Chapter 29

"Yes?" I answered, rather surprised at his forward ness.

"I was hoping to meet with you" he smiled widely and I couldn't help but feel like Crystal unfairly called him plain. He looked quite charming when he smiled.

"I'm flattered. Is there anything I can help with?" I asked, eyes glancing towards the blonde girl who watched tentatively from afar.

"It's not so much help from yourself, but I've recently become engaged with a young lady. She actually participated in the ball but didn't get through thankfully. She happens to be a fan of your boutique and since I heard rumours that you're looking to open in the capital I was hoping to maybe book a day when she could visit?" He looked quite flushed at having asked the question, but there was a nervousness about him that made rejecting him feel uncomfortable.

"Of course", I replied with a smile, "but where did you hear that rumour from?" I asked, knowing full well I hadn't advertised anything just yet.

"The archangels wore your dresses at their latest event. Every lady of the house in fact. The men wore your brothers line. It's caused an uproar among the ladies, but considering how you've been cooped in the palace it makes sense you haven't heard" at his words I felt a small smile on my face.

"I suppose Connor Archangel hosted this event?" I asked with a delightful smile I couldn't contain.

The ginger gave me an inquisitive look and nodded.

"That's correct. Do you have relations with him?"

"We're simply business partners" I lied, unable to help the swell of pride.

So Connors already begun. I hadn't expected him to be so skilful in marketing. I haven't gotten a reply of him yet, but I suppose I may as well write him another letter.

"Please just send a letter to me when you've decided on a date and I'll clear that day for you" I smiled at him, "On that note, where may I find his highness?"

"His highness?" He echoed with surprise and then a knowing smile cascaded his face and I cringed.

Stop… you're misunderstanding.

"I was hoping to discuss a few matters with him" I lied which only made him smile wider.

"Well you needn't look far" he laughed and then made a gesture to look behind me.

I stiffened.

I could feel it.

Those predator like eyes, drilling holes into my back.

The voice in my head telling me to run for it as I turned around and curtsied.

"Your majesty".

"Rise" a large pale hand was placed before my face, urging me to take it. With no choice I did and finally met the gaze of his excellency, the prince of Grandor.

He wore a face that portrayed nothing of Jules, the man I was acquainted with.

"What is it that you wish to discuss?" He asked coldly, gaze penetrating.

"I shall take my leave" the ginger said with a bow and left before I could stop him.

Great… where is Crystal?

I couldn't spot a single speck of blonde with a quick glance, but then again, I looked to the expectant prince before me, he's blocking most of the view.

I let out a deep breath, deciding it was too late to be polite.

"Why did you do that?" I bluntly asked, eyes narrowing.

He looked surprised at my question, or maybe it was my behaviour.

"Whatever do you speak of?" His gaze seemed to crawl all over me and I could have sworn for a moment his cheeks became a light red.

I shivered.

"Don't act coy" I pointed a finger at his chin and he stared at it so strangely I felt uncomfortable.

"Coy?" He asked with a small smirk, hand grasping my pointed finger and enclosing it in his hand.

"Yes. What was that in the debate parlour?" I demanded, trying to pull my hand away but his grip was strong and pulled my finger to his face. Lips planting a soft kiss on the tip.

I jerked away, feeling my cheeks heat up and a strange dooming fear that seemed to be building more and more large as I continued to stare into his devouring eyes looked over me. He didn't let go of the finger, eyes finding enjoyment in how uneasy I looked.

"You seem to be the coy one here, Miss Colter. You seem to be ignoring that incident in the garden as if it never occurred" there was a purr in his voice, head leaning low as he whispered to me.

I hated how my body stiffened and I held my breath as I stared captivated at his beautiful face.

I had been ignoring the garden moment, but it was simply because I was so busy I couldn't dwell on it.

"It's not as if it was such a shocking event to be pressing on my mind. You may have forgotten, but I have no interest on dallying among ladies fighting for a crown that won't even be mine at the end" I hissed back.

"Can I tell you a secret?" He suddenly asked and I bit my lip before I could yell no.

"What?" I spat.

"I want to drink your blood" his voice was no longer the same as usual. It was so much more seductive, his gentle fingers glided on my skin in circular motions.

What might it feel like to have a vampire drink your blood? I felt a tickle of curiosity.

"Do you want to hear a secret?" I barely managed to say the sentence, but I caught his attention.

He nodded slowly.

"I want to be anywhere else but here".