Page 59 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

I wished to set him on fire.

“Good night, everyone.” I looked at the confused faces of my company.

Francis’ childish behavior would definitely make me act upon my wish one night. Not tonight though, tonight I turned around and stormed out of the tavern.

“What in the Kingdom was that about?” Roxanne’s hushed voice reached me right before I escaped the building.If only I knew.I wished to reply to her question, walking towards Annabelle.

“Wait up, Princess.”

A groan escaped me. I did not need to turn around to know that Francis was walking directly behind me.

“What do you need?” I said, looking straight ahead.

“Would you please slow down?” He chuckled. “It is quite hard to walk when your leg has been shot through. I was serious. Let me escort you back home.” He caught up to me, limping. “It is not safe for either of us to be alone in the woods: not after what happened.”

“Even if I say no, you will still follow after me, won’t you?” My brows flew up.

“Aye, I will.”

I shrugged, mounting my horse. “Then why even ask?”

“I am merely being nice, that is all.”

I rolled my eyes at his comment. “Clearly, we have different definitions of nice.”

The night had settled down in the ice that painted the forest light blue. The snowy ground crunched under the weight of hooves, waking up the creatures that called these woods home.

We’d almost made it all the way to the castle, when Francis broke our silence.

“How did you enjoy your night?” his voice echoed from behind me.

The narrow pathway was my only salvation on our trip back: I could not face Francis’ eyes were he to walk beside me.

“It was great before you showed up,” I muttered.

“Is that so?” A bright laugh reached my ears. “Am I truly that horrible to be around?”

“Could we get back in silence?” I sighed. “I am begging you.”

“You see,” Francis did not pay any attention to my pleas. “I thought we had a great time together. I even think there is a part of you that really enjoyed my company.”

I did not need to see his face to know he was smirking.

“Don't get ahead of yourself.” I let out a small laugh. “I only let you come for protection.” The words burned in my throat.

“And yet, you couldn’t resist the urge to feed me,” he said so easily, as though we were talking about the weather. Perhaps for him it was indeed so easy. “Saved my life even—”

“I pitied you,” I quickly interrupted. “It would be an embarrassment to die like that—even for you. I knew that death couldn't live up to your name.”

He laughed even harder now. “Pity, huh?”

“Precisely.” My heart galloped.

“Why, thank you,” Francis teased. “Was it at least nice?”

“Waswhatnice?” I asked, my brows furrowed.

“Me drinking your blood, of course,” he replied as though it was obvious. “Was it nice? I hope you enjoyed it.” His playful tone made my head turn his direction despite my wishes. “I’ve been told I am great at it,” he winked.