Chapter One
T he stark difference between the heat in my cheeks and the cool kiss of the wind was a welcome relief. I could still feel the anger rising from the pit of my stomach, threatening to boil over. Was I seeing red, or was that just the shade of the roses seeping into my vision?
I tried to take deep breaths, but the scarlet petals brought back the sound of his dingy, lust-filled voice.
“Your beauty rivals that of the most luscious flower.”
The thought of it made me want to eviscerate the rose bushes entirely. I looked down to see that my knuckles were gaining a white hue from gripping the balcony railing so tightly. I could not fathom how anyone could be so incredibly vapid, with nothing to offer but his own arrogance.
“That dress becomes you, Your Highness.”
Foul. Absolutely foul. After attempting to court me for over three months, Sterling Windsor had yet to mention anything other than my physical appearance. If Kafele was to be believed, then I also knew the prince had much more vulgar things to say about my body when I was not present. Nicola’s betrothed had never given me reason to doubt him before, so there was no cause to do so in regard to the annoying man.
If one could call him that. Being nearly two hundred years older than him made me reluctant to do so. Which was another rather revolting aspect of this soon-to-be union. He was practically a child in comparison to me. In fact, I was well into my eighteenth decade when he came to be.
I suddenly felt sick thinking about what I must have been doing when the boy prince learned to walk.
Perhaps if Sterling was not trying so desperately to fit into a place where he, quite honestly, did not belong, then I could see past the superficial; although, the age might still haunt me. How many more times could I sit through breakfast while he said obnoxious things like “Your eyes are especially dazzling today, Asher”? Or walk with him while he showcased one of the most jaded personalities I had ever come across? Or politely tell him once again to keep his hands to himself without smacking him across the face? Worse yet, how could I do this for a lifetime?
My spiraling was interrupted by the click of the double doors opening behind me, and then the steady tap of heels on concrete. Each step towards me echoed, the sound of pure confidence sending birds scattering. I knew who it was before her lilac perfume wafted my way, but the scent was further confirmation that the queen stood to my left.
“I was unaware that the view of the gardens was worth missing out on your own introductory ball,” she said, the edge of her lips tilting towards the stars above. Her tangerine hair was cut to her shoulders, hanging lower in the front than it did in the back. A small shake of her head sent locks waving back and forth.
Despite being well over six hundred years old, there was not a wrinkle on her face other than at the corners of her light blue eyes. She stood a few inches taller than me, towering over most females. From head to toe she was a compilation of straight, harsh lines. Gold petals made up her gown, sewn together to form a tight-fitting masterpiece that showed off her figure perfectly. The outfit was both regal and youthful, complimenting her skin, which was as pale as the moonlight.
Mia was every bit the glorious figurehead a queen should be. Her mere presence was a reminder that I was not. Many across the realm had not hesitated to share the same concern, but it was still never fun hearing it in my own head.
“I thought introductory balls were to allow a member of the royal family to meet their potential suitors, not be obsessively followed by a mortal boy.” The queen chuckled, quickly trying to muffle the sound with a gloved hand.
After a year of planning this ball, we were unable to cancel, but it was still clearly for show. Just to follow the traditions and pretend as if the eligible bachelors of the realm had a chance to win me. I was no more than a means to the crown to those dancing in the golden palace at our backs—a prized and feared creature that might offer them endless wealth and favor. Even with whispers of my engagement spreading across every isle, many fae still hoped they might be able to convince the king and queen to pick their son instead. Not that any of those sons would even speak to me.
“This was much easier back when it was I having balls thrown for me to meet my future king consort.” The vague response did nothing to settle the unrest simmering inside me. Of course it had been easier for her. She had a ballroom full of Elements, and the strongest won her favor. Just as it had always been. Far simpler than my circumstances.
“I cannot do this anymore Mia. If not for the fact that he does not see past what I can give him, then because he is so mundane, I find myself wondering if he will bore me to death one day,” I whispered, having at least enough self-control to not mention his inappropriate behavior. Not only would it make no difference, but it would also only serve to upset her. “I do not like him in the slightest, and I dare say he would not like me very much if I did not come with a title and immortality.”
My voice was harsher than I meant it to be, and I could see concern flash across Mia’s face before she quickly schooled it back into neutrality.
“Asher my dear, you are simply new to this. Relationships take time to build and grow. This one will flourish if you give Prince Sterling the chance to become comfortable. Can you imagine being removed not only from your home, but from your entire realm, and living with beings you have never met?” she asked, her features softening. “Would you be an exciting and vibrant suitor in that situation? Are you even trying to be one now?”
Her words cut deep, but the truth of them was evident. I had not thought about how isolating it would feel to be around creatures so vastly different than yourself. Although it did not excuse his less than savory actions and words, I could see how alone he might feel.
