SABINE
I rest my head against the seat and close my eyes as I wait for Alex, reliving the evening’s conversation. It shouldn’t bother me that Candace is reaping all the praise, but it’s discouraging, nevertheless.
When the door opens, I say, “Do you think—”
The words get lost halfway out of my mouth because Lord Cavinder enters the carriage, not Alex.
“What are you doing?” I ask dumbly, looking behind him to see if Alex is there. Perhaps Frederick’s father manipulated us into giving him a ride home, though I have no idea why he’d need to do that when he and Frederick have their own carriage.
But Alex isn’t there.
The coachman steps into the doorway, keeping his head low and face shadowed. He’s not Alex’s man, but there’s something familiar about him. Before I can place him, he closes the door.
“What is this?” I demand, turning my eyes on Frederick’s father.
“We’re not done discussing business, Your Highness.”
As he says it, the carriage lurches forward. I let out a cry of distress, scooting across the bench for the door. When Lord Cavinder grabs me, I push magic into my hand on instinct, prepared to shock him so he’ll stay back.
But nothing happens.
He knocks my hand away from the door. “It will be best for everyone if you cooperate, Your Highness.”
“Alex!” I scream, clawing at the drapes on the window. He only went back to retrieve my gloves. Surely he’s nearby.
“Enough!” Lord Cavinder grabs my shoulders and shoves me roughly against the back of the bench.
Panic flutters in my chest, its chill spreading rapidly through my limbs.
He’s larger than I am, far stronger too. If he had a weapon, perhaps I could steal it from him. Otherwise, without my magic, I’m no match.
He holds me in place, pinning me like a wolf declaring alpha. I look away, knowing it’s better for him to think I’ll be docile.
“I tried to do this the pleasant way,” he says, shoving me one last time before returning to his side of the carriage. “Remember that.”
“What do you want?” I demand.
“We’re going to form a partnership just as we talked about. A lucrative venture that will benefit us both.”
“I won’t do it,” I say vehemently.
He studies me with a satisfied curve of his lips. “You will.”
“Once my magic is free—”
“I control your magic—I control you. You think Alex imprisoned you, princess? Who do you think gave him the idea? The boy is weak and easy to manipulate. You’ve been in my grasp since you set foot in Davon.”
“As if you have the power to keep the king’s son out of the city,” I scoff, unable to hold my tongue.
Lord Cavinder laughs. “Perhaps not, but I am wise enough to listen. On the day of the gala, Prince Elliot said Alaric was leaving for the season to tend business outside of Valsta. But word has it he’ll be home any day now, so it’s time for you to cooperate.”
I hold up my hand, pointing to the ring. “I’m worthless while wearing this and infinitely dangerous once the curse is lifted. How do you intend to use me?”
“How indeed.” He nods solemnly. “A fair question, to be certain. You’re very astute, Your Highness.”
I bite my tongue, refusing to respond when he’s openly mocking me.
We spend the rest of the trip in silence. I’m not sure how far we’re going, but I’m confident he won’t kill me. I’m too valuable.