Veri had heard of Lord Lucas’s arrival, but he wasn’t seated at one of the large tables in the Great Hall. She found that odd but said nothing. Irritated, she sipped at the exquisite wine as they waited for the servants to bring out their next course. It didn’t look like she would have the opportunity to talk to Lucas about the reason for his abrupt arrival.

The talk in the Great Hall consisted of only two matters: the deposed prince of Khara Prime and the news Lord Lucas had brought with him from Treon.

Her father, Lord Greyson, sat by her side and her brother, Alock, was on the other. It had been cycles since she had last seen her father in person and now they had nothing to speak about. She had already relayed what she had learned during her stay on Avvis. They did not have much in common. Lord Greyson had too many responsibilities at court and had barely lived on Priea with his family since Alock’s birth.

Veri scanned the Great Hall and her eyes landed on the glorious male, Prince Nash. She was surprised the lost prince was even alive. It seemed too much of a coincidence to her. If he wanted a shot at the throne, playing the victim as some enemy slaughters your family was the way to do it. When he came in to the Khara galaxy with his armies and freed his people he would be the hero and not an evil mastermind addicted to power. Veri didn’t think Nash was the type despite the odd timing.

No, she had seen the glimmer, that desire for power in someone else though. She looked across the Great Hall to the royal family’s long table and caught Prince Asher staring at her again. She smiled at him before feigning distraction as food was placed before her.

She noted one of the princesses was missing, the youngest and quietest. Perhaps such a gathering after the news from Treon was too much for such a delicate lady. Understandably the royal family seemed tense, eyes tight as they tried to enjoy the midnight meal, the sacred hour of the three-faced goddess.

Delicately she ate small bites. Veri was not partial to fish or meat of any kind really. She missed the fruits and vegetables of her own planet. Priea had plants that would satisfy the craving for protein. They didn’t grow or thrive anywhere else and were difficult to import with their fragility.

Veri set down her fork and considered her options. Before she had left Avvis she managed to find proof of Indra’s plans. The archduchess was not as careful with her simulcast as she should be. All it took was a little bump and Veri’s hand had slipped into the pocket of Indra’s dress and she had the simulcast.

Asher’s dark purple eyes found hers. Veri couldn’t help her smile. The dark prince and the games he presented was a nice distraction from the information she’d been sitting on. She had confirmation Indra had actually spoken with the false king of Khara Prime for a marriage proposal…The archduchess had somehow managed to contact the Neprijat and get away with it. Could this somehow help Veri’s plans to wed Hayden?

She had kept that small bit of information from her father. Lord Greyson was deeply loyal to the Dragas and Veri wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with the information yet. It would be a fantastic bargaining tool to force Indra’s hand, but now they were all on Draga Terra. Veri would have to wait and see what happened with the Choosing Ball.

The royal’s obvious favoritism for Avvis aggravated her. Hayden and Masha had been seated as close to the royal table as possible without actually sitting at it. The way the queen looked at Hayden made Veri’s blood boil. No doubt she was sizing him up as a possible king consort for her daughter.

If Hayden were to marry Raena…the crown princess would need to be removed from the picture for Veri to marry him. If Hayden married Raena and then was crowned King Consort he would have sway with the people. Veri wanted Hayden. She simply hadn’t figured out how to make a match between them work yet.

Perhaps Asher could help her…She glanced up at the royal family again and saw him glaring at everyone in the room in the room. Veri left the fish untouched for the servants to remove. Her wine was far more satisfying.

Veri studied the people in the Great Hall to try and see what Asher did. Courtiers who lived at court were mixed among the others who were there only for the weeks of festivities including the Choosing Ball. Lord Sirus sat next to his brother with Lady Joslynn. Marcel Ushanov was at a different table, the farthest away from the Countess Joslynn and he seemed rather put out about it. Everyone knew about the Ushanov’s desire to possess the riches of Pedranus to add to their own massive wealth. Some empathetic soul made sure to separate them in the seating chart.

Veri took a long, luxurious look at Prince Asher. He was a bit younger than her, but he was still extremely handsome with the same golden skin all the royal Dragas possessed and the genetic amethyst eyes that seemed to come in as many different shades of purple as the stone itself. He was strong and muscular. Her expert eye knew where to look and he dressed well to accentuate his assets. The clothes were tailored perfectly and displayed his arms and tapered waist.

