Possession

by Samantha Britt

  I wasn’t sure how it was possible, but his smile grew even wider. I didn’t comprehend it at the time, but that should’ve been my first sign that there was more to this dinner than I realized.

  11

  I stared into the depths of my closet. As a royal secretary, I was assigned several outfits appropriate for a variety of occasions. There were my uniforms for daily wear, a fancy collection of green skirts and formal blouses for situations where I’d attend diplomatic or royal meetings, and three gowns for elegant parties or balls. I’d been uncomfortable when the royal seamstress had delivered the wardrobe and matching pairs of footwear. I thought the amount of clothes was excessive, but Princess Cienna balked at what she called “my sad variety” of clothing.

  Against my wishes, she’d added dozens of day dresses and casual wear to my closet. When I’d said they were a waste of money, she’d vehemently disagreed. After pointing out I would want non-identifying clothes to wear on my days off, I’d finally conceded and let her do what she wanted. It wasn’t like I would have won the argument, anyway.

  I retrieved a knee length summer dress from its hanger. I found my uniform’s trousers freeing and comfortable, but I’d grown up wearing skirts and dresses. After the long day I’d spent in the library, my legs and feet would welcome the light material and open sandals. Besides, I might as well make use of my day off clothes. I suspected I wouldn’t actually get a day off any time soon.

  I shimmied into the beige, sleeveless dress, admiring the embroidered green and pink flowers tracing up the skirt from the hemline. I brushed my hair back and pinned two strands at the top of my head, letting the rest fall to the middle of my back.

  Looking in the mirror, it struck me, again, how much living in Draek had improved my appearance. I’d always been pretty, but my skin shined with a healthier glow, and I actually had some meat on my bones now that I ate a well-balanced diet.

  Deeming myself acceptable, I skipped applying cosmetics and looked at the clock.

  Fifteen minutes until seven.

  I decided to wait for Prince Finn in the main rooms. Distracted with straightening the crease in my skirt, I closed my bedroom door with my head down. When I looked up, I yelped with surprise.

  Prince Finn stood in front of me, holding a single rose between his fingers. My mouth dried as I drank in his dark trousers and tight tunic, admiring the dips and bulges of his muscular frame. His midnight hair was swept to the side, and a faint five-o’clock shadow covered his jawline. I’d seen the prince dress in formalwear on a number of occasions, and he always looked handsome and appealing. But seeing him in the casual, formfitting clothing forced me to admit the prince wasn’t just handsome… he was sexy.

  My neck flushed and I looked away. I didn’t think I’d ever used that word to describe anyone. Prince Brion’s face flashed behind my eyes, but I quickly brushed the image aside.

  Taking a breath, I returned my attention to Prince Finn and managed a, “Hello.”

  I wanted to cringe. That was the best I could do?

  The prince smiled. “Hello, Amelissa.” He moved closer, holding out the flower. “This is for you.”

  “Thank you.” I retrieved the rose and stared at its bright petals, trying not to wonder what to think of the gesture. Prince Finn was just being nice, just like when he’d sent me a bouquet of roses when I’d been sick. Thoughtfulness was just the prince’s way.

  “Shall we?” He extended his arm.

  I wrapped my fingers around his elbow, holding the gifted rose in my left hand.

  The dining room extended off the side hallway opposite of my room. I’d never stepped foot in the room other than the day Prince Finn had given me a tour of the apartment. He’d said I should feel free to wander my new residence anytime I wanted, but I’d yet to take him up on that offer. I understood he was trying to be welcoming, but I doubted I would ever feel completely comfortable visiting any of the princes’ private rooms.

  Prince Finn escorted me through the doorless entryway. A rich, mahogany table sat in the center of the room, surrounded by six chairs. Four bordered the long edges of the rectangular table, and the other two were placed at the ends. Three walls were painted forest green with crown molding bordering the ceiling. The outer fourth wall was made of stone—the same stone that made up the exterior of the castle. Two modest windows were cut into the wall, allowing the last remnants of the setting sun to shine in.

