Page 4 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

“Shhh! You don’t say those things out loud. Anyone could be walking by, listening to what you said and report back to the prince.”

I close my mouth, my eyes going wide as I stare at my mother. I have completely forgotten that there are some people madly in love with the prince and who would do anything for him and his father.

How could I be so foolish?

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, looking toward the window, but no one is there.

I let out a breath and turn back to my mom. She is staring at me and shakes her head.

“I don’t want to have lunch with him, let alone marry him,” I quietly explain. “We won’t be good together. We are like oil and water, no way to mix and stay together. You and I both know that.”

My mother chuckles and shakes her head again. “Go now, or else you will be late. You don’t want that.”

A shiver races down my spine as I think of what he might do if I am late. He got serious and angry when I declined his offer for lunch, being late might be worse. I kiss my mother on the cheek before heading out, promising that I’ll be home soon to help prepare for market.

As I make my way toward the building the Fae are constructing, the hairs on my neck stand up again. My eyes scan the terrain around me, trying to find the person watching me but to no avail.

Everyone is staring at me as I walk toward the prince, but it isn’t their eyes. It is someone specific, it’s like they can see into my soul, my mind, and know what I am thinking.

Forcing a smile, I approach the prince.

“Prince Archie.” I bow in front of him.

“Rise,” is all he says again.

I can’t shake the feeling as I stand in front of Prince Archie. It’s not his eyes that I feel on me. Once again, his gaze rakes up and down my body, stopping several times on my breasts. My whole body feels dirty as he finally finishes and takes in my face, a wide smile plastered on his as we make eye contact.

“We’re going to a little spot in the forest where there is a clearing to have a picnic.” Prince Archie speaks as he starts to walk.

I nod, not really paying attention to him speaking, but eyeing the surroundings around us, trying to find the person watching me. I should be nervous, scared, but part of me isn’t. I feel comforted, like I’ve known them my whole life.

“The guards have already set up everything, so when we get there, we can sit and talk,” the prince continues as we made our way to the forest.

“Sounds delightful,” I lie, my voice void of any emotion, but the prince doesn’t seem to notice. It is anything but delightful. As my eyes scan to the right, I halt and let out a gasp.

Dark cobalt blue eyes are fixed on me.

CHAPTER 2

“Are you okay?” Prince Archie asks. Worry laces his tone, but it doesn’t sound authentic.

But I continue to stare into those deep cobalt blue pools. They are enchanting, almost pulling me into their owner, not wanting to let me go. The pull of wanting to go to him is strong.

As we maintain eye contact, it’s like we are meant to be together, meant to look into each other’s eyes for centuries. It feels like we’ve known each other for years and years, and yet I’ve never seen those eyes before.

I would remember those eyes. Even from far away, I can see the different layers of blue flowing in them, like little specks, but at the same time like mountains.

“Are you okay, Adeline?” Prince Archie touches my shoulder.

Flinching, I look away and nod. I dare to look back, knowing it might get both of us into trouble but the need and longing to catch those piercing blue eyes again and get sucked into the calm and security overtakes my good sense.

But they are gone.

My eyes search the area, trying to find them, but to no avail.

Where did he go? What does he look like? So many questions run through my mind as I look over at the prince, moving my shoulder so he will stop touching me.

Having his hands on me is repulsive.