26. CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
SEBASTIAN
There’s something wrong with me.
Something…
I think it’s mental and physical, which has brought me straight to the palace medic . It’s as if she’s in my fucking bloodstream. I need to get her out promptly.
I’m hoping the doctor comes in and tells me I’ve come down with some horrible virus that has altered my brain chemistry and affected my heart. That’s the only logical reason I am feeling the way I am. Victoria has given me a virus and I need to get it out.
Not only have I completely fucked up by bringing her to my chambers to fuck her, I also made sure everyone else would be busy so it would be just the two of us.
That was mistake number one. To make matters worse, I kissed her.
I don’t fucking kiss. We fucked missionary, which is another red flag, because I looked into her big brown eyes while I fucked her.
Every time she came on my cock, I could physically see it.
Then I fell asleep.
… with her in my arms in my fucking bed.
It took me two seconds once I woke up at the crack of dawn to jump out and bolt from the room. She poisoned me. There is no other explanation. She brought in a fucking parasite from the village and let it latch onto me.
I should have run her off like every handmaid before her.
“Your Highness.”
The older man carries a manilla folder which he sets down on the stool. Dr. Harry removes his glasses from his wrinkled face and sets them down on top of the folder before leaning against the counter, crossing his arms across his chest.
“Every test came back normal. If anything, your bloodwork levels are the best they have ever been.”
What. The. Fuck.
“Though I will have to talk to Miss Pierce about her slipping less sugar into your coffee. Keep an eye on your intake, alright?” My mouth drops open and Dr. Harry fiddles with his glasses.
I came here to get rid of her, not to be told to watch my sugar because Victoria is adding her own personal touch to my strict coffee instructions.
No wonder I enjoy each cup.
Shut up, demon.
“Useless.” I grumble, grabbing my coat to leave. Clearly, I need to speak with Georgina about finding a new doctor, because this man is incapable of reading charts correctly.
By the time I make it to the east wing of the palace, my blood pressure has skyrocketed and my thoughts are spun into a web that I can’t find my way out of.
The heels of my leather shoes tap aggressively against the marbled tile, fury bubbling up fiercely in the deepest pits of my chest. Everyone must be able to tell, because the housemaids quickly rush away.
At least some have some goddamn sense. Unlike Dr. Harry, who should be looking for a new profession.
How am I supposed to trust him with the safe birthing of a child when he can’t even solve my fucking issues?
Imbecile.
When I find Georgina, my world topples once again at the smiling brunette beside her.
Victoria is cutting up cucumbers, her movements sloppy and so…
her. She’s the most un-elegant woman I’ve ever met.
So different from the polished and pristine handmaids that have been selected to serve the royal family.
How she managed to make the cut is something I’ll never understand, and yet…
she’s the only one I can’t seem to let go of.
They don’t turn, nor do they stop their chatting and laughing.
Georgina doesn’t laugh with the other housemaids. Not that I have ever witnessed . Everyone cowers to Georgina. They fear her. They respect her. So why is Victoria Pierce standing in the kitchen with Georgina as if they’re having a cooking lesson?
“Little Dove.”
Both sets of eyes swoop to me. I don’t look to Georgina, no. I immediately lock onto the pretty brown eyes that flicker with light. Victoria’s expression remains soft and happy. The tightness in my chest releases and that useless organ beneath my ribs stutters, beating with purpose.
Everything I wanted to scream regarding Dr. Harry is gone.
My mind blanks and my throat dries as a flush tints Victoria’s cheeks.
The color makes the light brown freckles pop over the bridge of her nose and I have the urge to trail my fingers over them.
Madness. This is total madness. I’m losing myself because of a smart-mouthed peasant.
“Crap.” My gaze drops to see the drip of blood sliding down Victoria’s finger. Did she cut herself? Just now?
I move without thinking, stepping to her side to inspect the injury .
She isn’t fazed by the cut, doesn’t even flinch.
Her hand is soft, warm against mine and slightly wet from the cucumber.
My free hand takes the knife from hers, setting it down by the slices of vegetables.
Right there on the tip of her index finger is a small slice. It’s deep but won’t need stitches.
Testing the blood flow, I squeeze gently and crimson leaks in a gentle flow. The metallic taste reaches my tongue before I fully register that my lips have closed around her fingertip. My gaze finds hers and I can see shock lingering in those dark irises.
If I’m falling down this rabbit hole, I’m bringing her with me.
I’ve officially lost my fucking mind.
“Sebastian.” Victoria’s voice is breathy and I have to close my eyes. She said my name. In front of Georgina, no less. None of this bodes well for anyone.
The right thing would be to scold her, to shout and punish her for referring to me by my first name, but I can’t.
Not when I practically begged her to say it when I fucked her last night.
Your Highness is something I never want to leave her mouth again.
Any other handmaid would be reprimanded for the disrespect.
Victoria isn’t just any handmaid. She is my inevitable downfall.
My fucking thorn.
I release the tip of her finger gently, my eyes finding hers . Lub-dub. Lub-dub. Lub-dub. The rhythm of my heart is erratic and I know if I press my palm to her chest, hers would match.
My jaw ticks and I step back, releasing her hand. “You need to pay attention.” I try my absolute best to keep my voice cold and direct, but it manages to be the complete opposite. Victoria’s eyes soften and she nods, offering a bright smile as if I have just given her the fucking world.
Georgina clears her throat and my whole body goes still.
I forgot she was even there. Nothing mattered in that moment, besides her and her safety.
Mustering up the courage to look at the older woman, I tense as Georgina stares at me with a quizzical look.
I know her enough to see she is trying to piece together what just happened.
She’s going to have to get in line.
If anyone wants answers to my current behavior, it’s me.
“Clean her up. I don’t want blood on my sheets tonight.” I avoid both their gazes and quickly exit the kitchen as if I hadn’t just licked her blood clean from the cut. If I wasn’t in line for the throne, I’d consider offing myself.