  Prince Finn guided me to one of the chairs at the end of the table, and he sat on the opposite side. I placed the rose on the outside of the elegant place setting. My eyes continued to roam the space, admiring the large painting on the wall behind the prince’s head. It featured a shifted draekon, painted against the night sky. I marveled at the detail of the creature’s scales and their varying shades of blue, green, purple, and black. The horns on its head looked lethal, as did the bright orange flames spewing from the beast’s mouth. The detail was astonishing, and I almost felt like I was looking at the draekon in real life.

  “Do you like it?”

  I flicked my eyes to the prince. “What?”

  “The painting.” He pointed to where I’d been staring. “Do you like it?”

  “Yes,” I answered, chastising myself for being rude by ignoring the prince. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Indeed.” Prince Finn rotated to look at the painting. “My brother is very talented.”

  My back straightened. “Prince Brion created that?”

  “And many other pieces you see in our apartments.” He turned back around and smiled at me. “But don’t tell him I told you. He isn’t one to revel in attention or praise.”

  I could hardly believe the brooding male was responsible for the breathtaking piece of art. Swallowing, I said, “I won’t say a word.”

  A servant walked in carrying a decanter. The man poured the prince a glass before moving to fill mine. He left without uttering a sound, and the prince didn’t so much as blink.

  “Dinner should be ready soon,” Prince Finn told me. “I hope you’re hungry.”

  “Yes.” I tried to sound normal, but I couldn’t help but feel awkward. I hoped the servant wouldn’t spread the news of my dinner with the prince. It wouldn’t help squash rumors that I was romantically involved with him.

  If Prince Finn picked up on my unease, he didn’t mention it. “How was your time working with Brion in the garrison?”

  “Informative.” I explained what my duties had been and described all I’d learned while documenting the meetings.

  “To be honest, I’m surprised your brother let me hear so much,” I admitted after I finished. If I was a spy for the rebellion, he would have given me tons of useful information for my cause.

  “Brion knows you aren’t associated with the rebellion,” Finn told me.

  “But he’s not even a little suspicious?” I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to press the issue. Perhaps it was because I honestly couldn’t figure Prince Brion out. His moods swung from callous to friendly within the span of one day. Part of me wondered if he was playing some game with me, testing to see if I was telling the truth about my involvement in the rebellion.

  Prince Finn’s eyes were sincere as he revealed, “Brion told me what happened the night of the last attack. He explained your shock was genuine when your brother explained your family’s involvement with the rebellion.”

  “You mean the fact my parents are the rebel’s leaders?” I didn’t attempt to conceal my disdain. If what Lin said was true and our parents left us in Caldiri to go organize a rebellion, I would never forgive them. I could never forgive anyone who left their children to fend for themselves.

  Prince Finn began to speak but held back, raising a finger and indicating me to remain silent.

  The servant returned a moment later carrying two plates. He served the prince first.

  “Thank you,” I murmured when he placed the plate in front of me. The man’s gaze flicked to me before quickly moving away. With a bow, he left
the dining room.

  Prince Finn lifted his cutlery and began to eat. I picked up my fork and stabbed a steamed carrot. The roast smelled heavenly, but I opted to eat the less savory vegetables first, saving the best for last.

  In between bites, the prince resumed our conversation. “Regardless of your family’s loyalties, my siblings and I trust you, Amelissa. None of us will forget how you’ve helped heal Cienna, or your willingness to offer yourself as insurance to keep the rebels from attacking the castle. Your actions are both selfless and admirable.”

  I swallowed a carrot, dropping my head. I refrained from saying it wasn’t like I had much of a choice. It was either that or risk Prince Brion imprisoning my brother for his treachery. I still struggled to understand why the prince had bothered to make the deal with my brother in the first place.

