Page 36 of A Trial of Two Worlds
Her again. Alwaysher.
It had been months since I’d had my fill. This female standing before me was not only willing but a beautiful opportunity I couldn’t fucking bring myself to take.
“Prince?”
I turned to glance at the female, her russet eyes heavy with desire as she bit her bottom lip. Those perfect breasts made an appearance as she lowered the top of her robe, eager to have my undivided attention.
“It’s—” I groaned in frustration. “Not tonight,” I admitted in utter defeat. “I’ll see myself out.”
Abruptly, I stood, silencing her as I reached for my pants, pulling them up and fastening the belt along my hips. I didn’t intend to be cruel, but sometimes, it was the kindest thing to do, especially in these instances.
She blinked rapidly, stumbling as she reached for the ends of her robe to cover herself. “What… What is it? Did I do—”
“You should get some rest. Take my tent for the night. I won’t be using it,” I said, my tone hardening. “We’ll be marching again come dawn.”
She shyly clutched at her robe, her brows narrowing in annoyance, and I couldn’t blame her.
“Very well,” she answered.
I turned to push the flap of the tent open when I heard her clear her throat.
“If there is something I did to upset my prince, I’m truly sorry.”
Her tone made me pause. I wasn’t a complete heartless monster. “My visions,” I whispered without looking back.
It was a valid excuse, and partially true. Every good lie held fragments of the truth woven into the tapestry to make it all the more believable.
“I understand,” she said as the sounds of the cot squeaked against her weight, signaling her acceptance of my offer.
Without looking back, I reached for my twin blades and threw my shirt over my shoulder as I stepped into the night.
Chapter Seventeen
Castor Aegaeon
One positive outcome of our escapade was a warmer climate during the evenings.
It was a pleasant change from the chill of the approaching winter months in Silver Meadows. The snow never stayed for long in our home, more of a dusting that blanketed the landscape for a handful of days and, if lucky, weeks. But it did reach freezing temperatures at night.
I stole a glance at the moon overhead, the watchful Father protecting us as his mate slumbered. My mind drifted to those I cared about who were miles and miles away, yet still under the same sky. A simple concept, knowing we were all connected regardless of the distance that separated us. We could all, in theory, be looking up at that exact same moment, reminding us that distance was merely a number that could never overcome kinship.
“Finished already?” Gunnar’s taunting laughter pulled me from my trance. “That’s fast, even for you.”
Ignoring his snide remark, I meandered toward the fire, where he and a small handful of other warriors were gathered.
“Never began,” I said to Gunnar as I stood across the flames from him.
Gunnar raised his brows in surprise. “You’re off your game.”
“If you play your cards right…” I gave him a half-cocked grin in amusement, knowing others were listening in. “Someonemay be able to benefit from my absence.”
A female and a male seated near the fire seemed intrigued, so I saw it as an opportunity to encourage them both to use my tent for the evening.
Anything to maintain the positive morale of the troops.
“The female in my tent, I believe, isn’t particular about who pleases her tonight,” I announced to the group,“or added company.”
The male and female warriors sitting adjacent to Gunnar looked at each other.
