Chapter 20 Kasimir
KASIMIR
My townhouse kitchen is silent except for the scrape of the whetstone as I drag it across my blade, over and over again.
It’s sharp already – has been sharp since night crept in through the windows and I had to light a candle to see – but I don’t care.
I have to be doing something. Because if I’m not sharpening my blades, I’m fantasising about dragging them through the heart of that golden-haired prince.
Orion.
Fucking Orion and his sparkly shoe buckles.
Why did she smile at him like that? I’m fond of ballet too. Or did she think my reaction after watching her perform at the tavern was not obvious enough?
It took every ounce of self-control not to whisk her away after that dance: to throw her over my shoulder, strip off that white tempting slip of a gown and claim her against the wall behind the tavern.
But she deserves more than that. A princess like Amaryllis deserves to be worshipped. I’d take her by candlelight with her legs spread bare across silk sheets, and I’d be gentle too – the first time, filling her tight entrance just enough to hear her moan. Those fucking moans. And then—
“Stop thinking about her.” A low voice yanks me from my thoughts.
Turning, I see Meera leaning against the wooden countertop. She’s scowling, arms folded over her black tunic while her hair’s been pulled back into a messy bun on top of her head.
Normally, I’d be happy to see her. Any other night, I’d pour out some whiskies and the two of us would share a drink, but not right now. Not when my head’s a jealous mess and her sharp, judgemental eyes tell me she can see all the nasty thoughts in my mind.
“I’m not thinking about her,” I grunt.
Meera laughs, throwing her head back. “Don’t lie to me.
You’ve been quiet ever since she left, and it’s not just that, you’ve,” she scrunches her nose, waving her hand in my direction, “you’ve been acting weird.
Like you’ve gone all broody. It’s not a good look for you, Kaz.
” Her coal eyes burn on the dagger in my hand.
“And this is the third time since dinner you’ve been in here sharpening that thing.
Please tell me you’re not thinking of using that on a certain new prince? ”
I sniff out a laugh. I’d told Meera about the carriage incident after returning from the palace.
She’d clapped her hands and called Orion’s arrival a blessing in disguise. But I could think of a few other ways to describe the posh twat. Devil in disguise, for starters.
“Stop it, Kaz,” she sighs. “Enough is enough. That girl is bad news.”
“I know, damn it, I know.” My blade hits the floor. “That’s why she’s in the palace and I’m in here, alone and perfectly happy. Or at least I was, until you came in.”
Meera’s lips flatten. But before she can reply, we both flinch at the sound of a knock on the front door.
“I’ll get it,” she huffs, marching out of the kitchen.
There’s silence for a brief moment, and I almost return to my blades. That’s until Meera’s exasperated shout echoes through the townhouse.
“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me!”
Leaping out of my seat, I charge out of the kitchen.
But then I stop dead in the hallway.
“Ruby?”
Princess Amaryllis stands shivering on my doormat, her fingers knitting together as she grips the edges of her woollen cloak. Her face is pale, and she looks just like how she did when I first caught her running through Night Alley. Lost. Desperate. Afraid.
Tears form in her violet eyes as her stare meets mine.
“Kasimir!” she starts. “I’m so sorry for surprising you like this but—”
“What happened?” I march towards her and I don’t stop until I’m inches away. Up close, the fear in her eyes is even more real. I can hardly stand it. Grasping her shoulders, I lower myself to meet her gaze. “Was it Orion? Did he hurt you?”
“No.” She shakes her head. But then she winces, and the action speaks for her. “Well not really but—”
“What did he do?” I reach for my daggers.
“Nothing he just—” She shakes her head again. “It doesn’t matter. He didn’t hurt me, and besides, that’s not why I’m here. I’m here because I want to help you. I want to get you that letter from the brothel.”
A loud laugh steals both our attention away.
“Well, that’s hilarious, thanks for making my night, Ami,” Meera cackles, ignoring me as I shoot her a seething look.
“What’s so funny?” Ruby argues. “I know I can do it. I can help!”
“Oh boy, I’ll leave you two to it.” Meera slows her laughter. “Good luck, Kaz. And good night, Princess!” With a sarcastic bow, she saunters into the living room, leaving us both alone in the candlelit hallway.
