Chapter 18 Kasimir
KASIMIR
“Soon-to-be husband?” I almost gag. At least the look on Ruby’s face shows she’s just as surprised as I am.
“Did your father not tell you?” Orion ignores me, the golden waves of his hair framing his chiselled face like a halo. But I know he’s no angel. The way his hungry eyes stare at Ruby as we stand only metres away from the carriage that nearly killed us – his carriage – makes my skin crawl.
“Sorry,” Ruby laughs nervously. “Father did mention something about another prince visiting, but I didn’t realise it would be so soon.” Her hands twist together. “And he certainly didn’t mention anything about a marriage between us.”
Orion chuckles. The sound is loud enough to scare birds from their trees.
“Oh, my darling,” he purrs. “Nothing is finalised yet, of course. But your father and I have become good friends over the past few seasons, and so when he wrote to me requesting I pay a visit to court his beautiful eldest daughter, I could not refuse. And now, after seeing said beauty with my own two eyes,” he smiles, planting another kiss on the back of her hand, “it will not be long before I have him make our union official.”
Something inside me stiffens, and my fingers itch for my daggers. I won’t kill him. Not yet. Killing princes is risky business, and I’ve already murdered too many for my liking, but if he touches Ruby again, I won’t hesitate to snatch that crown and drive the iron points through his chest.
“That’s very sweet of you.” Ruby winces, squirming her hand out of his hold and inching closer to my side. That’s my good girl. “But I—”
“Do not underestimate my ability to charm,” Orion cuts her off. He grins, opening his arms with a flourish. “I have heard many stories about you and your eleven sisters. I’ve heard you’re all also quite accomplished dancers, you especially so, my darling. I’m actually quite fond of ballet, myself.”
Call her darling one more time, I dare you—
“Really?” Lips parted, Ruby drifts away from my side to step towards the prince. “I’ve never met a prince who approves of our dancing before.” Her head dips, avoiding his gaze. “Even Father doesn’t really like it. He thinks it’s improper for young ladies to prance around in short dresses.”
“Improper?” Orion repeats, shocked. “Oh, my sweet princess.” My eyes narrow.
“Ballet is an art. It should be respected, worshipped.” He shakes his head, then clasps both of Ruby’s small hands as she stares wide-eyed up at him.
“I shall have to have words with your father. Fear not, I shall beat these old-fashioned opinions out of him.”
Ruby giggles, and for once I hate the sound. I hate that he’s touching her, and I hate that she’s letting him. My fingers burn for my daggers.
No. Not yet.
“And who might you be, good sir?” He turns to meet my glare. “Do not tell me the princess already has another prince here to court her?” He’s smiling, but there’s a sharpened edge to his words. It’s a challenge I’m happy to meet.
“Oh, um,” Ruby stutters, stepping back from the prince. “This is—”
“I’m her guard,” I state, unblinking.
Orion’s brow lowers. “A guard, you say?”
“Yes,” Ruby adds. “A-and it’s my fault we’re out here.
I couldn’t sleep, so I left my bedchamber to go for a walk, but then I got lost and my guard came to fetch me.
” Her cheeks flush pink as I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
She’s a terrible liar. But Orion must be an idiot, because he just nods and tosses her an understanding smile.
“If I may,” I cut in. “I should be returning the princess to her chambers. These roads are not safe for conversation, and I’d hate for Princess Amaryllis to encounter another reckless carriage driver.” Or another smug prince. But I hold that thought inside.
“Of course.” Orion turns to Ruby. “You must forgive my foolish driver for his behaviour today. I will see to it that he is punished accordingly.”
“It’s quite alright,” Ruby says shyly, combing a finger through her hair. “It was an accident, after all.”
Orion grins. “How sweet you are, my darling.”
My jaw ticks. That’s it. The blade hidden by my wrist springs free. I’m just about to drag it across his throat when a warm palm lands on my chest.
“Please take me home,” Ruby says, smiling up at me. My breath catches, and the blade returns to its sheath as all my senses come flooding back to me.
I’ll get her home first. Make sure she’s safe. Then I’ll deal with this new royal problem later.