  Sure, Prince Brion wanted to save citizens in the capital from danger, but why not capture a prominent rebel leader and interrogate him for information? Lin could’ve provided a wealth of intel that would have given draekon armies the advantage.

  I was grateful when our conversation shifted away from the subject of my rebel family.

  Prince Finn started telling me about what he’d done the last three days. Now that King Roderick had returned to Draek, he’d insisted his younger son sit on his Council. He stated the various topics and items discussed among the group of influential draekon, briefly mentioning the peace negotiations with Lord Erwin. I didn’t ask him for specifics. I planned on discussing the matter with Lord Erwin at the next opportunity.

  I finished eating the vegetables while he talked. I moved onto the seasoned rice, cutting pieces of roast to mix into each bite.

  Prince Finn continued to share random experiences or thoughts he’d had over last seventy-two hours. He was rambling, but I didn’t mind. It seemed like the prince craved the social interaction. I imagined there were very few people who he could truly talk to. No doubt, every word that passed his lips in public would be repeated and assessed by anyone listening.

  No less than ten minutes later, he finally stopped. “My gods, I haven’t let you get a word in this entire time. Forgive me.”

  I smiled and waved away his concern. “It’s no bother. I enjoy listening.” Besides, not needing to speak allowed me to eat my delicious meal. I’d skipped lunch that day and was starving.

  He gave me a strange look, a smile highlighting his lips.

  I took a sip of my wine, raising an eyebrow.

  Prince Finn shook his head and looked at his plate, cutting his meal into pieces. “Tell me about growing up in Caldiri.” He kept his eyes down, focused on eating while it was my turn to speak.

  I wasn’t sure where to start. “What do you want to know?”

  “Anything about you,” he replied, popping a piece of roast into his mouth.

  I took a second to think about what I wanted to share. “Well, you know I have a brother and a sister. I’m the middle child.”

  The prince nodded and continued to eat.

  “After my parents left us, we lived with our guardian, Papa Gil. He died when I was twelve. Then it was just us.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  I shrugged. “After he was gone, our region’s best healer took me on as her apprentice. I learned all about the healing arts from her. She was like a mother to me.”

  “I’d love to meet her,” the prince said. “If it weren’t for her teaching you, my sister would still be bedridden and miserable. Not to mention, I may very well not be sitting here.”

  “She’s dead.” I cringed at my harsh delivery. Prince Finn was paying me and Mistress Molly a compliment. I didn’t know why I said the words like that.

  His expression dimmed. “You really haven’t had an easy life, have you?”

  I decided to be honest. “No, I haven’t.”

  “I’m sorry,” he said again.

  “Thank you.” I took a sip of wine. I needed to break the intense eye contact happening between us.

  I heard the clock in the main room chime. On cue, the servant returned and asked to take our plates. I frowned when I saw he still had a quarter of his food left.

  “Are you not hungry?” Seeing food go to waste still caused a knot in my stomach.

  “I lost my appetite.”

  Guilt filled my chest. I waited for the servant to leave again before I said, “It wasn’t my intention to upset you.”

  “I know,” he replied. “You didn’t do anything wrong. It just angers me to imagine you living such a hard life. You’re so young. You shouldn’t have experienced suffering.”

  I wished I could comfort him by saying it was all right. But it wasn’t. No one should have to experience such hardship, but people in Caldiri did every single day.

  “Don’t worry about me.” I attempted a convincing smile. “I’m okay. After all, now I work for Their Royal Highnesses.” I adopted a jokingly haughty tone. “What more could a recruit ask for?”

  He laughed, shaking his head. “Something tells me you’d rather be bandaging cuts and resetting broken bones.”

  “Maybe. I don’t know. I’m kind of living the dream.” I gestured around the fancy dining room. “Eating dinner with a handsome prince. Other women would kill for the honor.”

  I realized what I’d said too late to stop the flirtatious words from spilling out of my mouth. I’d been trying to deflect the prince’s worry on my behalf, and I ended up making a fool of myself. I blamed the wine.

