My jaw dropped. I struggled to lift it back into place. “You’ve seen me in this very gown, my prince. In Pontarena.”
“Yes, but that wasthere, and this ishere,” the prince growled, stepping forward. I backed up until my head touched the wall behind me. “The Hadrians have much to admire, but you don’t needto let that culture claim you. There is plenty to appreciate in Gallae. I would say the sense of modesty here is superior.”
I made myself tall. “The only culture I’ve seen is between this palace and Pontarena. Until I came here, all I knew was woolen cloaks, furs, and kirtles. I find this form of expression freeing after a lifetime of hiding myself away.”
Nicolas softened. He gave me an apologetic look, smoothing his thumb over where he’d flicked me. My body surged like it was filled with hornets.
“Youshouldsee more of Gallae. Perhaps you should take an outing. Bring Quinn, of course,” he added, then returned his focus to my dress. He let his eyes roam me freely as I sank uncomfortably against the wall. His mouth went so dry that his words were no more than a croak. “Gods, I can hardly stand to look at you. Ashiftwould be less revealing. They’ll think I’ve picked a loose woman, that I have no control over my house…”
I had to shove my disgust deep down inside me as I forced myself to take his hand. I was beginning to understand how weak he was to such affections, as his breath shuddered from only that little touch. “Let any who mock you meet my wrath. I can do far worse than a bit of shit and mud.”
Light bloomed in his eyes. He grinned in recognition of my misdeeds, lifting my hand to kiss it. His lips were soft to the touch, but I tried not to let myself fall distracted. “Very well, dress as you will. Perhaps this is a good thing. Some merging of identity is due for Antier. A master tailor shall craft your desires…and perhaps a few of my own, down the line.”
He caressed the side of my neck. I couldn’t suppress the shiver his touch provoked, or the clouds that began to fill my mind.
“Oh, and regarding the shit and mud? While it has been wildly entertaining, I want to see blood next,” he whispered.
My thoughts catapulted back to reality. “My prince, I’ve already tormented the man.”
“Then his torment should meet a swift end,” Nicolas said. “Don’t let time soften your resolve. By his orders, you would have died; let him die by yours.”
A final word. He turned to leave, but I followed him. “Is this what you command, Your Highness?”
I knew in my gut that Percy had to go. I had the alibi of a good person, one who had offered a remedy when he fell mysteriously ill, and he still resorted to veiled threats and mockery.
I wasn’t even sure it was about self-defense anymore. Now I hated him, wished foulness upon him, even death. But Nicolas needed to feel his part in what was to come.
Nicolas paused, turning to face me. “You are the axe within my hand, my lady.”
A strange rush surged through my veins. I stifled it, bidding farewell to Nicolas before and hurrying along to Florence’s room.
After a few quick raps on the door, the witch answered. She looked up and down, measuring something invisible to the naked eye.
“We’re doing it?” Florence asked.
I lowered my head, but kept my eyes steeled forward. “What do I need to do?”
Chapter 19
Wet earth squishedbeneath my boots as we trudged out into the darkness. It wasn’t enough to go outside; we had to be surrounded by the night, untouched by any candle, and out of sight from watchful eyes. We took a hidden exit in the walls, one I’d never seen, and went down the mountain until the road extended a footpath through delicately-manicured woods.
“How did you know about the door?” I asked, careful of my steps.
Florence looked over her shoulder, guiding the way with her oil lamp in-hand. “While you were seeing a play in the city, I was familiarizing myself with the castle grounds. It’s always beneficial to know your exits.”
I knew we were in a cedar grove by the smell and homogeny of the surrounding silhouettes. The moon was scarcely visible through the foliage, but eventually we happened upon a place where its light shone down like a beacon, perching itself atop a boulder.
“This will do,” Florence confirmed, taking me by the hand and leading me closer to the moonlight. Then she shut off the lantern, gently placing it aside. “Remove your clothes, my lady.”
Before I could interject, the sorceress preceded me in stripping down. I looked away, fumbling with my various articles, and finally managed to follow suit. I didn’t know why I had to be naked, but I knew that asking questions would mean receiving cryptic or vague answers…
No, it was better to simply act on Florence’s command. The answers would inevitably come.
“Lovely—now sit atop that big rock there.”
I did. The moon bathed me in unearthly white, making my skin glow.
Florence watched, seeming to approve of my malleability. “Do you trust me enough to close your eyes?”
