2
“Odessa,”came the prince’s voice from the chamber ahead.
I nearly rolled my eyes at the sound. It appeared that the heir had finally chosen to summon me. With his approval, I moved forward, shoulders straight, chin lifted. As his favored consort, I was expected to look perfect. Anything less was unacceptable. My plum-colored robe trailed behind me, the crimson tassel swaying at my hip.
I couldn’t say exactly when things began to shift between the prince and me. My contract had named me as little more than a source of pleasure for the Crown. But over time, my encounters with him grew more personal. He had become more at ease around me, more open. Whether he intended it or not, a kind of bond had formed, however warped its foundation.
I knew that if I wanted any control over my future, I’d have to take it myself.
So I did.
I found that seduction was equally as simple as it was sophisticated.
My time within Hyrall’s castle walls has taught me one thing: menlike the heir love to believe in their own complexity. They speak of layered thoughts and deep emotion, but I’ve found them anything but. Privilege makes them simple, predictable, and remarkably easy to manipulate.
If nothing else, Hyrall would never run short of fools.
I moved down the hallway with soft steps, each one designed to build the prince’s anticipation. The firelight ahead grew brighter, and the warmth of the hearth spilled into the corridor. Just before stepping inside, I adjusted my smile into something soft, obedient. Once everything was in place, I crossed the threshold with practiced grace.
At once, my eyes went to the prince.
He stood on the balcony, staring out at the cool night sky, a golden goblet in hand. I could only guess it held the finest wine gold could buy. Sometimes, I wondered if my father had traded his stale ale for something more refined after selling me off. The gods know my body earned every last coin.
At the sound of my approach, the prince turned and met my eyes. Without looking away, he raised the goblet and emptied it in a single swallow. I dipped into a graceful curtsy, head bowed.
Tonight, his auburn hair fell just above his brow. He wore only a simple white tunic and trousers, none of the elaborate regalia he favored by day.
“Odessa.” He savored my name.
“Your Highness,” I replied.
“I have a gift for you,” he said, gesturing toward a large box on the table. It was wrapped with a silk ribbon. His tone held an expectant note, waiting for a reaction.
Another robe, I mused to myself.
“I’m honored to receive another gift so soon, Highness.”
“Open it,” he said.
I walked to the box and untied the ribbon. Inside, folded beneaththe lid, was a sheer silk robe, soft cream, with floral patterns woven in gold thread. It was exquisite.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
“I’d like you to wear it tonight, Odessa.”
“Of course. Whatever you desire.”
Dutifully, I began to undress.
I reached for the silk clasp at my waist, but the prince shook his head, signaling me to stop. His amber eyes locked onto mine as he approached, towering over me by a full head. Gently, he took my hands and guided them back to my sides.
I remained still as he reached down to gather the string of my robe. I didn’t miss the brush of his hand along the side of my breast as he did so.
He slipped the tie free, then reached for the crimson tassel at my waist, letting it rest in his palm. A faint smile tugged at his lips with satisfaction, possession.
In Hyrall, the crimson tassel marked a consort or courtesan summoned to service.
I watched as the cords slipped through his fingers.
