Cursed by the Phantom Prince (Once Upon A Curse)

Chapter 24

24

TOREN

I glared at everyone who was in my way as I stormed through the castle. My control was held on by a thread that was dangerously close to snapping. I’d spent nearly three weeks on a tour of the court, sleeping on the ground and dealing with my father and the queen’s consort becoming the best of friends. I had no proof but I knew they kept extending the trip to keep Rhan and I apart which just pissed me off. I couldn’t say anything though. Just endure the suffering.

It wasn’t a complete waste of time. I enjoyed seeing more of the Court of Dawn. Its rolling hills, green plains, and snowcapped mountains were breathtaking. Not to mention the sunrises when the whole world seemed to hold its breath until the sun rose over the horizon painting everything in warmth, chasing away the chill from the night. It's incredible. Every dawn brought Rhan to my thoughts and made me want to abandon my father and the consort and come straight back here to where she was.

The memory of her had tortured me every second that I was gone. I missed her scent, the way her violet eyes seemed to pierce my dark soul, how her skin felt beneath my hands, how her lips tasted like roses and honey. She had thorns but luckily for her I didn’t mind the pain, I craved it.

Arriving at the door of the rooms I’d been given for my stay, I pushed it open, ready for a moment of quiet. I closed it firmly, then cast a quick locking spell on it to prevent anyone from following me inside. Barrier securely erected, I exhaled forcibly, doing my absolute best to rid myself of tension. It was no use. I craved to see her, my hands tingled with the need to touch her, mouthwatering at the thought of her lips, her little gasps and moans…

“Fuck!” I growled, fighting the urge to punch the wall.

Thinking of her was driving me crazy. Making me crave things I shouldn’t. The weeks I’d been away I’d had a lot of time to think. When we made our bargain I hadn’t been clear on what exactly I had wanted. I wanted to help my people, I wanted to ascend the throne and put a stop to this rot once and for all. However, there was something else I wanted.

I need to change our agreement.

I knew she felt something. She responded to my touch too enthusiastically not to feel anything. I wanted her, my court, and my crown. I just had to convince her and pray that she wanted everything I did. I was quickly coming to the realization that I wanted her just as badly as I wanted my court, more if I was being honest.

A loud screech drew my attention to the open doorway that led to the balcony. Ithildin, Larek’s seeing-eye falcon, was perched on the railing. His yellowish eyes regarded me with a perusal that was almost human.

I walked to the doorway and leaned against the stone frame, crossing my arms as I glared at the bird.

“Have you come with a message?” I asked, trying not to show how antsy I was. Being back here so close to her but unable to see her was not helping my control.

The falcon tilted its head, which was super helpful as I tried to play this one-sided game of charades.

“I hate it when he does this,” I muttered, doing my best to banish Rhan from my thoughts but I knew it was impossible she was under my skin.

Ithildin ruffled his feathers, clearly annoyed. I sighed, wondering why my life consisted of arguing pointlessly with a bird. The falcon shook its head then walked purposefully to the right before lifting a leg and using it to point in a certain direction.

My eyebrows rose at the simple communication that I wished he would use every time we interacted. My balcony overlooked a small walled garden but on the other side was a shared courtyard. I’d seen a couple soldiers sparring there before I’d left on my extended tour. Glancing at Ithildin, I saw that he was bobbing his head up and down like he could read my thoughts or something.

“Larek wants to meet in the courtyard?” I asked for clarity mostly. Ithildin blinked at me then bobbed his head again in acknowledgment. “Alright, good talk,” I muttered sarcastically, wishing again for Larek to write a note or something.

I changed out of my traveling clothes then made my way to the courtyard dressed in comfortable clothing just in case there was an opportunity to spar. I needed to work off some energy, which would hopefully help clear my head. Thinking clearly was a must if I was going to convince the princess to change our agreement.

The courtyard was empty but I saw that Ithildin was there perched on a branch, so I assumed that Larek was on his way. The sun was high in the sky, making the area very warm. I could feel beads of sweat forming on the back of my neck so I removed my shirt, then drew my sword. While I waited, I decided to practice, letting my mind quiet as I concentrated on moving through the steps.

I wasn’t sure how long I was going through the motions before I felt someone watching me. I pretended not to notice, curious what they would do.

When I finished the exercise, my head was clearer than it had been in weeks. There was a clay jug that I had seen the servants offering water from in the corner close to the tree that the falcon was still perched on. I sheathed my sword then walked over, eager for a cool drink and a bit of shade.

“Is there something I can help you with, Princess?” I asked evenly, picking up the jug and taking a quick swig before turning and locking eyes with Rhan.

“I’d heard you were back,” she replied, smoothing the skirt of her light yellow dress while looking everywhere but at me. “I thought it best to check in.”

“I see,” I said, wiping a dribble of water from my chin, never taking my eyes off of her.

Her cheeks flushed adorably as I continued to watch her as she did her best not to look at me. I’d been right in my assumption that she felt something. Her reaction to me was obvious but I didn’t think she was aware of the reaction that I had to her presence.

“How was the tour?” she managed to ask, her eyes wandering to my naked torso.

My muscles tensed reflexively at her gaze and I grinned when her eyes widened slightly at the movement. She stood several feet away, which was entirely too far for a couple that was supposedly in love.

I set the jug down then walked toward her, giving her plenty of time to back up if she was uncomfortable. She stood her ground, her eyes gradually traveling up to my face as I drew closer.

“Your court is beautiful,” I spoke softly, leaning into her so I could whisper in her ear. “Almost as beautiful as you are.”

Her slight gasp made my trousers suddenly feel very tight. The urge to grab her and pull her against me while devouring her lips was overwhelming. I’d come closer under the guise that someone could be watching. The situation had gone from playful to heated in a matter of moments, but I couldn’t find it in myself to care.

Rhan’s raven hair was piled at the back of her head with little wisps escaping around her face and neck. I leaned back, eager to see her reaction to find her staring at my lips with a hunger that I felt all too clearly.

Before I made a conscious decision to move, my left arm was wrapping around her waist, pulling her against me while my right cupped her cheek. She came willingly, her soft curves melting against my hardness like she belonged there. Brushing my lips along her jaw had her reaching for me, her fingers danced over my waist making my chest rumble with desire.

“I missed you,” I breathed against her skin, sliding my hand down to the small of her back, encouraging her hips into mine. “Did you miss me?”

“Yes,” she sighed, moving her hands up until they were resting on my chest.

“Good,” I said, then nipped at her lips, ready to do whatever she would let me do.

I was drunk on desire but didn’t want to push her further than she was comfortable while also wanting to lose myself in her. When we’d kissed before there was passion, but now it was a burning need that I couldn’t ignore. I wanted the princess more than I’d wanted anything else, ever.

I just prayed she felt the same.