When Adelaid tries to move, I press my knee harder into her chest. "Now that I have your attention, my lady, let me clarify one little thing. You're absolutely right. I am not one of you. Touch me, and I bite back."
She curls her lips. "You worthless cunt! How dare you touch me!"
"Adelaid." Zale's voice cuts through her bravado; she loses all fight as she turns her head to him, eyes wide. "Do not forget yourself. You are a guest under my roof. Your actions against my courtesan ought to have cost you your neck. I will spare it today. Do not expect my leniency to extend much further." He stands and extend his palm. "Helyn, you've had your fun."
I sigh, and let go of Adelaid's wrist first, then rise."Spoilsport."
CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE
ANOTHER KIND OF WAR
This time I am prepared for Helyn's hand jerking my core the moment I take it, though I still don't fully comprehend what she is.
I should have her sent to a lab and dissected, to study every cell.
"Who was your father?" I ask her as we leave the garden.
She chooses to frustrate me, shrugging her shoulders and giving no answer. Then I remember her mother mentioning being assaulted by a random soldier, and it dawns on me that she might not know. "Have you had your blood tested?" I push.
"Why?" she snarls. "I can't put a demi bitch in her place if I only have common blood?"
Well, there is that. Weeks ago, I wouldn't have thought it possible, though Adelaid isn't known for her prowess as a fighter. But I'm not asking because she overpowered the other woman with ease. I'm asking because she's a puzzle with missing pieces. "Aren't you curious about your own nature?"
"No." She doesn't even hesitate. "Where are we going?"
"Wherever I want to take you."
In truth, I have no clue. I enjoyed our performance at court, but it was time for a respite from the toxicity and constant scrutiny. Usually, I would have left alone. I can't decide why I brought her with me. "Aren't you tired of fighting me at every turn?"
She sniggers, looking down at herself, before dragging her gaze back to me with a tilt of an eyebrow. She doesn't need to say a single word.
"It is a stunning gown, you must allow."
"You're telling the world I am your whore. I'll never grow tired of fighting you."
She's so proud, for a girl born in the gutter. Any woman in my court would sell their own parents to find themselves in her position, and she hates every second of it. "Being my courtesan is an honor."
"For an aimless, superficial, spoiled brat, maybe. I have other ambitions."
"What ambitions?" I wonder as we pass the armory.
Helyn snatches her hand back."Let's not do this."
"What?"
"Pretend to be friends. In fact, there's no audience. Let's not speak at all."
Here she is again, the imposing beauty with her head up high, forgetting she isn't the one giving the orders here.
"You really do think highly of yourself."
"Why wouldn't I?" she challenges.
I lose it.
I don't know if it's her pride, her provocation, or the fact that I've been on edge since she first appeared today, but before I can stop myself, I have a fistful of her curls in one hand, one arm around her waist, and my mouth crashing to hers.
I've kissed a thousand women, more perhaps. Some were better than others, and all pale compared to Helyn Stovrj-Rhodes. Instead of a pleasant prelude to wilder games, taking Helyn's lips is a beginning and an end unto itself. I am careful at first, as if approaching a beast, unsure of whether it'll attempt to bite. Shivering, she remains still, frozen in place, shocked eyes widening as I press harder into her.