Chapter 18 Be My Guest
Be My Guest
Asterious
The prince stood in the doorway, drilling his gaze into Caramyn’s, wondering why she looked ready to pounce on him—and almost wishing she would.
He'd planned to ask her to dinner himself.
He wanted to check on her far earlier right after the guard's strange report this morning, and he was heading straight for her room when Terrin came rushing in to tell him about some equally disturbing occurrences outside the stables, involving the return of a vile monster he thought he'd taken care of.
“Tyrios tells me you’ve declined my request for dinner.” He cocked his head to the side, his eyes still locked with hers. “How rude of you.”
She stood firm, unmoving. “Hardly ruder than kidnapping.” Her fierce pose was quite the contrast against the delicate blue dress she wore. “And I only declined because you sent your men to do your dirty work, as I’m clearly starting to learn is a pattern with you.”
Asterious bit his tongue to keep himself from responding too hastily. Her words stung, but he knew how things must look to her—the way he kept his distance, and the way she had seen his men put themselves in harm's way for him. But he couldn’t expect her to understand. At least not yet.
“I’ll ignore that remark.” He chose his words carefully. “I’m trying to be welcoming. I want you to feel as though you are my guest, not a prisoner.”
“Guest?” Caramyn tossed her hair over her shoulder with a fake laugh. “I must’ve missed the invite because from where I’m standing, I don’t recall choosing to come here.”
Asterious moved toward her, just one step. To his surprise, Caramyn mirrored his movement and approached with a step, too. Now, they stood inches apart, so close that he picked up her scent of lavender and saffron.
“It seems there are a lot of things you can’t seem to recall.
” He breathed with a low grumble. “Listen, join me for dinner tonight, and I’ll let you ask me anything.
” He leaned forward and whispered into her ear.
She flinched but didn't pull away. When he stepped back at her silence, her silent gaze flicked back and forth across his face.
“Why not ask one of your men to entertain you? Or are they not welcome at your table, only to do your bidding when it suits you?” Her never-ending remarks flew off her tongue effortlessly like venom.
Asterious clenched his jaw to retain his composure and turned aside. “I hope to see you at my table.” He didn't give her a chance to argue further, only straightened the collar of his black coat and calmly walked out the door.