I sighed, looking up, hoping to find some sort of answer in the stars. My hand instinctively went to the small amethyst at my neck, twirling it between my forefinger and thumb. “I know you are right, but I guess I always thought that I would marry for love.”
That I would choose something for myself, was what I wanted to say. I rarely had the chance to make my own decisions. If I had complete autonomy in every other aspect of my life, I might be more agreeable to the situation.
“You can marry for something far greater, Asher. You can marry the man who will bring great prosperity to your kingdom. And along the way you can learn to like him, to be happy with the life you will build together.” The respect I felt for Mia prevented me from speaking the truth that was on the tip of my tongue: an alliance is not love. Despite the way she cared for her husband, I knew there was no love there. King Xavier once told me that marriage should be a partnership rather than a relationship, and Mia felt the same.
“You are right. I promise to make more of an effort to get to know Prince Sterling,” I vowed.
A simple thing, saying one will try, but it was enough for her, it seemed. Her wide smile was contagious, and it relieved my face of the angry flush.
“I will be inside shortly, I just want a bit more fresh air,” I said, smiling up at her. Mia nodded and kissed my forehead before walking back into the grand ballroom. The second the doors closed my shoulders slumped. The conversation drained me, and I felt like more of a husk than a princess.
I stood there for a moment, taking deep breaths and attempting to convince myself that I could one day enjoy the company of a boring pervert. I loudly snorted at that and turned to face the doors. My body met resistance suddenly, causing me to stumble back. Hands grabbed my arms, steadying me. I looked up to see a pair of icy blue eyes.
“Hello,” the fae said. His husky voice did not quite match his youthful grin that formed, dimples popping up on either freckled cheek.
I took a step back, straightening the skirts of my gold gown out of nervous habit. His gaze followed my hands and I felt surprisingly bare for how covered I was. Then his eyes met mine, and embarrassment flooded me as I apologized, “I am so sorry.”
“No, it is I who should apologize; I was not paying enough attention,” he said, his smile so wide it made me feel warm despite the chill in the air.
“There is no need to apologize, but I thank you for doing so,” I responded, looking at him a bit more openly now. The burgundy jacket and trousers were a surprising choice, as were the many gold rings that adorned his fingers. The outfit hugged his body and showed off what had to have been fairly intense training. His dark hair was cropped and messily styled, with short pieces falling down his forehead.
I realized I had not heard him exit the ballroom and wondered how he could be so quiet with the stone beneath his feet.
Briefly I considered ending the conversation there, but I could not keep the curiosity at bay. “I do not believe we have met, you are?”
My attempt at nonchalance must not have been believable, because the handsome stranger’s eyes crinkled in amusement, that smile still lifting his cheeks. I could see the weather was already causing him discomfort as his ears and nose quickly pinked. Why would he care to be outside?
He bowed deeply, peeking up at me through thick lashes. “My name is Bellamy, Princess. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” The raspy words sent tingles up my spine. What an interesting name, one I had never heard before, in fact. Bellamy grabbed my hand and placed a quick kiss to the top, the ivory tone of his skin a striking contrast to the bronze of my own. My breath hitched and entirely inappropriate thoughts filled my mind.
I was no better than Sterling.
“Well, Bellamy, it was very nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy the beautiful night and the rest of the ball,” I hastily responded.
Walking around him towards the doors, I attempted to hide my face, with cheeks heated for very different reasons than when I came outside. My foot snagged on something, causing me to tip forward. A hand grabbed my waist, catching me before I fell. Bellamy pulled me up, my back becoming flush with his chest. I felt his breath tickle my ear, and there was now no denying what I felt low in my stomach.
“Are you okay?” he asked, sliding his hand across my stomach and making no noticeable effort to separate our bodies. I turned over my right shoulder and looked up at him. Concern coated his features, but amusement sparkled in his eyes.
I began to pull away and felt his arm tighten around me before letting go. His reluctance to release me brought a devilish smile to my face.
“Twice you saved me tonight, Bellamy. It seems I am in your debt,” I said, my voice coated with honey and desire.
I knew exactly what I was doing, and despite how wrong it was, I could not stop myself. I turned to face him, keeping us close. The smirk he gave brought a dimple to one cheek, and suddenly I could see where the husky voice came from.
“I would never dream of accepting debt from you, Princess,” he said, placing his hands behind his back.
Uncertainty filled my mind. Did he not feel that same electric shock that I did where our bodies met? Was I making a fool of myself? I took a large step back, furrowing my brows. Clearly, I misread the situation. What was wrong with me?
“Of course not. Have a splendid night Bellamy.”
I made haste in hopes of avoiding further embarrassment, or worse, intrigue. With a gloved hand on the brass knob, I stopped. As if against my will, my head turned towards the invisible pull at my back. My eyes met Bellamy’s, who was staring back at me with a level of intensity that made me shudder. I did not look back again as I entered the ballroom, the music dragging me into reality once more.