  My cheeks burned. I stared at the table between us. “Um. What I meant to say was I’m sure many young ladies at Court would like to be here... eating dinner with you.” I cringed. I was making it worse.

  “I care more about whether or not you would like to be here.”

  I glanced up. Prince Finn was watching me, and there was a hint of wariness behind his eyes.

  I wondered how’d the conversation had swung so far off topic, and why the prince seemed unsure of himself. “Of course, I like being here.”

  He exhaled. “Good.”

  Before the awkwardness could increase, Prince Finn pushed back his chair. I copied his movement and stood from the table.

  In a blink, the prince rounded the table, closing the distance between us. I thought he wanted to escort me out of the room. I moved closer to the entrance, assuming he wanted to leave before either of us did or said anything else embarrassing.

  Prince Finn’s hand shot out and brushed against my forearm, stopping me. I pivoted and tilted my neck back to meet his gaze.

  My breath caught in my throat.

  Finn’s pupils had dilated, and his heated expression left me speechless. His nostrils flared. The hand brushing against my arm gripped my elbow and drew me forward. His other hand cupped the back of my neck.

  A tiny gasp escaped me as his mouth lowered, pressing against mine. My pulse spiked and my stomach twisted. My eyes shuttered closed, and I tried to make sense of the emotions swirling through my mind and body.

  I’d only been kissed once before, but my and Jem’s intoxicated kiss hardly compared to the feel of the prince’s firm lips moving confidently against my own.

  My body didn’t know how to react. My arms remained hanging at my side, and my lips had scarcely begun to kiss him back before the prince stepped away, ending the unexpected kiss. My lips parted as I gaped up at him.

  Prince Finn brushed the hair away from my cheeks before he murmured, “I like you being here, too.”

  Then, as if he hadn’t just knocked my world off kilter, he stepped back and bowed his head. “Good night, Amelissa.”

  I watched his departure with a racing heart. I lifted my fingers to my tingling lips. I couldn’t fathom how I found myself kissing one of the draekon princes.

  I hadn’t considered Prince Finn was interested in me romantically. I’d been sure his kind treatment of me was nothing more than politeness.

  Suddenly, I remembered the roses he’d given me on two occasions now.

  I’ve been naïve.

&
nbsp; I sat down again and stared blankly at Prince Brion’s painting across the room.

  Was Prince Finn’s kiss a one-time thing? Would happen again?

  And, more importantly, did I want it to happen again?

  12

  Needless to say, the following day was not productive. I sat in the castle library, unable to focus on the historical text or the draekonian language book. My mind continued to replay Prince Finn’s unexpected kiss, and I stressed about the unavoidable moment when we would come face to face again. I’d barely slept more than an hour that night.

  When I work this morning, I’d hoped Prince Brion would be there with the command to spend the day working in the garrison, but I wasn’t so lucky. After taking a calming breath, I had exited my bedroom only to be greeted by a silent room. Neither of the princes were in the apartment.

  Without any indication of what I was supposed to do with my day, I decided to resume my research in the library. Unfortunately, the previous evening made that next to impossible.

  One minute, we were discussing my upbringing in the poorest region on the continent, and the next Finn kissed me. I never would have expected our dinner to end with such an affectionate display.

  I sighed, rubbing my face. Things changed so quickly in my new chaotic life. Nothing had been simple since the moment Agent Stone called my name at the Choosing, and the gods seemed determined to keep it that way.

  I shoved the books away and stood to find Cris. I could use a distraction, and I still had questions about the draeko-elven conflicts and the supposed kidnapping of the missing princess.

  I was walking down an aisle, peering through the empty spots on the shelves, when I saw a figure move out of the corner of my eye. I glanced ahead, hoping it would be the librarian’s assistant or someone who could help me find him. I stopped when I noticed there were three, not one, draekon at the end of the aisle, and the three females wore matching expressions of disdain. Warning bells went off in my mind, but I forced myself to remain where I was.