“She insists on meeting you tonight. She is most eager to receive you in the palace and get you settled where you belong. As am I.” His eyes lingered on her in a carnal way that made a monster stir within, claws scratching at the edge of my mind. Martainn was eager to touch what was mine.
MINE.
“She is not ready,” I said before I could stop myself, my deep voice echoing off the walls.
Prince Martainn’s gaze snapped to me, his expression hardening. Narrowing. “And who are you to decide?”
I took a step forward, set my hands behind my back so as not to reach out and punch him.
“I am General Addan,” I replied evenly, keeping my tone measured despite the heat rising in my chest. “I discovered her in the transport station and have been responsible for her safety since her arrival.”
“Her safety?” Martainn scoffed. “What danger does the long-lost princess face on her home planet? Any of your concerns will be allayed once she is safe at the palace where she belongs.” He tipped his head and set his hand on his chest, as if offering an oath. “I shall assume responsibility for her safety. Or do you presume to question my ability to protect my own betrothed?”
My hands clenched. Yeah, punching was an option. Shooting him worked, too. I’d be incarcerated for life, but it would feel so fucking good.
“And I question your need for an armed escort to a formal dinner.” Did I just openly challenge Prince Martainn in front of a room full of nobles? Fuck. I needed to stop letting my cock do the talking.
“General Addan.” Paige’s voice cut through the tension, her tone calm but commanding. “Prince Martainn. I thank you both for your concern. I assure you, Prince, the general has done anexcellent job ensuring my safety, as has Lady Fiona in seeing to my comfort.”
Martainn turned back to her, his expression softening into something that might have been admiration, had it not been so thoroughly coated in entitlement. “Forgive me, Princess. I did not mean to cause a scene.”
The fuck he didn’t.
Fucker walked right up to Paige and held out his hand. Expected her to place hers…
Fuck. She touched him. Allowed him to hold her hand. Pull her off the step so he could tower over her smaller frame.
“Princess, I am afraid there is one matter that cannot wait.”
He leaned in. Close to her. Their faces were so close he could kiss her. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. With an act of will, I forced myself to stay where I was.
If I was dead or in jail, I couldn’t protect her.
“Tell me,” he said, his voice dropping just enough to feel intimate, even though the entire room could hear him. “Do you have a Resonant? Has your body claimed another as your mate?”
My heart stopped.
Paige’s gaze flicked to mine—just for an instant—and my chest tightened. Was that a signal? A plea? Or was I imagining things, grasping at straws to make myself believe I still mattered to her?
I’d asked her more than once if I belonged to her. Were the feelings we shared that of a true resonance or just the unbelievable chemistry between a male and female with the need to fuck? Each time, she said no.
And again–
“No,” she said finally, her voice steady. “I have not claimed anyone.”
The words hit like a punch to the gut. Maybe it would be worthwhile to kill the slimy bastard and spend my life in jail. Without her, I would feel that way every single day.
Martainn’s smile returned, brighter than ever. “Then it is settled. You will accompany me to the palace tonight. We shall be married on your birthing day. We will host a grand celebration.” He waved his arm around the room to indicate everyone present was included. “You’re all invited, of course.”
Paige hesitated. For a moment my heart leapt. She wasn’t going to go with him. She couldn’t. Where would she go with the male she’d once refused to wed?
“Queen’s Castle?” she asked.
“Of course,” Martainn murmured, as if appalled she’d think he lived anywhere else. “I promise you will be well taken care of, Princess. I give you my word.”
Finally, she nodded, and it felt as if my soul left my body. “Of course, Prince Martainn. It will be an honor to meet Queen Alienor and plan the wedding.”
What. The. Fuck.
