Page 55 of Tricky Princess

They mostly made ridiculous faces at each other instead of talking.

“It worked out; Belias was being detained, anyway.”

Ellea perked up at this bit of information. “Oh really?”

So there would be repercussions for his guards attacking Ros and their friends.

“He hasn’t admitted to anything yet, but why else would the guards go after them?”

Maybe making funny faces at each other for hours was paying off. It was beginning to feel like she was rooting around her thoughts like Billy did.

“Fucking Belias.”

“I know. Get dressed,” Florence said. “We aren’t training today, we’re going to be spying.”

“But you’re in your pretty dress. And Belias?” Ellea slowly got out of bed, stretching.

“Sometimes we spy in the open,” she said, heading to the dresser and grabbing a pale blue dress that was far too bright for Ellea’s taste.

“I’m not sure I like where this is going.”

“Let’s go see if our favorite cock-sucker has anything to say since our creepy prince is still locked up.”

They both made a face at each other.

The breeze was gentle and the noon sun was warm on Ellea’s bare arms as they walked toward the north gardens. Hel seemed to be the perfect autumn temperature no matter where she explored; brisk in the mornings, warm in the afternoons, and brisk again at night. She wondered if the southern part of the realm was this perfect. Mhairi would never take her that far on their travels, and she worried if she left on foot, she would have to walk the entire way back. Ellea liked the beast well enough, but wouldn’t put it past her to leave her if she went against her best judgment.

Ellea sighed, tugging on Florence’s arm that was looped through hers. “I’ve been to all three sides of the damned place, but I haven’t been to the south.”

Florence scoffed, turning them down a row of hedges.

“There is no need to go to that part,” she answered. “He Who Must Not Be Named doesn’t go there even though his father rules over it. There is nothing but evil beasts and wasted land.”

“I still want to see it,” she whispered. “If Azzy is so interested in me staying and joining his son to rule—ow!”

Florence had jabbed her hard in the ribs, silencing her. The sound of female voices became clear as they turned around another hedge. Florence quickly opened her book to a random page, prompting Ellea to do the same.

“Did you see him?” one hissed, a female with elegant green horns.

“No one has,” another said.

“I saw him this morning,” a pompous female said. Ellea recognized her instantly. “Prince Duhne dragged him to training late this morning—naked.”

All three of them giggled hysterically, and Ellea gagged, earning another jab from Florence.

“Do you think he will come tonight?” the first one asked. “We used to have so much fun with him.”

“You used to have fun watching him,” the pompous one scolded. “I’ve been able to taste the crown prince.”

Her powers crackled before Florence squeezed their joined arms, reminding her they were there for a reason. There was also no reason for her to be jealous. She wasn’t jealous of Sam. But that was different; she loved Sam and the friendship he and Ros had. But that female…Ellea wanted to shake her, tell her she could do better than Belias and to not talk about her boyfriend’s dick.

“Like any male would say no to someone putting their favorite part in your mouth,” one said. “No wonder Belias keeps you around.”

Ellea glimpsed the blush on the woman’s neck, but she feigned ignorance. “You’re just jealous.”

“Maybe we can catch them still training,” the one with the horns said to the other girl.

Florence spun Ellea, shadowing them through a hedge and out of the gardens. “I should have known there would be no point watching her now that the famous crown prince is back.”