The prince couldn't care less of the lord's entrance, he inspected his golden glove instead. "So you've made clear." The lord's grin faltered and then his gaze settled on me. Something devious went through his mind.
"And who might this be?" He let go of the women at his side and came my way.
I felt nauseous.
The prince growled, "My bodyguard. And if you aren't careful, she will kill you in the most creative way she finds possible. Consider it your first warning."
The lord still stared at me, his eyes raking over my body. He licked his lips, his tongue—nearly as purple as the wine they served here. I nearly jerked away when he released a sudden laugh.
"You must forgive my greed. As you can see, I have an abundance of wives, and I am currently in search of a new one. Someone with a bit more fight in her." He analysed me once more.
All these women... were his wives!?
Red's jaw dropped, not at the least hiding his expression. Even Colfe choked on his wine in surprise. My eyes met Inanov's and we shared the same look.
"I am here for a reason—" the prince finally spoke but was then cut off.
"Forgive me for interrupting, Your Highness, but I know exactly why you are here. You are here to make Litara fall under Apollo." The lord looked at the prince, smirking.
"Yes, I am." The prince was getting annoyed. I could feel it, as well as his power. The lord felt it too, his eyes widened when he took in how the prince's eyes blared red.
"Let us discuss it over the feast I've planned for tonight. For all your men to attend and especially your warrior." He gave me a sideward smile. I couldn't help but scrunch my nose in disgust.
The lord was attractive, with slanted hazel eyes and clear porcelain skin. But there was an eerie aura he gave of, something wicked and malevolent.
"My wives will lead your men and warrior to their personal rooms to freshen up." The lord's smile was charming. A woman with large dimples bowed down to the prince. "This way, Your Highness."
"I need a room next to my warrior," the prince ordered. Looking straight ahead as the women led us up the stairs towards a dark corridor. I looked down to see Inanov and Red being led away together. Inanov caught my eyes.
"Look after the prince."He almost seemed to say with his eyes.
"Look after Red."I emphasised with my own eyes. Inanov gave a shallow nod.
"Stop staring at my royal guard," the prince snapped.
"I wasn't aware you could command me as to what I can and cannot look at," I answered, not giving the prince a glance.
The prince's fingers grazed my own. "Oh, my pretty warrior, I can and will command you to do anything I please."
My expression stoned and he smirked at my anger. "Unless it's intimacy. That, I will never command. That is something I will give once you beg for it."
My face immediately heated. "Never in your royal dreams." I scowled.
The wife had led us to our rooms, twin doors next to each other. “I must tend to my husband, ring the bell if there is anything you require.” She made a bow, leaving immediately. The prince pushed the door open and nearly shoved me in it, I gasped and caught myself immediately.
"What is wrong with you—" I nearly yelled, but he came close and wrapped his hand against my mouth. He put a finger from his other hand on his lips.
"The lord's wife was listening intently to our conversation; I fear there are more listening ears.” He hushed.
"So you don't trust the lord either?" I asked.
"I don't trust anyone here." The prince leaned away, his warmth leaving my body.
"I think we should leave; I don't have a good feeling about this place," I spoke truthfully to the prince. He saw the concern in my eyes, his face nearly softened until it hardened to its usual expression.
"I am not leaving until my mission here is complete."
"You just said you do not trust him," I exclaimed. Adrion raked a hand through his platinum hair and then looked at me...