Rolling my eyes, I turn back to Ruby. “Your willingness to help is admirable, but really this mission is not for you.” I squeeze her arms, lowering myself again.
“Now will you please tell me what happened between you and the prince?” So I can kill him, is what I want to add but I keep that last part to myself.
Ruby scowls. “Like I said, it doesn’t matter.” She folds her arms, any fear now long gone. “I’m here to help you get that letter, and frankly, if you don’t want me to go, I’ll just walk around until I find Andrick’s whorehouse then I’ll walk in and steal the letter myself.”
I bristle. She wouldn’t dare. But then again, the defiance on her pretty face is saying otherwise.
“Ruby, please listen to me—”
“No, you listen to me!” She throws her hands down. “I’ve had a very long day and I just walked through those horrid woods by myself—”
“You did what!” I cut her off, but she doesn’t stop.
“And now I don’t want to listen to you, or anyone else telling me what I can or can’t do. I’m sick of it! I’m so tired and now I’m quite certain that Father hates me, and…” Her voice trails off into a sob.
Without thinking, I wrap my arms around her shaking body, tugging her close to my chest.
“It’s alright,” I soothe. “Like you said, you’re tired, and it’s been a long day.”
“I’m just so, so tired, Kasimir,” she mutters into my chest, sniffling.
There’s more to her story. I know there’s more. That bastard prince did something and she’s hiding it. But now’s not the time for an interrogation. Ruby feels so weak in my arms, I just know if I push her any more, she’ll crumble.
“Hey,” I whisper, trailing my fingers down her spine. “Stay here for tonight. Tomorrow, if you’re feeling better we can talk.”
Ruby nods, then mumbles something into my tunic.
“What was that?” I smile, using my fingers to tilt her chin up. Her face is red and puffy, but still I’d give anything to kiss those tears away.
“Thank you,” she murmurs, “for letting me stay and just… well, thank you for everything.”
I nod, swiping my thumb across her cheek. “No need to thank me. Now let’s get you to bed.”
Gently, I take her hand and begin to lead her towards the carpeted staircase. But we’ve only made it a few steps when I hear Meera shout, “Make sure she goes into the spare bedroom!”
“Am I not a gentleman?” I yell back, only for Meera to snort in response. My eyes narrow, but the soft sound of Ruby’s laugh washes away any anger. She’s my priority now. And I don’t let my focus drift from her as I lead her up the stairs and show her to the spare room.
The bedchamber is small, simple with just a plain white bed and a dresser, but it’ll do for one night. The fact that it’s right next door to mine is certainly nice too. For at least tonight, she’ll be close. Safe. And miles away from any golden-haired princes.
Now, if only this door had a lock.
“My room is right next door so if you need anything just knock,” I tell her, guiding her inside.
“Thank you,” she says again. I release her hand from mine as she steps further in. Her tired eyes take in the bedchamber.
“There’s extra blankets in the dresser, and I’ll call for a servant to bring you some water to wash with,” I add, leaning against the doorframe with my arms folded. “Do you need any help undressing?”
Ruby’s lips part, but only for a moment before her cheeks burn as red as her hair. “What?” she squeaks.
Smirking, I tilt my head. “I was going to suggest that a servant could help you,” I laugh. “But if you’d prefer my assistance, I’d be more than happy to help strip you of your gown.”
Ruby flushes darker than wine.
“No!” she stutters. “I can do it myself. This dress isn’t hard to remove.” Her breath quickens. “B-but thank you for the offer.”
My chest shakes with laughter. I should feel bad for teasing her, but how can I when she’s this adorable all flustered? Damn her title. If she wasn’t the king’s daughter, I’d never let her leave my townhouse, let alone return to the palace.
“I should get some sleep now,” she says shyly.
“Of course.” I tip my chin, straightening in the doorway. “Anything you need, just call for me.”
Slowly, she nods.
“Oh, and Ruby?”
Violet eyes meet mine.
“If you can’t sleep, I’m happy to help with that too.” My words send confusion tugging at her features. “Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten about last night.” I raise an eyebrow. “I’m quite skilled in tiring you out, remember?” My fingers trace the smooth door handle. “Sweet dreams, Ruby.”
Chuckling, I swing the door shut just as her face burns crimson.
