Chapter 39
Wishes
Evelyn admired the new ring on her finger.
I’m going to marry Leo!
Haydn walked through the front door of the palace. He smiled at her, then came to a sudden halt when he spotted the ring. Something sinister flashed across his eyes before his expression lessened to displeasure; but Evelyn had not missed the moment of malice.
“Do you have news for me, Princess?”
His icy voice sent a shiver up her spine. Evelyn had never been afraid of Haydn before. She had been angry, intrigued, and seduced by him, but not scared. She wouldn’t have let him into her bed if she thought he was dangerous. But now his gaze held something… predatory.
I’m probably imagining it because I feel guilty.
“Yes,” she answered. “Can we talk outside?”
He gestured to the door. “After you.”
Evelyn glanced nervously at Rory and Simon to make sure they were coming. Her guards followed her like they were supposed to.
They walked onto the east lawn, out of earshot but definitely not out of sight. Haydn looked at Evelyn expectantly, daring her to admit what she’d done.
She wasn’t sure how to explain everything diplomatically. “I’m going to marry Alexander.”
Haydn continued to stare at her.
“He apologized.”
Still, Haydn didn’t say anything.
If he weren’t right beside me, this would feel like being stalked by an animal.
“I’m sorry, Haydn. I… I love him.”
He barked out a laugh, but didn’t sound amused. “And does your fiancé know that I was inside you only minutes before he put that ring on your finger?”
She inhaled sharply. “You can’t tell him!”
“Doesn’t he deserve to know? Wouldn’t you want to know if he fucked Hannah this morning and twice last night?”
Evelyn pushed those images away. “Haydn, please—”
“I thought we were getting married, Princess. You are supposed to be mine.”
“I know, but—”
He took a step closer. “Why shouldn’t I just take you to Lochmatten right now? You know I could get us there in a heartbeat.”
Evelyn’s heart stopped beating. “I can’t marry you.”
“Then I guess I don’t have anything to lose.” Haydn turned on his heel toward the palace.
“No!” Evelyn clutched his arm. “Make another deal with me.”
Haydn smiled the way Evelyn imagined a cat would after cornering a mouse. “What kind of deal?”
“Promise me you won’t tell anyone what happened between us in my room.”
“And what will I get in return?”
“What do you want that doesn’t involve me leaving Alexander?”
Haydn went ominously quiet while he considered the possibilities. “Have you heard the human tales of creatures called genies?”
Did I black out? I clearly missed something.
Evelyn shook her head. “What are you talking about?”
“The creatures aren’t real, of course. But human children are taught that if they find a genie, it will grant them three wishes. Riches, beauty, power. Anything they desire.”
“Why are you telling me about a human fairy tale?”
Haydn’s grin reappeared. “I want you to be my genie, Princess.”
This can’t be good.
“What does that mean?”
“You will promise me three favors. You will do whatever three things I ask, with the stipulation that I can’t use a wish to take you from Alexander.”
This is a devil’s deal.
“Why three? Why isn’t one favor enough?”
“It’s one for every time I made you climax. You do want all three of those to stay a secret, right? Because I could do separate deals for each and give you three more tattoos.”
Evelyn’s face heated. “One deal! Three secrets, three favors, one Bargain.”
“Agreed. Say yes.”
Leo can’t know. And Haydn can’t hurt me. But, gods, this is a bad idea.
Haydn tapped his foot. “I’m not feeling especially patient today, Princess. Say yes.”
Fuck.
“Yes.”
Evelyn gasped at the sudden pain in her leg, like a dart hit the back of her thigh.
At least that tattoo can stay hidden.
“Do you think we should practice?” Haydn asked.
“Practice what?”
“I wish…”
Magic that wasn’t her own rose through Evelyn’s body. It forced her head up so she had no choice but to look at Haydn. She tried to step back, but she couldn’t move.
The Bargain is making me wait for his command.
Oh gods, this was a mistake.
The gleam in Haydn’s eyes told her that he knew exactly what was happening.
“Release me,” Evelyn growled.
At least I can talk.
Haydn just smiled at her.
“Let me go or tell me what you want,” she begged.
He whispered in her ear, “You will not speak, write, or otherwise indicate anything negative about me. As far as everyone is concerned, you and I are good friends.”
Tendrils of magic wove into Evelyn’s neck and fingers, locking into place as if Haydn had turned a key. Then the force in her body relaxed, dormant until his next wish.
Maybe he is a devil.
Haydn bowed. “Congratulations on your engagement, Princess. Forgive me for not attending the wedding, but I’ll send a present tomorrow.”
He kissed her cheek, which was how Evelyn learned that ducking out of his reach or slapping him were against the rules. Those actions would be considered indicative of a negative opinion.
Haydn winked—actually fucking winked—at Evelyn before he walked away.
She sank to her knees in the soft grass.
What have I done?
Rory and Simon ran to her, alarmed to see her on the ground.
“Princess! Are you okay?”
Haydn’s magic burned in her neck.
“I’m fine.”