Anti Heiress

Chapter 20

Malissa's arm tightens around mine as we walk. It's especially warm and I can feel sweat dripping down the back of my neck. "I still can't believe Talise thinks you're the king's bastard," she whispers with distaste.

I glance down at the folded letter in my hand. "Better she came to that conclusion than the truth," I remind Malissa. "It seems she was a bit hurt to find out we were lovers." I'm still nervous Talise may reveal she and I kissed. If she does. Malissa will certainly have my head.

"Only because I'm apparently some evil harlot who slept with the princess's secret brother." Malissa blows air out of her nose. "I hate her. I swear, if I have to serve her-"

"You won't have to," I promise her. "I'm going to explain everything to Arman and hopefully-"

"Hopefully, he'll make her a room at the palace," Malissa finishes with distaste. We didn't talk much about anything that happened last night. After Talise left the stables, the moment was ruined between Malissa and I. I didn't want to say too much or try to discuss anything with her while she was clearly angry, so I went to bed. When I found her in the kitchen this morning, she simply asked to accompany me in delivering my letter to Arman as if nothing had happened. At least, I can take it as a sign that she isn't angry with me.

"You know that isn't safe," I remind her.

Malissa shrugs. "I don't want her around. She should have considered her safety before insulting me."

"She doesn't even know-"

"I don't care," Malissa says firmly. Her hold on my arm loosens. "She spoke as if I'm not good enough for you, as if she somehow deserves you more than I do."

"And we both know how untrue that is," I remind Malissa, standing on my toes to kiss the side of her head. "She wasn't right to speak to you that way at all." As much as I've enjoyed Talise, watching her treat Malissa in such an ugly way did nothing to increase her favor with me. Even if it was out of jealousy, she should understand that if Malissa's important to me, she has to respect her. It isn't right of her to insult Malissa for being poor when it's out of her control.

"If I have to serve her, I think I'll pitch myself from a tower," Malissa says again with disgust. "I don't want to brush her stupid hair, or bathe her, or watch her hold court..."

"Malissa, you won't have to," I reassure her. I doubt Talise would want Malissa within an inch of her hair for fear she might cut it off.

Malissa frowns. "I still want you to get rid of her," she huffs. Though she's frustrated, I can't help but find her pout to be adorable. Her lips come together in this delicate way, showing off a small dimple in her cheek. "And if she must stay, there should be room enough for her in the stables."

"Now, now... that's no way to speak about your future queen," I tease her. Malissa rolls her eyes so viciously, I fear they'll be stuck that way.

"You're infuriating."

I put my arm around Malissa's waist and pull her close enough to me so that I can whisper to her. "Perhaps after my meeting, we could rent a room in an inn and you could show me just how frustrated you are?" I suggest.

"I'll have you in my bed or yours. Besides, I'm sure inn walls are quite thin." Malissa wiggles her eyebrows at me. Her eyes dart down to my lips for a brief moment, daring me to kiss her.

"If you say anything more, I might forget to deliver my letter and take you straight home," I whisper.

"I'll be quiet then," Malissa smirks. She squeezes my hand. I do feel immensely lucky to be with her. A few young men stare at her as she walks by. How could they not? She looks absolutely beautiful in her orange dress and matching jewels. Despite what Talise says, Malissa has more elegance in one finger than most women possess in their entire bodies. It was more than once when ambassadors or foreign noblemen approached us at dances and mistook Malissa for the princess. It hurts but I always h sets good how they could be drawn to her before me.