The Golden Prince by Nikki Jefford

Author:Nikki Jefford [Jefford, Nikki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Nikki Jefford
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Lark

“The nerve of Ralphio,” Aunt Sarfina huffed upon our return.

Folas had portaled us outside the throne room. He sheathed his sword and narrowed his eyes when he noticed my glower.

“Insulting my nephew. Chasing us out like a pack of crocotes.” Aunt Sarfina sounded breathless. Invigorated.

At least someone had gotten a thrill out of the disastrous confrontation. I was ready to portal back, grab Crispin, and roast anyone who tried to stop us from leaving together.

“Outrageous! And to suggest that Lark seduced Crispin, when clearly it was the earl running after our dearest prince.” Aunt Sarfina’s throaty huff was both gleeful and vexed.

“I’m going back,” I said.

“No, you’re not.” Folas stepped up to me, puffing out his chest. It was like a wall of muscle coming at me.

“You can’t stop me.”

“Maybe I can, and if not, I can follow you and drag your princely ass back to Dahlquist as many times as you make me.” Folas flashed me a wicked grin.

I scowled. How could Folas possibly understand the bleeding gash in my heart? He didn’t know what it was like to be in love. He didn’t even stick to one paramour. Sometimes adults forgot how observant children were. From an early age, I’d noticed him sneak off with various females in my family’s staff: Gem, Magnolia, Kaylin . . . sometimes Gem and Magnolia at the same time.

“They could be hurting him,” I pleaded. My nails bit crescents into my palms as I remembered the angry grooves in the faces of Crispin’s father and the Peppercuffs.

What kind of male was the count? Was he the type who would take his belt to Crispin?

I growled. I’d fry anyone who laid a harmful finger on him.

“Ralphio is all bluster. He would never strike his children,” Aunt Sarfina said.

My jaw tightened.

“I’m sure the Earl of Ashcraw is capable of fending for himself.” Folas’s fingers twitched over his thighs, clearly ready to grab me if I attempted to flee. He inched in closer. “And now I think it is time I took you home to Pinemist.”

“What? No!”

“Lark did nothing wrong,” Aunt Sarfina snapped.

Folas heaved a sigh of frustration. “The citizens of Dahlquist are already rallying against us. After tonight’s scandal, the royal family could lose support from the gentry and nobles as well. We can’t have everyone opposing us, Sarfina.”

“Teryani isn’t against us,” she answered stubbornly.

“Teryani has her own kingdom to rule.”

Aunt Sarfina removed her mask and ran her fingers over the feathers. “I don’t see what the big deal is. This is hardly the first affair to have ever taken place.”

“Perhaps it was the timing.” Folas grunted.

“Yes, shocking. Crispin should have waited until after he was married.” Sarfina smiled.

I found no amusement in any of this. “I am going to bed,” I announced.

“I am coming with you,” Folas said.

My mouth gaped open. “You’re joking.”

There was no mirth in his eyes, only cool determination. “Unfortunately, I am not. I will have to watch over you inside your room to make sure you don’t portal back to Ashcraw—at least until morning when I can arrange for access points to be closed off to you.

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