Page 70 of Somber Prince
“That is up to His Highness.” He opened a door on the right. “This is the prince’s private baths.”
I poked my head out the door and momentarily stopped breathing at the sight of another giant cave. This appeared to be the continuation of the one before. The same underground river flowed from under the rocky wall. It spread into a wide pool with tiny islands that had been transformed into flower beds with plants, shrubs, and vines. Mosaic paths ran along both sides of the pool. Flat, polished rocks formed a path across the water to the other side with a set of wide double doors across from mine.
“You may freshen up here before going to bed after dinner,” the servant said.
“Will I be allowed to go back to the sarai for dinner?”
“Prince Rha ordered it to be served here.” He lifted the basket off the floor in the golden room. “Your spare undergarments and sleeping gowns are here, as well as soaps and brushes for baths. Tomorrow, we will deliver new dresses and anything else you desire.”
After the servants had left, I sat on the edge of the bed. The longer I sat there alone, the more the gorgeous golden bedroom felt like a golden cage.
I didn’t hear his footfalls. Moving soundlessly, like a true shadow, Rha appeared in the doorway a little while later.
“There you are.” He looked relieved to see me.
“Where else would I be?” I got up from the bed, but he was already there, standing in front of me.
“Do you like the room?” He gently skimmed up my arms with his hands.
“It’s beautiful, but?—”
“Kiss me,” he demanded, leaning closer.
I opened my mouth to reply. Impatient, he gripped my arms and covered my mouth with his. His tendrils unfurled, but he paced himself, connecting only one.
The kiss lasted but a second. He broke it off and frowned, his golden eyes searching mine.
“When I kiss you, it doesn’t feel the same as when you do it. Why?”
“I don’t really feel like kissing at the moment.” I bit my lip.
“Why not?”
I shrugged. “Would you eat if someone put a plate of food in front of you?”
He looked confused. “Right now?”
“Yes.”
“No. I’m not hungry.”
“Well, I’m not hungry for kisses,” I said firmly. “Not when you sent me here without an explanation. Why can’t I go back to the sarai with the others?”
“It’s safer here.”
“And the sarai is no longer safe?”
“Not safe enough for you.”
“Why not?”
He drew in a long breath, running a hand through his hair.
“Because no place is good enough for me to keep my most precious treasure safe. My rooms on this level are protected by wards of magic. No one can come down the stairs unless I personally allow them in. But even here, it doesn’t feel safe enough. I wish I could put you in a vial and wear it on a chain around my neck, close to my heart. Maybe then, I would stop worrying about someone hurting you or taking you away from me.”
He slid his hands up my back, bringing me closer.
Unease tightened my muscles, however. Maybe I should be flattered that he cared so much about my safety, but it felt stifling. With a tendril connected to my arm, like an IV of emotions filtering from me to him, he sensed my mood.