He shrugs. “If it fits…”
I narrow my eyes at him. “You were the one who invited me here. Or do you not remember the note you left me, your highness?”
He throws me a confused look and then frowns. “See that is not a good pet name...”
I smirk. “Does it not fit?”
“No, it doesn’t. It is extremely uncreative and you would not be the only one who addresses me as such. Therefore, it would lose any uniquity. If you are to try again, give it some thought first.” He waves a hand at me and leans against a tree with a cocky smirk.
I purse my lips. “Okay well I am not sure I will take you up on that, but thanks for the offer…”
“Afraid of challenges I see.”
I quirk a brow at him. “I never said I was afraid.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Well,” He walks over to me and lifts up a finger to trace the side of my face. My stomach flutters at the contact. “For one, you’ve been avoiding this place like the plague.” He caresses my neck next. A shiver invades my body, and he smirks. “For two,you’ve been here two months and have barely left your room, save to eat and run to the library with the guard dogs.” His hand finishes by tracing down my arm. “You seem to love hiding away from your future here in your nest of blankets and the safety of your past.” His wondering hand travels back to my chin lifting my eyes to his. “That does not seem like someone who luxuriates in a challenge to me.”Get away from him, Lace!
I will my body to pull away from him. My nipples are pebbled, and I know my face is flushed. I clear my throat. “You seem to know a lot for someone who has been doing just as much sneaking about.” My voice is embarrassingly breathy, and I curse myself for it.
“Not sneaking, observing, little dove. I need to know the intricacies of my pieces properly before I can play them.”
I scoff, backing away from him further. “You are an ass.” I start to walk off, trying to shake off his effect on me.
“Flying off so soon?” He tilts his head, watching me.
“Well, if there is nothing else, I would prefer not to spend my morning toyed with.”
“Who said there wasn’t?”
I huff. “Look, it is obvious all you are here to do is aggravate me and quite frankly this morning has been far too odd to deal with anymore of your riddles.” Which in all honesty is kind of a lie, I am enjoying the verbal sparring match a little too much, but I do not want to get too comfortable and have it bite me in the ass later.I know we are about to get married and everything but maybe it can be more like a roommate situation rather than anything romantic, most kings have many lovers, right? It could be easy for us to forget we are even married, other than I guess any public appearances…My body tightens, making its disapproval at that thought known.Yeah, with the way he touches me? That is so not happening.I am jerked frommy thoughts when the prince catches my wrist. I jerk back.How does he move so silently?
He crosses his arms and stares at me expectantly.
“Ugh, fine tell me what you want.” He smiles. “But hands to yourself.” I add in a rush. His smile only grows wider.We have not known each other long enough to be touching as much as we have as it is…“Besides,” I continue with a jolt of apprehension. “I do not even know your name; everyone just refers to you as prince or the king’s son. Touch is a familiarity reserved for those known and trusted not strangers, even if they are your betrothed…”
He smiles at me wryly. “Names have power here, Dove. It is not an accident my name is not known to many but,” his grin turns teasing. “Once I have found you have spread your wings, I will give you a hint.”
"I do not have wings to spread," I grit out.
"It is a metaphor, little dove."
I roll my eyes. I cannot help feeling like I am presenting myself as the pawn he continuously accuses me of by playing this game, but curiosity scratches at me. “Only a hint?”
“Only a hint.” He confirms.
“What kind?”
“You’ll see.”
“I do not trust you.”
“Oh, you shouldn’t,” he confirms.
I bite my bottom lip. “Will it at least be a good hint.”
