My heart sank. For once, I didn’t want to do the talking.
Ericen’s gaze settled on me, and I held it out of spite. “If our relationship is going to consist of staring contests, I’ll go mad,” I said.
His lips twisted into a one-sided smile. “At least mine’s a pleasant sight.” His eyes slid along my body. Slowly.
My skin prickled. “I can’t say the same.”
His smile widened, becoming wolflike. “I’ve heard a lot about you, you know. The princess who won’t leave her room.”
I stiffened, my cheeks threatening to flush. “And yet here I am. Congratulations. Your arrival warranted my presence.”
Ericen continued as if he hadn’t heard me. “I’ve also heard you’re not good at doing what you’re told.”
“I like to think of myself as a free spirit.”
“And that someone tried to kill you.”
The air turned thick as mud, sticking in my throat. Ericen sat back, folding his arms and looking infuriatingly self-satisfied. “Now why would someone want you dead? What have you done, Princess?”
Nothing. I’d done nothing. Which was why it didn’t make any sense. How did he even know about the attack?
Forcing myself to relax, I schooled my face into a look of feigned disinterest Caliza would be proud of. “My theory? They heard about the engagement and wanted to spare me the misery.”
Ericen’s smugness evaporated.
I took the opportunity to pounce, leaning forward. “I, on the other hand, haven’t heard a single thing about you.” Rumors didn’t seem worth mentioning. “Strange. You’d think in a kingdom of soldiers, the prince would have made a name for himself. I didn’t even know yours before now.”
A muscle feathered in Ericen’s jaw, but Caliza reappeared before he could respond. I leaned back from the table, flashing him a quick sneer.
We spent the rest of dinner talking, each minute of conversation dragging longer than the last. I barely noticed Ericen’s veiled insults or Caliza’s deft handling of them, only joining the conversation when he said something particularly infuriating. By the end, my fingers had nearly drummed holes into my leg.
“Well, with the loss of your pets, I imagine things have changed drastically,” Ericen said.
My spine snapped straight, and before Caliza could respond, I snarled, “They weren’t pets!”
He raised a single black eyebrow. “Oh? Now that I think about it, I suppose I did hear that they were integral to nearly every one of your industries. Adjusting must be difficult.”
I didn’t realize I’d leaned forward until Caliza cut across me, interceding. “I’m sure you’ve had a long trip and would like time to rest. I’ll call someone to show you to your room.”
She stood, but Ericen didn’t acknowledge her. His eyes were locked with mine, one corner of his lips twisted into a knowing smile I longed to pummel from his face. Riders and their crows had been servants of the crown, servants of Rhodaire. They’d been partners, the bond between them stronger than blood. Stronger than steel. It had been more than love and understanding; it’d been magic, a physical connection between two beings that transcended any other.
They were notpets.
The servants Caliza had called arrived. Only then did Ericen break his gaze from mine and stand. “I’d like a tour of the city tomorrow morning, Your Majesty.”
“I’ll arrange for someone to escort you.”
His eyes shifted to me. “The princess, perhaps?”
I stiffened, but Caliza didn’t so much as blink. “Unfortunately, Anthia is otherwise engaged.” A lie. Caliza just didn’t want me out of the castle.
“I’m sure she can find the time.” His tone dripped with implication. He knew he had power here, and he wanted to be sure we did too.
Caliza’s lips pressed into a line. “Very well.”
The prince inclined his head in the shallowest of bows before following the servants inside.
“Bastard,” I hissed.
