He grabs my wrist before my finger pokes his chest. Emotions pass over his handsome face, twisting it into something horrific but he hides it all away quickly. “You’ll realize, kitten, in this castle, I can do whatever I want with very little consequences. If I want you to parade naked in the great hall, I will. If I want to watch maids touch your skin and dress you in jewels, I will. You’ve yet to realizemypower here.”
“And you’ve yet to realizemine.” My body tenses as he leans closer, inhaling at my temple. I sway, craving his heat and touch, even as the anger inside me builds.
Smiling against my head, he whispers, “I look forward to seeing it again. Now…” He shoves me toward the bathroom. “Make haste. We’ve an audience to receive and I’m in the mood for a show.”
The bastard smirks as the servants haul me back into the washroom. All of them remind me of Fee with tall, willowy bodies but strong hands. They don’t let me argue, taking the heir’s word as law, before stripping me of the ratty clothing and throw me into the bath.
I want to fight, to hate this. I am no simple maiden, used to being cared for or served. But the hot water feels so good against my tired, filthy skin. I haven’t bathed inweeks.
Groaning loudly, I open my eyes just as Kaden leans against the doorway, smug smile firmly in place.
Soon, I’ll cut it off, soul-bound be damned.
“If I knew giving you a bath would get those noises from your lips, I would have done it sooner.”
Flipping him off, I turn my back to his chilling laugh.
Chapter
Four
MAX
The water is long cold by the time they take me from the bath, the servants patting me dry even as I fight their touches. But they won’t be deterred.
They comb and style my raven locks into loose waves, painting my eyelids with thick black lines. They allow me to put on my panties, a bare slip of red lace and put a silken robe over my shoulders, but nothing else.
“Bring her out,” the heir commands again and my jaw bounces.
I could defy his orders. But what good would that do? I am in his rooms, he is a prince and I am just a pretty bauble to be used until he gives me away to his father.
The urge to pull my magic, to squash his heart is overwhelming. I hate this, being used by a male I thought to give my heart to. How stupid was I to give it to him?
Sighing deeply, I stand taller, shoulders back. He’s not the only one who can play this game. I just have to endure, until I can figure out a way to escape.
The servants lead me into the bed chambers, blackness hovering around the edges, obscuring most of the room. I can only make outthe bed, a grand piece with thin dark silk sheets and a long dresser. An ornate mercury-colored mirror sits on the wall above it.
Unfortunately, even as I squint, there isn’t much light to see the rest of the room.
Standing in the center of the room, arms crossed, black locks wild, is the heir. Staring at me, eyes unreadable, he doesn’t move as I enter, but he grows more agitated the closer I come.
I’m pushed the final step as my feet stumble. Close enough now, I can see the flecks of black in his amber eyes, the tips of his fangs, and the flaring of his nostrils.He’s scenting me.
“Remove it.”
The robe falls away, and dry heat hits my chest as my nude body goes on display.
He scans me again, carefully drinking in my form, more critical than hungry. If I didn’t know him, it would almost appear as if he’s looking for injuries, but that’s a foolish thought. This is all a game to him.
The mirror behind him shows my reflection—tall with ribs poking through my sides from my lack of nourishment, arms long, legs visibly shaking. It’s been weeks and I look as if I’ve aged years.
Stopping behind me, he peers at my reflection, face thrilled. He’s enjoying this.
It doesn’t help I’m damp between my thighs from his ravenous look.
“Leave,” he demands quietly. The servants hurry through the door and I try to watch them, but his hand finds my chin. Forcing me to look in the mirror, he breathes, “You may think me cruel, kitten, but this is for me.Onlyme.”
His gaze burns as his eyes fall to my chest, my stomach, and then, my hips. I shift, uncomfortably wet, but I don’t comment on it.
