of me being like all the rest? How are you any better than the rest of the selfish lot here who put their needs above all else?" I dropped my empty tumbler on a table next to the window, shaking my head in disappointment.
But it was anger that surged inside me, for Bristol had destroyed all the dreams I might have had of our impossible future. It became more apparent that, with as much chemistry we had, we had the potential to bring out the worst in each other. Perhaps it was for the best that I would never have her. "You test my control. For both our sakes, I ask that you keep your distance. I would hate to do something that we will both regret." She flinched, the words striking her as I intended.
The best way to get a woman to leave you alone was to hurt her. Through callous indifference or incendiary words, it was a practice I'd seen employed by many men over my adult life.
I just never thought I’d use it against the one person I wanted to hurt the least in the world.
6
Bristol
He stormed away from me, brushing against my shoulder as he passed. Even that moment of contact made me desire more from him. A physical response completely beyond my control. I didn't allow myself to turn and watch him go, exercising restraint in the one small way I could manage. Taking another sip of my champagne, I ignored the trembling in my hands, from my own anger.
The taunting that had been in my head earlier burst to a crescendo, berating me for my actions as my emotions threatened to swallow me whole. It was only made worse for the fact I knew he was right.
It was selfish of me to draw him into my life when I would never be able to offer him more than a fleeting affair, and it would make me no better than all the men who used women like condoms and discarded them when they finished. Desperate for another drink, I walked in the opposite direction of Aric to look for more champagne to replace the nearly empty glass I held in my hand. In penance for the inappropriateness of my actions, I forced myself to wander through the ballroom, avoiding conversation with people as much as I could. I didn't want to speak to anyone, but those who knew me would grow suspicious if I left early.
Under normal circumstances, I enjoyed being around people. Socializing with my peers and strategizing ways we could benefit our countries brought meaning to my life and proved that I didn’t need to be just a useless trophy at Holden’s side. While I might not look forward to my marriage to him, I'd spent all my life training to be the best Queen I could.
I'd be damned sure my new people knew I loved them as much as those of my birth country. Shoving down my increasing rage at the helplessness of my situation, I downed the fresh flute of champagne.
"Are you alright?" Piper asked, stepping up to my side and eyeing the now empty glass in my hand. "You drank that rather quickly. You aren't usually one to overindulge."
I sighed, nodding my agreement as I handed her the glass. "Just on edge, is all. We both know what happens at the end of the week. I know I don’t have to scramble to find a fiancé, but I’ll be engaged by the end of it all regardless," I admitted. Giving her a sheepish smile, I winced for the reminder that Piper was the youngest daughter of a King. Even though her father ran a wealthy Kingdom, third was third. Securing a marriage would prove difficult for her, and she'd likely end up married to a Prince who would never be King. That didn't mean her mother didn't push her to use her striking beauty to her advantage and aim high, but given her lack of companions, it would seem she hadn't immediately caught King Reece's attention the way they'd hoped. "I take it Reece didn't bite?" I asked.
"He told me perhaps we would dance later. He wasn’t cruel; he was tremendously polite—dismissively so. I doubt he even spared me a glance, but I saw him dancing with Princess Alina of Lantis shortly after. He had no hesitation in dancing with her," she sighed. "It is probably safe to say he will not make an offer for my hand."
"I'm sorry, Piper,"