“Ugh,”I gagged at the name. “Why are you even friends with him? He’sawfuland you’re… you’re not as bad as I thought you were.”
He sighed. “Sameer is not awful.”
“He is, though.”
“Your Highness.”
“He lures you into his lies, withfairytalesand hopes, and promises of belonging with him and then he just-” I jerked my hand chaotically.
“He is kind.”
“Oh, I have no doubt. When itbenefitshim.”
“You’re angry. Which is understandable given the circumstance.”
“Is it?” I asked. “Is it understandable?”
“Of course.”
“Mr. Evergreen, the circumstance is that I have kept myself pristine,untouched, unlovedand alone in my virginity for all eighteen years of my life. Do you know why? Because I was told to. I was told that a good wife would come intact and that I was to marry a prince in another empire, miles away, across the world, and for what? What purpose, you ask? Peace.Duty.My father’s incessant need for control?”
“Love,” he said.
“Love?”I puffed rudely. “There is no love here, sir. Not for me that is. MissAggysure finds it. Doesn’t she? My prince, too. He is likely on top of her as we speak.”
“Are you resentful of her because you care for Sam?” he asked.
“What?”
“Miss Agatha.”
“How unbelievably dare you, sir,” I muttered. “That is the dumbest question of the night!”
“I think it’s a fair question. You keep bringing them up.”
“I do not.”
“Miss Agatha is a nice woman. She is very smart. She is very good in nature. In another time, you would be friends,” he said. “You’re very much alike.”
“Oh, I suppose you think she’s gorgeous, too?” I asked. “Does her perfect skin shimmer in the perfect moonlight? Does she send shivers down your perfect spine?”
He rolled his eyes. “Do you care for the Prince?”
“Do you care for Miss Agatha?” I asked.
He frowned.
“Oh my, god, you do!” I clutched my chest. “I’m going to vomit.”
“Svana.”He reached for me but I recoiled.
“Sameer, fine, but you?” I whispered. “Can I have no one for myself?”
He shook his head. “I do not care for Miss Agatha,” he said. He folded his arms. “…Do you wish I did?”
“Obviously not!” I cried, instantaneously regretting it.
He paused but then he nodded. “Because you’re angry that she spends her time with Sam and I’m simply his filler? Because you don’t want to share? Or because of something else?”
