Page 28 of Slaying the Shifter Prince
But she shook her head and faded into the darkness, leaving me alone.
* * *
The best partof two weeks went on in a similar cycle. I’d trail him for the day, serving and obeying with malicious enthusiasm. He’d get pissed off and leave me with Celestine the next day. I’d trail him for the day…
On and on until the morning of the ball Celestine’s friends had mentioned, when he woke up in an excellent mood, despite how much I’d irritated him the previous day.
It set my nerves on edge, and I almost fell from my handstand.
Sitting up in bed, watching me wobble through my exercises, he smiled. It showed far too many teeth, bright against his golden skin. “You might want to skip your routine today, little bird. You’re going to need your strength.” With that, he leapt from bed and disappeared into the bathroom.
I thought I heard himsingingfrom the shower.
He didn’t say anything more aboutwhyI needed to save my strength, and I refused to ask. I cut my exercises short, though, just to be on the safe side.
He chose my outfit, just like every other morning. Pale green today, but no perfume. That was odd. I eyed the selection of bottles on the dressing table, trying to remind him. He glanced at them but didn’t pick one. For jewellery, he chose my collar and a pair of matching anklets that, for some reason, made me think of manacles. They looked nothing like restraints. It was just that I’d let the bastard in my head.
I cursed myself and followed when he beckoned, a tight feeling in my stomach.
What the hells did he have planned?
13
We met a dozen of his hangers-on at the edge of the forest that formed part of the palace grounds. Amongst them was the grey-skinned, horned one, who I’d learned was called Roark, together with Cadan, the silver-haired man who’d stood as the prince had forced wine down my throat. They were in high spirits, and the prince laughed and clapped them on the shoulders as we arrived, a spring in his step.
It made the tightness in my stomach clench into a ball.
The golden sun necklace he wore today swung as he swaggered to the centre of the group. He didn’t have to speak to gather their attention. He just stood there, shoulders back, smile dazzling. He would’ve made a great performer.
Once all eyes were on him, he gave an expansive gesture. “Today, gentlemen”—his yellow eyes flicked to me—“we hunt.”
The whoops and cries that broke out around me faded as my pulse roared in my ears. I could pretend the sound was an adoring crowd, but the cold trickle running through my veins and the tingling of my face knew the truth. I was afraid, and rightly so.
Because the way he looked at me, eyes hooded but glinting, almost lazy but notquite, there was no doubt.
In this hunt, I would be the prey.
This had to be not just punishment for trying to kill him, but also for my refusal to back down. I hadn’t just irritated him—it had moved into anger. I might’ve crowed about the fact if not for the question of what was about to happen.
Roark watched me, black eyes glinting with predatory interest. I jerked my attention away.
At his side, but a step back, Cadan wore a faint frown that almost looked like concern. Maybe it was just that I found his expressions more familiar. With his smooth skin and handsome, almost human features, he didn’t fit in at the Court of Monsters. Over meals, I’d learned he spent most of his time at the capital, only visiting the prince a couple of times a year.
I tried to focus on his nearly human face, since it was the only one that didn’t watch me with such vicious intensity.
Unlike his prince, whose attention seared into me like a brand. “Whoever catches our quarry may do with it as they wish, short of killing it. The creature’s life is mine.”
His words tightened around my throat, like the grip of an overeager lover. And yet, like I really was in bed with a lover, a sick, starved part of me liked the thrill. It vibrated through me, horrible and lively.
The gathered fae leered and laughed. Several made outrageous claims about what they’d do when they caught me. I let my pulse drown them out.
I couldn’t just sit down and refuse to play. It would irritate the prince, but his friends… I had no doubt they’d follow through on their claims.
My muscles reverberated with gathering energy, ready to run. Despite the chill air, I was glad of my lightweight dress as heat blossomed along my limbs.
If I could keep ahead of them, maybe I could even escape the prince’s lands. Not that being free and alone in Elfhame would be much better than this. But at least I’d survive to make another plan for vengeance.
Thinking about vengeance will kill you. It was a voice of certainty in the back of my mind. One that didn’t speak often, but that always reminded me of Zinnia.
