Matthias nodded. “It’s been too long. Do you have time for me?”
The petite blonde stood and motioned towards the back of the studio. “I always have time for the prince.” She pulled the black curtain to the side and Matthias stepped through. Her back room was filled with low lighting and house plants. The greenery muted against the dark furniture and absence of bright light. A tall brass lamp stood beside the black leather chair, casting a golden glow upon the seat. The smell of the room was welcome to Matthias, a burning candle—cinnamon, oak and leather. The other smell, green soap with undertones of whiskey and smoke.
Matthias sat and removed his shirt.
“Do you know what design you want done or do you want me to just freehand it?”
Leaning forwards Matthias pulled the concealed dagger from behind his back and lay it on the arm of the chair. “This is your subject and I would like to put it here.” He pointed to the slim section of uninked skin on the inside of his upper right bicep.
Abby nodded and started preparing her workstation. Needles, little cups of black ink, gloves, and cloth to wipe away the blood she would draw.
Matthias sat back and closed his eyes, allowing the experience to envelop him until there was nothing but sound and scratching. He didn’t even bother looking at Abby as she sat hunched over his body; he knew she would work her magic and the design would be perfect.
Minutes ticked by and turned into hours. Abby worked in silence, and that’s just how Matthias liked it. There was no need for conversation here, the work being done spoke for itself.
“Finished,” Abby said as she wiped the surface of his skin with a paper cloth.
The dark prince viewed her work and smiled. It was a replica of the dagger Adalia had made him, complete with wording too. “Thanks Abby, it’s perfect.”
The blonde smiled at him and reached for the clear wrap to place around the fresh design, protecting it from the elements of Oscuro. “Don’t get it wet for a few days and definitely don’t scratch it as it heals. You know the drill.”
Matthias nodded as he rose from the chair. He fixed his trousers and rolled his shirt sleeve back down. Reaching into his pants pocket, he gathered a handful of gold coins and placed them in Abby’s open palm. “As always, it’s a pleasure.”
Abby sent him a half smile. “Don’t leave it so long next time, prince.”
“I’ll try my best.” Matthias winked at the girl before leaving the studio.
The afternoon sun was dipping, and the streets were filling with nightlife—if one could call it that. It was more like hectic madness filled with over stimulated bodies of people who didn’t know what to do with themselves.
Matthias headed towards a dark alleyway and once he’d made sure it was empty, he winnowed to the palace.
Matthias spent the rest of his afternoon in the confines of his room. No one ever bothered him there, not even Jes—not since their last encounter, anyway. She’d been avoiding him like the plague. Matthias wanted to stay right where he was, but dinner would be served soon and if he didn’t show, his father would just send someone to drag him there, anyway.
Sighing, he placed his instrument down and closed his eyes for a moment, preparing himself for an evening of what Matthias would call ‘pure torture’. Mossy brown eyes filled his mind, and he smiled to himself. At least being here kept her safe.
If he had to stay in Oscuro forever to keep it that way . . . he’d do it. If his father ever got his hands on Adalia again, he would be here to save her.
The dinner gong sounded through the palace, and Matthias ran a hand through his hair. Time to face the music.
“Stay here, boy.” He motioned to Bones, who lifted his head as Matthias moved to the door.
The halls were quiet as he walked. He could do this, have dinner, pretend you’re enjoying yourself and leave before the fighting starts.
“Entering the fight tonight, prince?” a pitiful voice taunted from behind him. “I was thinking I might.”
Turning, Matthias came face to face with Snake.
“Why must you follow me wherever I go? Do you like it when you are referred to as a dog?” the prince sneered.
“At least I’m obedient to my master.”
“Of course you are, because you have no brain to think for yourself.” Matthias folded his arms across his chest.
Snake grinned, but ignored his remark, his empty yellow eyes travelling over the dark prince. “How’s that delightful creature of yours you’ve been hiding away?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“What was her name again? . . Adalia,” Snake purred.
