“My father has been a bit protective of me since my mother passed. He chose Alex personally for this position, and he has proven to be most dutiful. But, rather than discuss the castle staff, shouldn't we be talking about the treaty? I have several ideas about how we can make the ports more accessible for your merchants.”
“That isn't the arrangement I wished to discuss with you today, princess.” He led her over to a stone bench that was tucked away in the corner. He waited for her to sit down, then slid onto the bench as well, sitting much too close for her liking. He held out the golden box he'd been carrying.
“A birthday gift.”
Josselyn looked down at the box as if it might bite her. “You shouldn't have.”
“And yet, I did.” He pressed the box into her hands, watching her with an acute eagerness. She lifted the top off the box, and her breath caught in a gasp at the exquisite necklace she found there. Shepicked it up and laid it in the palm of her hand, her eyes locked on the hypnotizing blue stone pendant attached to a simple, gold chain.
“It's beautiful.”
Her voice came in a breathless whisper as she stared, transfixed. The blue of the stone seemed to swirl and deepen in hue before her eyes.
“Then you must allow me to put it on you, princess.”
Josselyn felt herself nod, as Prince Stefan plucked the necklace from her hand, his other hand taking the liberty of brushing her hair over her shoulder to reveal the back of her neck. He leaned in behind her, his fingers tracing her collar bone before securing the necklace in place. A pleasing warmth spread across her chest, and the world around her blurred, until she turned to meet the prince's gaze, and her vision sharpened on his image, so that it was all she could see.
“Such a generous gift, Your Highness.” Her eyelashes fluttered of their own accord. “How can I ever thank you enough?”
He reached out and took her chin between his thumb and forefinger, tipping her head back as he leaned down, until his lips were just a breath away from her own.
“Marry me, and be my queen, so that I might shower you with such gifts for the rest of your life.”
“Marry...you...” Her lips opened, a yes hanging on the tip of her tongue.
Take it off!
She blinked, and pulled back. “Did you say something?”
“Only that I cannot bear to live without you. Say it, princess. Say you'll be mine.”
Take it off, now!The low, feminine voice filled her head, followed by a deep growl. The skin on her forearm prickled with a strange heat, drawing her attention away from the prince and onto her birthmark.
What am I doing? Her fingers scrambled for the necklace that suddenly felt like it was choking her. She gave it a sharp tug and the thin chain gave way with a snap. Thrusting it into the prince's chest, she pushed him away, confusion muddling her thoughts.
“Thank you, but I can accept neither your gift nor your offer.”
His jaw dropped open in surprise as he reached up to take the necklace she'd shoved at him. “What are you saying? Of course you can.”
She shook her head, muttering any apology, and his eyes darkened for a moment, making her feel as if something cold and slimy were creeping up her back. She shivered, and his expression cleared, the darkness replaced by his usual arrogance. “If that's what you wish, princess...”
She shot to her feet, looking around to find that Alex had moved closer. His sword was drawn, and he glared at the prince, his eyes full of suspicion. As she moved to stand beside him, he glanced at her with concern.
“Are you all right,Your Highness?”
“I'm fine, just a bit lightheaded from this heat. I believe I'll retire to my room until dinner.” She gave the prince a fleeting glance before turning to leave. “If you'll excuse me.”
Somehow, she managed to maintain an unaffected air until she reached her room. Alone at last, she threw herself down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling with wide eyes.
“What in the world just happened?”
She rolled over onto her side, and touched the tips of her fingers against her birthmark. It was cool to the touch.
“I can't believe I almost kissed that jerk.” She shuddered. “Worse, I almost accepted his proposal. If it weren't for that voice... but that's crazy.”
She pressed her hands over her face, squeezing her eyes shut.
This whole thing is crazy. I'm so ready for this to all be settled, with that creepy prince sent happily on his way home, and out of my life.
Chapter Seven
The moon hid behind the clouds, shrouding the gardens in darkness. A cloaked figure waited amid the trees. Stefan ducked behind the rosebushes, peering around for any guards who might be patrolling the grounds. Seeing no one, he hurried across the grass, sliding into the cover of the tree line. The figure approached him, his hood pulled low over his face.
“I haven't heard any news of an engagement. Am I to assume the plan failed?”
Stefan swore. “The necklace was a bust. It seemed like it was working, at first, and then, nothing! It was as if a switch flicked on in her head, and the enchantment lost its power over her. Apparently, it wasn't as powerful as we thought, the piece of junk.”
“So what do you propose we do now? The princess is as stubborn as a mule. It's unlikely she'll come around to your suit of her own accord, and her father is far too indulgent to force her hand.”
“Well, if he won't force her hand, than we'll just have to do it for him. It's time we moved ahead with our plans. Have you begun laying the groundwork?”
“I have, Your Highness, although I must remind you that your father wants this done as soon as possible. A physical attack on Eldon, the kingdom's capital, will make it harder to gain the people's acceptance later.”
Stefan's lip curled in disgust. “My father's become simple-minded under his new adviser's influence, believing I
