well. His long black hair is straighter than usual, and the crystals all look as exotic as always. Maddox’s eyes drift up and down my body in the tight red dress he clearly had made for me. The red dress is simple enough, a princess shape falling to my feet from a sweetheart neckline, but it has a slit all the way up my leg, making the dress and me far more revealing. When I get to the bottom of the steps, right in front of him, he meets my eyes.
“There is no one as beautiful as you in this moment, Ria.”
My breath halts, even as I force myself not to react, force myself not to show how I think that is the best thing anyone has ever said to me. I don’t know what his game is, or if it is just desire, but he is clipping away at my heart, and I don’t like it.
I turn away and walk around him, even when I sense he doesn’t like it. “Who is here tonight then?”
Maddox storms past me, not answering, slamming his shoes onto the tiles with every step, and I sigh. I’ve well and truly pissed him off now. This dinner is going to be fantastic, I can just tell. I struggle to keep up with Maddox on his mission down the corridor, and he pushes the doors open, heading inside the dining room and letting them swing shut on me. I push them open and head inside to see a woman standing by her chair. And the woman is definitely a witch, the markings on her face and arms a clear indication. They aren’t black like Sabina’s were, these ones are yellow almost.
“And you are?” the woman asks, a slightly American twang to her voice. Almost southern, possibly Texas.
“Riona Dark, this is Gillian Brack of the Crow clan of witches,” Maddox introduces us. “And perhaps we all sit down as not to be rude guests.”
“Careful, Prince, I am here only to make a trade and not as your friend like my sister clan leader is,” Gillian warns him, and he arches an eyebrow at her. They both stare each other down, and I get the sneaking suspicion Maddox might snap at any moment, and it’s kind of my fault for being a bitch to him earlier. I clear my throat and walk past Maddox, gently placing my hand on his shoulder as I pass. He turns from Gillian, watching me instead as I sit down, and I gently smile at him.
“So how many clans do the witches have?” I ask as Hector and two human guys I have never seen around the castle come into the room. They place plates down in front of us all and fill our drinks. Well, I have water and so does Gillian. Maddox, of course, chooses something a little more red. “I’m sorry if that’s rude to ask. I’m just new to...well, everything magical.”
Gillian crosses her hands in front of her. “I do not mind. There are five clans, four are in alliance with each other and follow one leader. I believe you have met her. My clan is separate for many reasons, and I lead them.”
“What are the reasons?” I question, well aware I’m being more than nosy at this point.
Gillian tensely smiles, her eyes drifting to Maddox in what I think is slight fear. “My mother, the previous clan leader, did something terrible and cruel. We pay her price.”
It was her mother who cursed Maddox’s mum.
What the hell is she doing here? I turn to Maddox, who is sitting sidewards on his chair, his legs kicked off the side with a zero fucks attitude on his face. I don’t believe it though.
I tuck into my food, knowing at some point, this night is going to go bad, and I want to have at least eaten the steak and potatoes for Hector’s sake. Gillian eats with me, but Maddox sits in his chair, drinking his blood and staring at nothing on the wall behind me.
“Tell me, do you enjoy your new life on the island?” Gillian asks when she finishes her plate.
Well, other than getting an epic orgasm from an insane prince, it’s been pretty shit. I don’t say that, mainly because she might think I’m as mad as Maddox. “Yes, but I miss some of my hobbies. Like playing the violin or painting. But I’m learning to be a good gardener.”
“Will you play for me?” Gillian questions and holds