Disdain by M.J. Haag

Author:M.J. Haag [Haag, M.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: M.J. Haag

I paced the clearing, anxious to have my second attempt over and done. Cecilia stood near a tree, not far away, not that I could see her. The potion she’d used had changed her appearance to blend with her surroundings.

Despite her presence, the bird in the tree sang for me. Its song echoed among the trees. It didn’t take long for Kaven to appear, and I was grateful for the tiny creature’s help.

“I wasn’t sure you’d return,” he said, not approaching me.

“I’m still not sure I should have,” I said.

“Eloise, I’m sorry if I hurt you.”

I crossed the clearing so I stood toe to toe with him.

“You cannot hurt me,” I said. “You can give me something much better.”

I boldly grabbed his hand and lifted it to my cheek.

“Tell me you want nothing to do with me, and I will return home.”

“I cannot,” he said thickly.

“Then tell me what you do want from me.”

His gaze dipped to my lips again, and Cecilia’s presence faded from my mind as his free hand gently captured my arm. He tugged me closer to him. Close enough that I could smell the pine on his clothes from so much time outdoors.

“I want more than I can give in return,” he said softly.

Taking his hand, I slowly slid it down my throat to my breast. My heart raced under his palm.

“I’m not asking for anything in return,” I whispered.

He groaned, a tormented look crossing his face.

“Eloise, you tempt me to forget my purpose and forsake those depending on me to stay vigilant.” His hand curled into a fist under mine, and he slowly withdrew.

“I beg you for your patience,” he said. “When the Prince returns—”

“And when exactly will that be? It seems everything in my life now centers around the wayward Prince’s return,” I said hotly.

Kaven’s expression turned more aggrieved.

“I cannot say when for I do not know. Forgive me.”

Shaken, I whirled away from Kaven and struggled to guess what his lack of knowledge meant for me.

“I’m sorry, Eloise,” he said again.

When I turned around to tell him to toss his apologies, he was already gone. Angry and afraid, I left the clearing. Cecilia fell in step beside me, the spell fading as we moved.

“He was delicious to look at, Eloise. For your sake, I do hope Mama gives you another chance at him. I imagine he would be remarkable between the sheets. I have half a mind to try for him myself.” She made a humming sound. “I doubt it would do any good, though. He was interested in what you were offering. No doubt there. Yet, he refused. What a waste.”

Her words, though vile, gave me hope that Maeve wouldn’t be too upset about yet another failed attempt. However, as we drew closer to the house, I couldn’t stop doubting that Maeve would allow me any more chances.

“How did it go?” Maeve asked, her gaze shifting between me and Cecilia when we entered the kitchen.

“He refused again,” I said.

“Of course he did,” Cecilia scoffed.

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