The Shadow Prince Read Free Page B

rest of the castle with gold sconces hanging on every wall. There were no windows or any living plants. Several zebra skin rugs covered the floors leading to a massive fireplace in the middle of the room. I headed past the adjoining black marble bathroom toward the closet. When I slid the door open, I was surprised to find it was full of clothing.
    I smirked at Marcus. “Oh, honey, you shouldn't have.”
    “You're kidding, right? I'm the last person they'd send shopping.”
    I chuckled, returning my attention back to the clothes. There were several traditional red robes for the important meetings, a three-piece black suit, dark jeans, shirts in a riot of colors, and an assortment of boots sitting on the floor. “Well, whoever it was did a good job. They are all my size.”
    He shrugged. “Maybe it was the Queen?”
    “Not a chance,” I said, shutting the door. My mother was centuries old. If she went beyond Avalon's mist, she would age rapidly until time caught up with her. I imagine she'd be dead in a matter of weeks. There's no way she would age herself for anyone, especially me. “She probably sent one of the younger elementals.”
    A knock on the door piqued my interest.
    The door opened. A young, skinny female hound stepped inside holding a tray of cheese, crackers, and wine. I could tell by the patched-over burn holes on the side of her gray dress that it was old. Her shoes weren't in much better shape. With everything available at her fingertips, I would have assumed my mother would provide better attire for the servants. The little hound kept her eyes toward the floor as she waited for instruction.
    I took the tray from her, placing it on the black lacquer nightstand next to my bed. “I can take this. Thank you.”
    Our eyes met and I smiled. As a hound working here in the castle, I doubted she got many kind words from the other high-ranking elementals. Her cheeks blushed. “Is there anything else you need, Your Majesty?”
    “Nope. We're all good.”
    She took a quick glance at Marcus. Her eyebrows furrowed as if she were confused, then she hurried back out the door.
    I sat down on my platform king size bed. Leaning against the white leatherette headboard with my hands crossed behind my head, I asked, “Why did she look at you like that?”
    “Because I wasn't staring at the ground waiting for a command from you.” Marcus crossed his arms. “If she reports me, I'll be punished.”
    I shook my head. “I won't allow it.”
    “Yes, you will. You have to keep up appearances.” He sat down on the edge of the bed. “Besides, I should have known better.”
    “I don't want to hear you talk like that.” I sat up. “You'll never be a servant to me. Never.”
    Marcus held his arms open, smiling slyly. “Now I'm ready for my hug.”
    I chuckled, pushing his shoulders with my fists. “Yeah, whatever.”
    His eyes settled on the mountain of cheese and crackers. “Why don't you send some of those goodies my way? I'm starved.”
    I rolled my eyes, sliding the tray across the bed. “When are you not hungry?”
    He stuffed a fist full of cheese cubes in his mouth. “Hey, it's hard work chasing after you,” he responded, voice muffled.
    Marcus continued to scarf down food while my thoughts lingered toward tonight's ball. If all the leaders of the courts would be there, I couldn't help wondering if my future betrothed would be one of them. All the high-ranking elementals had their partners chosen for them. It had nothing to do with love or attraction. For us, it was all about forming alliances and gaining more power. My mother hadn't chosen my bride, as far as I knew, but I was sure my opinions had no bearing on her decision.
    “Looking forward to seeing anyone special tonight?” I asked.
    Marcus swallowed what was puffing out his cheeks in one large gulp. “Well, there could be one person, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to talk to her.”
    He had never shown any interest toward a female elemental before.