I stared at Gaz.Why would he assume I was the one chosen?“He hasn’t chosen the princess he’ll challenge yet.I doubt it will be me.If he’s smart, he’ll choose Riah.She’s the least likely to spill his blood after she defeats him.”
“He won’t choose Riah,” Gaz said, looking away.He removed his hand from my arm, and the skin felt chilled again.
“Why not?”I asked.“She’s as likely as any of us.”
Gaz looked back at me.“If he’s come all the way from Zulen to claim a bride, there’s a reason.He could easily marry one of his own women, but he wants a woman from Earsleh.There must be some advantage he seeks or something we have he wants.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” I said.But I should have.Gaz was correct, of course.He was always thinking strategically.I should have thought about what the prince hoped to gain from a union.“I suppose whatever it is he wants, Riah won’t be helpful.”
“Unless he’s very dull-witted, he’ll see that right away.”
“He’s not,” I said.
“Oh, really?You admire him.”Something about the tone of Gaz’s voice made me look at his face.He wore the same expression as usual, but I could see by the intensity of his eyes, he waited for my answer.
“Admireis too strong,” I said.“I don’t know him.But from what I have seen, he is clever.He speaks our language and has a passing knowledge of our customs.That’s more than I can say for the Zulen language or culture.”
“That makes him more dangerous than I thought.You’ll have to be careful—”
“Gaz, he will not choose me.He’ll probably choose—”
“He’ll choose you,” Gaz said, sounding more certain than I had ever heard him.“Even if it’s not prudent.He won’t be able to resist.”
“I don’t understand why you would think—”
Gaz reached out and caught a piece of my hair whipping about my cheek.He tucked it behind my ear then allowed his fingers to retreat along the skin of my cheek.My body suddenly heated in spite of the chill, and my breath caught in my throat.Everything seemed to be spinning.My gaze met Gaz’s and what I saw in his face made my legs weak.He was looking at me like he had earlier today.I could see in his eyes he desired me.I was half-afraid I was dreaming this or imagining things.
“Icouldn’t resist you.That’s how I know he will choose you,” Gaz said.“I tried to tell myself you were like a little sister to me,” he said, stepping closer to me.“But I don’t feel about you like I do about my sister.”His arm went around my waist, and I was drawn against his muscular chest, our eyes level.“Then I told myself you were too good for me—the king’s favorite, a royal princess.”
“I’m not—”
He put a finger on my lips.“Youaretoo good for me,” he said.“But I want you anyway.”
My gaze slid to his full lips, lips I had imagined kissing so many times.He moved closer, his mouth just grazing mine.“I’ve been hoping all day I’d see you again so I could do this.”He brushed a kiss over my lips.“Andthis.”His mouth settled on mine, making heat surge through my body.His lips were soft but strong and he knew what he was about.His hand slid into my hair, his fingers pressing against the tense points of my neck.
“Mara!”I jumped back and slammed into the high stone balustrade.My ass was still sore from the training yesterday, and it reminded me of that fact as soon as it made impact.I winced, then glanced at the door to the balcony and spotted my mother, hand on hips, face in a deep scowl.“Get inside,” she hissed.“Your father is making introductions.You are missed.”
I hurried across the stone balcony, glancing at Gaz as I passed him.He looked down, perhaps in deference to my mother or because he didn’t want to meet my gaze.
“And you”—my mother pointed at Gaz—“aren’t you supposed to be watching for threats?Do your duty or I’ll report you.”
“Mama!”
“She’s right, Lady Mara,” Gaz said.“I should be on watch.Forgive me, Lady Aine.”
My mother blew out a breath and pulled the door open, gesturing for me to step inside.The sudden silence of the stone corridor made my ears ring, and the warmth prickled my freezing skin.
“Look at you,” my mother muttered.“All my hard work!”She began patting my hair and trying to arrange it.
“I’m sorry—”
“Do not apologize.I’m sure Gaz of Westower did all he could to be certain he was at this banquet.”
“I thought you liked him.”
She scowled.“That remains to be seen.”
I choked out a laugh.“You act as though suitors are lining up for my affections.Gaz is a good man—”
