When Cassius suggested I walk with him, my entire nervous system screamed at me to run. Given the situation I was in, I couldn’t turn him down. The power of social status and obligations was going to be my undoing before Cassius could attempt to remove my head.

“Do you fight often with those sorts?” Cassius asked, as we walked along the pond.

Please stop talking to me. I silently begged. Why is he even doing this? The Cassius I remembered from the novel never approached women first. His abhorrence was so strong, that there had been rumors he preferred men.

“I’m not sure I understand the question.” I answered evasively.

“Do you play coy with everyone or am I special?” He grinned, looking over at me.

“I treat everyone equally.” I looked toward the pond, trying to distract myself from him.

Most people would kill to have a one on one discussion with the man and they would be swooning. My heart rate was up – but for an entirely different reason. Maybe I should just jump into the pond. Let nature sort me out.

“Even a prince?” He inquired, bending over and placing his face near my own. “You know, that goes against etiquette.”

“So does sticking your face in someone else's." I snapped – the words falling out before I could stop them. Damn it, I’m digging my own grave.

Instead of snapping back at me like I expected, Cassius just grinned and moved back. “You’re right, of course, it's uncouth. But you seem to be enjoying the water more than my company. Would you like to take a dip?”

“What?” I whipped my head around, glaring at me. “Why would I want to take a dip in the water? It’s still too chilly for that.”

“It might be refreshing.” He shrugged, tightening his hold on my arm. “Though, I suppose, a lady such as yourself would never be caught doing something so outlandish.”

“Most wouldn’t.” I commented dryly. Why is he acting so strange?

I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or trying to joke with me. His facial expression – other than when he smiled – was impossible to read. Even when he smiled, there was no warmth in his eyes. They were focused, always aware and watching his surroundings. His posture may have appeared relaxed to anyone that didn’t look closely – but there was an unmistakable tension to him .

The man was a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Not to mention, again, he was going to be the one that would take my head as a prize.

“That’s true.” He nodded. “However, you seem to be someone that would be willing to do what’s necessary despite decorum.”

“I’m sorry?” I looked up at him. “I don’t understand what you mean, your highness.”

“No, I don’t suppose you do.” He came to a stop, turning us toward the water. “Do you know how nobles keep their water so clean?”

“With…magic?”

“Mostly.” He took a step forward and bent down, lifting a handful of water. “The surface may be illuminated and draw eyes but,” He tilted his hand, letting the water slip down. It dripped against the surface, pushing up muck and grime. “But not far below that, there’s a rotten core waiting to be discovered.”

A rotten core? I wondered, more confused than I had been previously. Is he talking about the nobles in general? If he was, why was he mentioning it to me? I replayed all the interactions I’d had with him so far, and none of them pointed toward him already hating me.

The only encounter we had was at the ball. He was angry at the time, but that emotion had been – strangely – directed at Paulita, not me.

“Don’t think too hard, my lady.” He stood, brushing the water off on his pants. “Sometimes ignorance is the best solution.”

You don’t say.

“May I ask you a question?”

“I suppose so.” He turned around and walked over, linking our arms once more.

“Why did you want to walk with me?” I asked, as we started moving again.

“No reason.” Cassius smiled slowly. “At least none other than my despise for the Vescan family.”

I had a feeling he was lying – or at least, partially. It didn’t matter either way. The Vescan family was at odds with Cassius ever since he publicly rejected Viola as a suitor. It had happened just before the book had kicked off – and was mentioned in passing when Paulita had confronted Viola for the blind hatred the woman had for her.

In the current time we were in, Cassius must have rejected her only a few months ago. Her posse claiming she was close to the prince made it that much more comical.

“I see.” I turned my face away, hiding a grin that had formed.

“Do you?” Cassius snorted.

“Lady Kyla?” A voice I hadn’t wanted to hear so soon called from behind us.

Damn it. I stiffened, sucking in a quick breath. Why is Justin looking for me already?

Cassius came to a stop and turned us around. “Should you not be greeting me first?”

“I apologize.” Justin bowed deeply. “I did not recognize you, your highness.”

“Because everyone in this empire has the same build and hair color as me?” Cassius arched an eyebrow, slowly removing my hand from his arm.

“No, not at all.” Justin glanced up, sweat brimming on his brow. “I was blinded by Lady Kyla’s beauty and-”

“Is that all you see in someone? Their beauty?” Cassius cut him off.

“Of course not. She is my fiance and I-”

“She is?” Cassius spared me a look – one that borderlined pity. “My condolences, Lady Kyla.”

I sank my teeth into my lip to stop the smirk that I knew was itching to emerge. He’s so arrogant, but his biting humor is…well humorous.

“Perhaps I will save her from you.” Cassius grinned, pulling me into his embrace. “You’ve already had your fair share of wives. It only makes sense that you give this one to me.”

“Your highness, you’re jesting.” Justin sputtered, eyes wide.

“Your highness, why are you doing this?” I asked, stepping away from him. I knew he was joking, but Justin looked like he was about to faint. Honestly, I wish he did.

“Laying a claim.” Cassius shrugged. “I think.”

“Your highness, I don’t believe you can-”

“I’m only kidding.” Cassius cut him off again, walking away. “She’s not yours to give anyway. Or anyone’s for that matter. Enjoy the rest of your day, Lady Kyla.”

Neither Justin nor I spoke until Cassius’s form disappeared from sight. What the hell was that? I thought he was going to do something far worse. I wondered, completely and utterly, baffled. He’s not acting like he should be acting. Did I break something when I ran away?

“I didn’t know you knew the prince.” Justin said at last, clearing his throat. “Are you two on good terms?”

“I don’t know him.” I shook my head. “I’ve only met him once.”

“You don’t have to lie to me.” Justin took a step forward, pressing his hand against my cheek. “I don’t want a wife that lies to me.”

“I’m not lying.” I said flatly, feeling my back stiffen. Why would it even matter if I know the prince or not?

“Hmm.” Justin leaned forward, staring into my eyes – without so much as a blink. “I’ll believe you this time.” He took a step back, motioning me to follow him. “This is the only time I’ll accept your lie.”

A shiver ran down my spine at his words – warning me again just who exactly Justin Blain was. I followed behind him without a word – mind spinning.

I need to get away from this man and from the crown prince. Both men were equally unnerving and both were murderers. I didn’t need all these complications in my life. I needed freedom and salvation.

As I would soon find out – I received neither of those things.

Everything was starting to unravel.

This was only the beginning.