Page 23 of Slaying the Shifter Prince
I’d never kept my vanity a secret or been ashamed of it. My work required it, yes. But after my sister’s death, when I’d stepped out from the darkness of backstage and become a performer, it had saved me.
I’d once cared for her, helped her get ready, helped her practice and choreograph her sets.
With her gone, I’d had nothing.
Only grief. Only despair. And they were things that threatened to drown me.
Taking her place on stage had given me purpose. Learning the hoop and silks had given me something to do to earn a wage and keep myself from spiralling into the void. And looking after my body had given me a sense of worth.
My looks were valued, both by the Gilded Suns and by our clients. It flushed me with something close to pleasure to see the way people lifted their heads and watched as we rode into town on our wagons. The feeling of their eyes following me until I was out of sight said I mattered.
Once, my sister had said I mattered. After she was gone, strangers were all I had.
With a dress, a few bottles of chemicals, and a set of bracelets, the prince had triggered all that. And although I hated him and hated being his pet, I couldn’t help standing taller in anticipation of how I would look today.
It had to be a trap.
The certainty of it pulled my face tight. I frowned up at him, searching for some sign of cruelty. What was hereallyup to?
His smiled flickered. “I don’t normally have women’s clothes lying around. That would be a bit small for me.” He nodded towards the dress. “I had a selection of women’s garments and jewellery sent here while you were with Celestine.”
But thehowwasn’t my concern. I wanted to knowwhy. I narrowed my eyes at him.
Head lifting, he held my gaze as though trying to work out what my problem was.
Useless man. And I refused to talk to him. Asking the question felt weak and withholding speech irritated him just enough, but didn’t cross the line into disobedience territory.
I eyed the bracelets. But, honestly, they just looked like bracelets. Cursed jewellery was a thing, but I didn’t want to give away that I was gifted. Who knew what he might do if he found out I had magic?
Like it was just a caress of something pretty, I brushed a fingertip over the gold feathers. No hint of power.
Then what was his game?
“Stars and Suns, they’re not poisoned.” He rolled his eyes before tossing the jewellery case on the side. “If I’m going to have you following me around, I want to at least enjoy the view.” With that, he huffed and shoved me towards the bathroom. “Get on with it, little bird.”
I hurried inside. Just before I closed the door, his voice reached me once more.
“I may be a patient man, but even I have a limit.”
11
This particular twisting corridor seemed familiar, but the prince marched me along it so quickly, I didn’t have time to check on the little details I thought I remembered.
Sure enough, a few turns later, it opened up into the ruined chamber with its fountain and broken glass dome.
Maybe I would eventually get used to the odd layout of this place.
I lifted the layered skirts of my gown to avoid catching them on the wild plants growing through the rubble.
Admittedly, the prince had chosen well. The ensemble suited me. And although he hadn’t spoken a word since the comment about his patience, the way he’d looked at me before we left had said plenty. Even if he couldn’t admit it, I looked incredible.
A few minutes later, we reached a familiar door. The prince reached for the handle, but stopped and clenched his hand. Sucking in a breath, he knocked, then opened. “Celestine?”
“Ah, so you remembered how to knock today.” She sat in the same position as last time, one eyebrow arched, a steaming cup cradled in her hands.
“I was a little… preoccupied the other day.” He slid a narrow-eyed look to me.
She scoffed and rose. A sheer, pale blue robe covered her body, its full hem trimmed in matching fur. “But, let me guess, you’re here for a similar reason.” She threw me a glance and smiled. “She looks delightful today, so it isn’t for a spruce up.”
