me closer.

There was something in his voice. A quickness of his breath. "Am I wrong to say this idea excites you?"

There was a moment of silence before he answered, sounding regretful.

"You aren't wrong at all to ask. We've become close enough that I may even answer it one day. I’ve never shared something like that with another.

I hope you'll understand if I reserve my option to hold my answer as a secret of my own. "

My face pushed further into the crook of his neck so he couldn’t see my smirk. "It's alright. I don't mind. I hope to earn your trust eventually."

I heard his smile in his words. "My trust, you have. In more than one way, in fact. There are certain secrets that contain within them the potential for complication or obligation, when one chooses to reveal them. With our.. arrangement, that's a serious decision to make."

My head tilted to look at him, then my lips brushed against his neck with a kiss. "I understand. But if you do decide to tell me secrets, I’ll listen. Without judgment.”

And with affection.

He nodded, his bearded chin rubbing on my forehead. “I do, actually, have a secret to tell you. I wasn’t sure how to bring it up.”

I almost sat upright in excitement but managed to tamp my reaction down to nothing more than a slight twitch of my stomach muscles. “Oh?”

His hand went into my hair, absently curling a lock. “Leraska’s name wasn’t on any vials in the cupboard.”

This time, I did sit upright. “What?”

“I didn’t know when to bring it up.” He sat up, resting his arms on his bent knees. “I made sure to check in each cupboard. Her name wasn’t in any of them.”

What in the-

I scowled in utter confusion. “Maybe it was elsewhere, and we missed it?”

Ramiren slowly shook his head. “No. We didn’t miss it.

If M.A.L.C.O.L.M. had taken her vial in the first mischief hag’s cupboard and broken it without having read it aloud, then she likely would have said her stolen thing had been returned when we visited her.

Otherwise, we scoured all three places. There was nothing, Nathalia. ”

“Then, what in the Dark Drop was stolen from her? And by whom?”

I exited Ramiren’s room to see the Crown Prince of Wistran patiently waiting in the hallway. He had been in the middle of a round of pacing when he spotted me. A few guards ambled around down the hall, giving us privacy.

Shutting the door harder than I needed to, I gave my best smile and a curtsy. “Your Highness! This is unexpected.”

“But a pleasure, I do hope.” His eyes flickered to the door behind me, and his smile wavered.

I cleared my throat, hoping to all the gods residing in Celestia I didn’t have bed hair. At least I know he’s been waiting no more than a few minutes. “Most certainly. Are you looking for someone?”

He leaned against the hallway wall, crossing his arms. “You, as a matter of fact.”

“Me?” I pointed at myself in confusion, like an idiot.

His posture was casual, but there was tension in his shoulders.

“Yes. I wished to have a moment to talk. I have heard reports of the mischief hag’s henchmen gathering, and I was concerned for your safety.

You are a hero of Wistran, and we cannot afford to lose you.

” His warm smile was gentle, as though simultaneously trying to put me at ease and emphasize my importance.

I had been concerned about that.

His earnest attention was making me self-conscious. “Most thoughtful, Your Highness, for you to care about my wellbeing.”

“I aim to, Lady Nathalia. We owe you a great debt, and I intend to repay, however you’ll let me.” He stepped forward and took my hand in his warm one to kiss it. His eyes met mine, long enough for me to recognize desire in them. “I hope you will someday. ”

A thrill and flattered awareness rippled through me at his look. “We’re to go back to Laeth soon, Your Highness.”

A mixture of shock and sadness creeped into his gaze, and he gently placed his other hand on top of mine. “Then, I mustn’t wait long to attempt recompense. I will see you tomorrow, I hope?”

My head bowed in deference. “Yes, your father requested us.”

“I will allow you to rest, in that case. Until tomorrow, Lady Nathalia.” He kissed my hand again, his lips lingering for a moment longer than necessary.