Sweet dreams indeed.
There’s not a sound from Ruby’s bedchamber during the night.
Even when dawn arrives, and the sun continues to rise high into the sky, there’s only silence behind her closed door.
By late afternoon, as the sunlight turns golden through the windows of my townhouse, I’m drumming my fingers against the kitchen table.
Meera sits across from me, watching me with a bored expression.
“I’m going to check on her,” I say at last, shoving myself up from my seat.
“No you’re not,” she grunts. “The girl said she’s tired, so let her sleep.”
“But what if something’s happened?”
“While she’s alone in your spare bedroom?
” Meera raises an eyebrow. “Sit down, Kaz. I’ll go and check on her.
Don’t you know it’s improper for a man to enter a lady’s bedchamber without her permission – especially a princess’s,” she chides, kicking her chair back and heaving herself up.
“Why don’t you go and sharpen your blades or something.
Just do something other than mope. I’ll let you know how she is. ”
I bite my tongue as Meera leaves the room. I’m not moping. It’s just late, and I can’t help but worry something’s happened. I did lock the windows, right? And the front door. That’s always locked. I think. Fuck.
Slamming my hands down, I wander off to sharpen my blades.
An hour later, two sets of footsteps tread carefully down the stairs. I drop the whetstone along with the dagger I was sharpening onto the kitchen counter. Mine were already beyond sharp so I worked on the reserve weapons stash – and the back-up reserve too, along with the kitchen knives.
I had to do something.
Emerging from the kitchen, I see Meera turning around the bannister. She’s closely followed by Ruby, who—
My chest seizes.
“Meera,” I hiss between gritted teeth. “What is this?”
Meera smirks. “Do you like it?”
“Like it?” My eyes can hardly remain in their sockets.
Pressed against Ruby’s skin is the most revealing dress I’ve ever seen.
Dark burgundy fabric drapes around her curves, while a low yet suffocatingly tight neckline pushes her breasts up towards her chin.
A long slit travels up to her thigh, and while I can’t deny she looks irresistible, a gown like that would fit right in at any of the whorehouses along Night Alley.
Even the dark tint on her lips makes her look wanting, fuckable.
Wait. No…
“Meera, tell me this is not what I think it means.” Fury darkens my gaze.
“It wasn’t her idea. I told her I wanted to help with the whorehouse!” Ruby pipes up, but I don’t dare look at her again. I can’t trust myself to think rationally if I do.
Meera shrugs. “Like she said, I didn’t make her. She wouldn’t stop begging, and honestly using her to steal it will be much simpler than bribing one of the girls there.”
“We are not using her for anything!” I snap.
“Why aren’t you letting me help?” Ruby charges towards me. “Please, Kasimir. I know I can do it. Meera made it sound easy. Why don’t you trust me?”
I shoot Meera another seething look before finally turning to Ruby.
My gaze softens. She’s always been so beautiful. But like this, with black lining her eyes and her red hair spilling over her shoulders…
“I do trust you,” I rasp. “But this is just too dangerous. You’ll have to go into his office alone. What if something goes wrong?” My jaw tenses. “What if someone figures out what you’re doing and I can’t reach you in time?”
“Then teach me to defend myself,” Ruby cries. “I can take one of your daggers. You can teach me how to use it!”
My breath catches. I almost want to laugh. That’s absurd. Just the thought of my fragile princess walking around with a concealed blade is…
“Actually that’s not a bad idea,” Meera finishes the thought for me.
Ruby steps forward, placing both hands on my chest. “Please, Kasimir,” she begs with glossy eyes.
“Fine,” I huff. “I’ll teach you. We’ll use my bedchamber. It’s bigger so there’s more space to train.”
Ruby grins, squealing excitedly.
“You better impress me,” I add. “And don’t think just because I’m training you that I’m willing to let you go to Andrick’s. It’d take a lot more than seeing you with a blade to convince me that you can—”
But she’s already racing up the stairs. Moments later, I hear her sprint across the landing and then my door being thrown open.
“Good luck, Kaz.” Meera steps forward, slapping my shoulder with a laugh. “I’d tell you to go easy on her, but clearly she’s already got you on your knees.”
I scoff. But like always, I know she’s right.
Fucking hell.