3 — LOSING CHANCES

VANESSA

And so, I failed my mission before it even began.

I was right back to square zero. When the music stopped, we each courtesied and he walked off to deal with some more important function.

To him, it was probably better than having to deal with me, the woman who still had a dagger strapped to her thighs. Unstained too.

Good for him, I guess.

“That’s the one reason why I hate and love him.” Someone had slithered their hand around my waist. Only one person had the audacity to say a thing like that.

In fact, it was the scent of his cologne that gave him away.

I bristled at his touch.

To indulge him, I quizzed, “They are?”

“He knows when to back off from something that belongs to me.”

Although being referred to as a thing irked me, I was curious. “And the other?”

He came round to stand in front of me. “He can be very stubborn, holding on to what is rightfully mine.” After a pause. “Did you look into his eyes?”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “What do you want?”

His chest puffed out. “There is going to be a private dinner after this dreadful dance. You’re getting a royal invitation from the Grand Prince himself and you better be grateful for a chance with me.”

I knew his type, and I would take advantage of it before I slit his throat open with my knife.

Let’s call it a reward for my struggle and repayment for calling me a thing openly.

A fake smile found its way onto my lips. “Of course, I won’t miss it for the world.”

***

True to his words, there was a private dinner including important members of the royal court.

I knew this because I stayed around long enough to find out and because Prince jerk decided to give me a tour while the place was being prepped.

I was no member of the royal court but if the Prince said so, then it was so.

Soon, it was time. Although there were a few raised brows at the woman beside the Prince, none of them dared to say a word.

All except for one little witch.

“Prince Lysandros, I’m sure you’re aware of the reason for this gathering. You could have kept your…” she gave me a nasty once over, “…guest in your quarters before coming here.”

Another ballsy bastard piped up too. “This is direct disrespect to the crown and its honorable court members.”

It wasn’t in my place to say a word, so I kept mute. However, I marked both their faces.

Lysandros, as they called him, cleared his throat and leaned on the table. “I’ll do whatever I please. You’re lucky I’m not fucking her right over your meals.”

A few gasps resonated across the table. The woman clamped her mouth shut, face red as beet as she glared at me.

An unwelcome sensation crawled over me at his words, almost making me gag. The Prince was a handsome man no doubt, but he was a boy compared to the beast I truly wanted.

I looked away from their stunned faces just in time to see Leonidas walk in, all majestic glory and beauty.

For the life of me, I couldn’t bring myself to stop ogling him like a bitch in heat.

He could fuck me over their meals and I would lick my lips and tell him thank you afterwards.

That was how thirsty I was for a man who didn’t want me. Well, he did not have to choose when he’d be joining his predecessors soon.

Leonidas took his place at the head of the table and it was only then that we sat. I occupied someone’s seat while the person at the order of Lysandros went to find another for themselves.

Soon, the conversation began in earnest with the people showering him with praises and congratulations.

By this time, Lysandros had drunk himself into a muddle, whispering dirty words into my ears while slurring them all the same. Dislike rolled into disgust, fueling my hate for him.

So I ignored him.

I busied myself with my cup of wine, boring my eyes into the King, watching every graceful movement he made, taking note of how he liked to wipe his mouth after every third intake of food.

Yet all this time, not once did he deem it proper to even look at me. I was almost convinced he was not the man I danced with at the ball. Then he looked up…

…and found me.

The next second, he was watching Leonidas. “What do you think this is? A family dinner? You very well know the rules of the court and yet you openly defy it. I thought you had respect for your father’s house.”

“Leo the Lion, I do have respect for his name. Asides that,” he looked around the table, “I don’t think I’m the only one who does not support your ascent. You see—”

“Guards, please lead the Prince to his quarters, I think he’s done for tonight,” said the woman whose guts I hated already.

They moved efficiently, carrying the mumbling fool out of the hall.

Strange.

I gave the wine in my cup a little swirl. “Is it not rather rude to interrupt your Prince while he is speaking?”

She tilted her head. “I know you do not fancy him, but do you want so bad to see him humiliated? He obviously needs to rest from all he drank. If you also have him in your best interests, I’m sure you feel the same.”

My fingers curled tight around the stem of the glass, picturing the pleasure I’d feel to snap her long neck, including all the different methods I’d do it.

“Now that the meal is over,” Leonidas rose from his seat and motioned to the men in black behind him. “I hope you have a wonderful trip back home. Thank you for honoring my invitations. Now, if you look over there, you’ll find a little something I put together for you.”

The woman and I stopped glaring at each other when she had to courtesy to the King and follow the others out, but not without giving me a final look of scorn.

Yup, that bitch was definitely going to end up on my list for personal reasons.

“Except you, Geneva.” Leonidas pinned me with a grave look. “You are coming with me.”

And rather than fear, excitement coursed through me.