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Back at the wagon, we were able to dress without disruption, as the animals circled us. But they all congregated by the fence, mooing, begging me in my head for some grain. I had to use all my concentration to block them out.
“Who wants to ride upfront?” asked Fin.
“Me and the princess,” Nemo said, claiming the right to sit beside me. “But I’m steering this time.”
Fine with me.
Fin gave us a mock frown, curled his arm around Gill, and climbed into the back.
“Ladies first.” Nemo gestured for me to lead the way.
Manners—so charming in a guy. Especially a soldier who was also a little rough around the edges like Nemo was. Made him even more attractive.Being in his presence made me a little giddy and love-struck.
“Thank you.” I grabbed on to the side of the wagon and put my foot on the step.
Nemo cupped my butt in his hand and hoisted me up.
Had the mersoldier done that on purpose? Used the opportunity to assist me as an excuse to grab my behind? Either way, I liked him touching me and wanted him to do it again, longer next time, and maybe put one hand on each of my cheeks.
He chuckled. “Sorry for touching the royal ass.”
Geez, it seemed Blade’s nickname was contagious…
“The perfect royal ass.”
I glanced over my shoulder. Oh, now Gill had decided to include his opinion, too?
“We don’t mean to offend you, Princess,” Fin said.
I braced myself, sensing he was about to say more.
“You and your cute, little royal ass,” he added.
I cringed inwardly. Sometimes, I felt like the odd one out. A girl in a boys’ club.
“Shut up about the royal ass,” I said, burning hot thanks to everyone teasing me about my butt.
Nemo grabbed me in a bear cuddle. “Oh, Princess…”
His kindness made me loosen up a little, and I snuggled into the big merman’s side as if I belonged there.
“Nyssa,” I corrected him. “Please, call me ‘Nyssa. ‘Princess’ is too formal.”
“Oh, pardon me, Nyssa,” Nemo said in a posh voice.
Okay. I had to admit, his silly accent got to me, and I laughed along with the men. To show them I wasn’t a stuffy royal, I stood on the seat, turned, and shook my behind, just for them.
Fin clapped. Gill whistled. Nemo hugged his belly.
I basked in the attention.Sea god. I was becoming like Nimian, and I loved it! I finally understood why she acted the way she did sometimes.
“Come on,” said Fin, after the laughter died down.”Let’s get going.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Nemo bowed, long and deep.
As he settled into his chair beside me, I had the urge to grab his face and run my hands through his hair. Of course, I resisted. For too long, I’d been taught to act like a lady. But I wasn’t one. I wanted to be my own woman, not what everyone assumed me to be because of my title.
Nemo’s biceps flexed as he grabbed the reins. An image of him holding me with those arms and me wrapping mine around his neck flashed in my mind.
