I Can't Be Mated to Him

la

head down. In my other hand, I carry a bucket of water and a ladle. Down here, I should be safe from the ridicule I face on t

t people somehow made them unable to see me. Now, I know better. Y

the ladle. This cell has no windows, and it’s hard to see because the light from the few lant

l of thei

thirstily before I refill it, and he empti

be appreciated, even if it is by alleged murder

yway. I’ve seen the slop and dirty water these poor people are given, and I can’t stand the thought of them suffering for a drink when I can help them. If there was ever such a thing

always been my favorite. When he makes a low humming sound in the back of his throat, several large black birds move to perch between the bars of

ask, like I

k tunic and pants are filthy and torn, but he looks majestic anyway, like he would be bette

the rules, huh, Princess?” he asks

ouble, it wouldn’t be th

you not to call me mister?

n my mind because he doesn’t want to tell it. I tend not to speak to anyone when it can be avoided. While Mr. Blake has always made me

swer, he chuckles and finishes the wa

n the face when I do that. “I mean….” I gesture at the birds that are still si

d taking another drink before he continues. “Others say I’m a mu

ask. “Why a

her might a beloved daughter. I smile up at him, wishing my own father would take such an interest

him, but we both know I’ll never have a chance to rule

, muscular, and handsome, with white-blond hair like the rest of the royal family. All the women want to be his m

guess that to look at us. And he treats me like he thinks I b

ld let you ou

ek. “You’re a good girl, little raven.” He always

ther coming toward us in a rage, his icy tresses flowing out around his shoulders as he rushes over. “There you are, you worthless

d fly over and poke his eye out. It’s a flash of a thought, one I’d feel embarrassed to admit I’ve ever

ack and blue careening toward him. Kieran raises his hands to protect himself as one of the b

g and trying to knock it away. I cover my mouth

immediately flies back through the bars. Kieran stands there for

o help him, but he swats

u!” He turns toward Mr. Blake, one hand still pressed to his

an’t take credit for that,” Mr. Bl

ive him fifty lashes!” Kieran shouts as he turns to walk back

tears prickle in

n,” he assures me. “I will l

me near the stairwell and remember that my father has called for me. If I

’t be. It’s n

his cell, and I have to go. I can’t stand here a

he stairs, his crimson droplets of blood on every other