My mouth falls open, but I won’t let that get me down. “You’re a grumpy ass, you know that? You’re no fun to be around at all.”
He doesn’t flinch, barely lifts his lazy eyelids as he continues to stare at me. So, he’s not backing down. Fine.
I flash him a wide smile, then prance off to grab another glass of wine.
After I polish off another glass, I dance late into the night. I dance with anyone who is willing, which is a lot of people. I am the princess, after all. I don’t see what the big deal is in that name, I did nothing to earn it. I was simply born into it. Other people seem to hold it in high esteem, though.
Eventually I begin to tire, and just as I’m about to stumble out of the dance hall, a strong hand lands on my lower back, and the scent of trees washes over me.
“Adrian,” I say, my voice losing its stamina.
“Let me escort you back,” he says, falling into step beside me.
“Oh… all right. Thank you.”
“Of course.” His bright smile is back, but I don’t linger on it. I’m becoming tired, and the effects of my drinks are wearing off.
“Did you have a fun evening?” he asks.
“Yes. So much fun. I love to dance at balls.”
“I know you do,” he chuckles to himself.
The fact that he’s aware of that makes me feel warm in my chest. He pays attention to me.
“You’re not a fan?”
“Only with certain partners.” He grins down at me with that charming face of his, and I smile back.
We walk in silence for a few moments through the long, orb-lit corridors, courtesy of fire elementals and their convenient inventions. Once the world permanently went a several shades darker, light became everything.
Finally, Adrian clears his throat, the sound of it echoing through the empty, high-arched hallway.
“So, I saw you talking to one of the dragons.”
“Ah, yes. Prince Asshole.”
Sir Greenwood looks down at me with a mix of shock and bewilderment on his face. “Was he rude to you? I thought you said they were our friends?”
“No, no. He’s just a little… surly.” If you call holding a knife to my throat surly.
“Well, he’s no prince. They don’t have a king or a prince.”
“Right. He’s Lord Vaelor’s son, though, I believe. So, whatever he calls himself down south.”
I hear a very faint, indecipherable noise behind us, but I don’t turn or react. Adrian doesn’t seem to notice.
“Well, he better watch himself. You’ll tell me if you have any problems with him? He really should be kissing your feet as the princess of this kingdom.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoff. “And I’ll be just fine.”
He looks at me with trepidation.
“Well, I think this is far enough. Goodnight, Sir Greenwood. Thank you for walking me to my quarters.”
He lets out an exasperated sigh. “Of course.” He bows and places a kiss on my hand, then retreats back down the long stretch of hallway. I watch patiently until he turns a corner.
“You can show yourself now, dragon,” I call out into the wide, dark expanse in front of me. It’s just a hunch, but I’m proven right when a towering figure emerges from the shadows, not far from where I stand.
