The Prince's Gift

Chapter 18.

"The two of us?" Zane said shortly, his voice low with irritation.

"Yes of course. Since you and Her Highness will be mated within the week, it seems silly to move her into a separate suite just to move her again so soon. She'll go ahead and move in so she doesn't have to move more than necessary. We both thought that was best. Don't you agree?" Milo said, walking around to view the rest of the room before returning to stand in front of us.

Zane let out a tight laugh before running a hand roughly through his hair. "I don't know how things are done where you're from, but no, I do not agree. I've only been around her a handful of times in 100 years. I do not plan to begin our relationship moving forward by having her in my room before we're even mated. She will be placed in a suite down the hall. I assure you it will be no trouble to move her once the ceremony is completed."

Milo clicked his tongue and took a step closer, eyeing the two of us standing so close. "I'm afraid I must insist. She wants to be sure any ties you have currently have been cut, as she has had to do as well."

"That is not what I agreed to. I agreed to the ceremony and all things involved in my life prior to that moment, quite frankly are none of her business. After that is between the two of us." Zane said, stepping forward and straightening as he looked down his nose at Milo. 

He raised his hands in mock surrender with a hollow laugh and stepped back. "Understood. I will relay that with my princess and speak with your father on where to get her settled until that time."

Milo nodded before turning abruptly and exiting the room. I realized I'd been holding my breath again and released it before walking to shut the door. My hand lingered on the door knob, shaking slightly at the thought of the upcoming ceremony. I wasn't ready yet. It was too soon.

A pair of strong arms wrapped around me securely, pulling me back against his firm chest as he nuzzled into my neck. His breath was warm against my skin as he spoke. "I'm sorry Ana." He whispered.

I sighed and let myself be comforted in this moment by his touch. Who knew how many more I'd get once she arrived. "I know. It's not your fault Zane. It's just how it is. I'll be ok." I said breathily, trying to hold my emotions in check.

He turned me to face him, pulling me back into his arms as he brushed his hand into my hair, stroking his thumb against my jaw. "I know, but it doesn't make it any easier. I wish I'd spent time with you before I'd ever agreed to this damn treaty. I'd have never said yes if I'd have known I'd have you in my arms. I can't back out now. If I do, it could mean war for my people." 

His eyes were pained and his brows were furrowed as he frowned down at me. I tried to give him a small smile, but I was feeling just as defeated as he was in this moment. "Why couldn't I have been given to you sooner?" I whispered. 

He shook his head before pulling my lips to his, filling the kiss with emotion before breaking away. "I know I promised you I'd take you to the cave, but I need to find my father and iron everything out now that Milo's here. Please don't wander off alone. If you can't find me, call Fallon. I don't want you alone while he's around here." I nodded but his hand tightened, pulling my full attention up to his gaze. "I mean it Ana. Promise."

"I promise Zane. I won't." I said quietly, knowing that man could not be trusted as much as he did.

"I have to go, Fallon will be with me, but I thought I'd take you over to my mother's suites to be with her and her servants today. She mentioned you may want to help with their training once Lilith gets here. Is that what you want?" he asked, his fingers rubbing circles into my bare back.

I shrugged and let out a sigh. "I honestly don't know. It's the only thing I feel I could be useful at without being in the way. And you won't let me do anything else." I said smirking up at him. "I can't just sit around and do nothing all day. I need to be useful. I need to have something to do."