Page 27 of Of Masks and Fury

“Are you alright, Your Highness?” The concern in his voice was real, even if the formal address was not.

I’d stopped walking, pressing my hand against the cool stone wall for support. The brief warmth of his breath against my neck had sent heat spiraling through my entire body.

“Just tired from walking.” The lie came out breathless.

He moved closer, still maintaining propriety, getting close enough the gold flecks in his eyes stood out starkly. If I swayed forward, I could rest my forehead against his chest.

“Perhaps you should rest,” he said, his gaze dropping to my mouth before jerking back up.

“No.” I forced myself to straighten, to step away from the wall and from him. “I’m fine. We should continue.”

But my voice shook, and we both knew why.

We continued on, and I discovered things I hadn’t the night before last when I stole to the dungeon. Guards stationed in alcoves that were usually empty. New locks on doors that had never been secured. Servants watching us with too much interest.

Why had my father added so much security?

I led Trew toward the eastern wing, where fewer people ventured during the day. My pulse quickened as we approached a small alcove set back from the main corridor, hidden behind a statue of a long-dead ancestor.

I glanced over my shoulder. The hall was empty. So was the alcove.

I ducked into the small area.

Trew followed.

His body caged mine against the wall right away, his hands bracing on either side of my head. We were alone. Finally, blessedly alone.

“I’ve been wanting to do this all morning,” he growled, and his mouth found mine.

His kiss held all the need we’d held back since we’d left my chambers. His tongue swept into my mouth and I gasped, fisting the front of his tunic, pulling him closer.

His body pressed against mine, hard planes against soft curves, a reminder of everything we’d shared last night. His fingers tangled in my hair, carefully arranged by Mae, now coming undone from his touch. I slid my hands under his tunic, finding warm skin and taut muscle that jumped beneath my fingertips.

A distant voice drifted from the corridor.

We froze, breaths mingling, before Trew eased back a fraction, listening. The voice faded, but the interruption lingered, heightening my frustration.

Footsteps echoed in the corridor. Pherin peeped from where she perched on a windowsill across the hall.

We sprang apart. Trew stepped out of the alcove first, his expression bored, as a servant rounded the corner carrying linens. She curtsied and continued past without a second glance.

My hands shook as I smoothed my hair and gown.

“Shall we continue the tour, Princess?” Trew asked in a detached voice that grated on my nerves.

“Yes.”

We kept walking, but something had shifted. The danger of discovery hung in the air, and the constant vigilance required to maintain our charade wore on my self-control.

At a rear door, I removed my cloak from the closet near the door and Trew helped me fasten it at my throat, his intense gaze on my face. I swallowed hard and stepped away from him.

We stepped outside and Pherin flew out with us, landing on my shoulder.

Did you hunt with Gavelle last night?I asked, and she peeped.I’m glad.

At least they could be together.

I led Trew through the gardens, where flowers bloomed in carefully tended beds. The chilly air bit through my cloak, and I pulled it tighter.