“Nonsense!” Orion starts as I lift my chin to glare at him. “Princess Amaryllis will ride with me.” He extends his hand, but before Ruby can take it I take her arm instead.
“The princess stays with me,” I say through gritted teeth.
Orion raises an eyebrow. “What is your name, guard?”
“Henry,” I lie.
Orion’s lips twitch. “Well, Henry, I appreciate your concern for the princess’s welfare.
But I can assure you she is perfectly safe with me.
She may take my carriage while I sit with my driver, and then I will have a servant escort her back to her bedchamber.
You need not be so—” He chews his words, flicking a disapproving glance at where my hand grips Ruby’s. “Possessive.”
Anger boils in my throat, but Ruby’s voice stops me from unsheathing my blade again.
“It’s alright,” she says quietly to me. “I should go with Orion. Will you please just return Destiny to the stables?”
My eyes flick to hers. “Are you sure?”
She nods. “It’s better this way.” Her voice drops to a low whisper. “You’re not really my guard, remember? We can’t exactly ride together through the front gates.”
My molars grind together. For her, I would’ve found another way in. But I suppose it doesn’t matter now that Prince Charming has come to save the day.
I want to kick mud on his golden boot buckles.
“Thank you for everything,” she whispers. Then, after squeezing my arm, she spins away to face the prince.
“Let’s get you home, my dear,” Orion says, taking her hand and guiding her towards his carriage. Ruby passes me one last hesitant smile before disappearing inside.
Orion doesn’t waste any time locking the door behind her. Any politeness on his face vanishes the moment the door slams shut.
Scowling, he strides towards me.
I roll my shoulders. It’s difficult, but somehow I bite down the grin threatening to take over my face. If he punches me, I’ll of course have no choice but to retaliate, and I’d love to see how that flimsy ceremonial sword at his hip holds up against a dozen daggers.
“You,” he seethes, stopping inches from me.
“Yes, Your Highness?” I match his tone. He doesn’t scare me – I’m taller, just about.
Orion narrows his eyes. “I don’t know what’s going on here, who you are really or what you are to her,” he starts. “But for the sake of my future bride – and only hers – I won’t report what I saw here today to her father.”
“Your discretion is much appreciated.” I shrug. “The princess is fond of my company, after all, and I’d hate for her to be left… unsatisfied.”
The prince stiffens, his hand dropping to his sword. But to my immense frustration, he doesn’t draw it. “Don’t test me,” he spits.
“Or what?”
Orion’s scowl deepens. “I’m not a fool. I’m not naive enough to believe the stories I’ve heard about Sol’s precious virgin daughters. I’m certain Amaryllis has had lovers before and I highly doubt you’re the first commoner she’s spent the night with.”
“You take that back—”
“But make no mistake, guard,” he cuts me off. “Princess Amaryllis will be mine, and only mine, even if I have to buy her every dance gown under the sun and build her a dozen palaces to match…”
A blade flicks free of my wrist.
“...Because there’s more going on here, more than someone like you could ever understand.”
I pause, jaw tensing.
“And if the princess doesn’t marry me, there’s no telling which monster her father will finally force her hand to. He’s running out of patience. I’m the last good option she has, and I intend to have her choose me.”
My breath stills. A few heartbeats pass until once again, my blade returns to its sheath.
I don’t like Orion. And I don’t like the way Ruby smiles at him, even more. But if even a word of what he’s saying here is true, I can’t kill him. Not if he’s Ruby’s last chance at happiness.
Princesses are meant to marry princes, after all.
I can’t take this one away from her.
“I knew you’d see reason.” Orion scowls, backing away. “It seems like we both want the same thing. Just don’t let me catch you alone with my bride again and we won’t have any more problems.”
I snort. As if he could stop me.
Orion ignores my laugh as he strides towards the carriage and takes his place beside the driver.
Just as I’m reaching for Destiny’s reins, I hear, “Oh, and Sir Henry?”
“Yes, Your Highness?” I grunt without looking back.
“From now on, see to it that my bride stays inside the palace. No more early-morning walks.”
I turn just in time to see Prince Orion flashing a row of teeth as the carriage rolls down the road.
The gold coating of his carriage is so bright in the morning sun it stings my eyes, but still I vault myself up onto Destiny and follow closely behind.