If she married Prince Asher she would be a princess in her own right. From there…she would have to make her and Hayden’s new status as prince work to their advantage.

If the Neprijat King were to conquer the Draga galaxy then perhaps – no she couldn’t even think it in the safety of her own mind. The traitorous thoughts set her heart pounding and she took a long drink of her wine until the glass was empty. As soon as she set it on the table a servant whisked by and refilled it.

Veri took another long sip and then glanced up to see Prince Asher stand and excuse himself from the dinner table. She finished the second glass of wine and stood from her seat as well, making an excuse with soft, apologetic words. Veri didn’t know what she would do exactly, but Prince Asher was in a position of power and he could help her whether she married him or not. She didn’t rush out of the Great Hall, but she didn’t exactly dawdle either.

His back disappeared around a corner as she exited the Great Hall and found herself in one of the large hallways. Veri followed him, ignoring the looks of the guards as she passed. Prince Asher had seemed upset and Veri was curious what had transpired, although she couldn’t remember a moment where he looked happy at any given time.

She turned the corner and searched the corridor. It was empty and the low lights showed only a hall full of closed doors. She had no idea where the prince had gone. Slowly she continued forward, listening closely over the din from the Great Hall. She checked each doorway before she passed yet they were empty. Where could he have possibly gone?

“Looking for me, Lady?” a deep voice asked from behind her.

Veri jumped and whirled around to find Prince Asher barely a step away. If she leaned forward ever so slightly she could press herself against his chest. She nearly did as she saw exactly how toned and beautiful he was up close. Prince Asher wasn’t as big as some of the men she knew, and definitely not as broad chested or tall as Hayden, but he was gorgeous in his own right.

“Um, yes I was, actually.” Veri held her ground and his gaze. It was no easy task. The weight of his dominance and rank was heavy. The prince didn’t smile as he studied her and said nothing at her admission. Rather he seemed to be waiting for her to explain herself. Finally, the intensity was too much and Veri dropped her eyes. She’d never had a male look at her with the entirety of his attention. She was all Asher was interested in at the moment.

Veri took a small breath and gave him a shy smile. “I wanted to ask if you were all right,” she admitted. She wasn’t sure what else to say, but the truth felt prudent. Asher would know if she lied. His deep purple eyes missed nothing.

The Prince closed the distance between them and Veri gasped in surprise when his warm hands brushed her waist. “I do not like to watch people fall all over themselves and look like fools for a chance at power.” His hands trailed up her ribcage.

She wasn’t sure what to do with herself. He was forward, demanding, and possessive. Veri liked it when a man was decisive. It was as though Prince Asher knew exactly how to please her without even trying. His thumbs brushed the undersides of her breasts and then touched her neck so softly he was a phantom. They stopped at her face where he held her, brushing across her cheek.

“Are you one of those fools?” he asked, voice low as he bent forward to softly kiss one cheek and then the other. His sweetness warned against something far more dangerous hidden under the surface.

The spike of electricity hit her hard. Veri felt it in her belly and between her legs. Asher pushed all rational thought out of her head and filled her with wanting. She wanted him to kiss her and she wanted him to touch her wherever he desired, Hayden had all but disappeared from her mind.

“I am not a fool,” she whispered. “I know where I belong.”

Her heart tried to remind her she belonged at Hayden’s side, but her body told her she was Asher’s. It was difficult to deny a prince, especially one so dominant and captivating. Veri ran her fingers through his midnight hair. It was as silky and soft as she thought it would be.

Prince Asher dipped down and pressed his lips over hers gently and then he was gone. Veri blinked long and slow. What had just happened? She looked up to find him a step away; the proper distance between strangers.

Asher didn’t smile but his eyes sparkled. He offered her his arm. “Would you like to walk with me, Lady Veri?”

Veri blinked again. Her body was on fire and she could still feel the phantom of his feather light touch on her body and her lips.

“Yes, I would enjoy that, your highness.”

She placed her hand on top of his and let him lead them down the empty corridor. She noted him in the dominant position and smiled. It was rare she found someone more dominant than she. Even Hayden was only an equal. It didn’t surprise Veri she had needed a royal to fulfill the need to serve.

This prince had her flustered in a way she didn’t know how to manage.

“Please, you may call me Asher.” His voice was so much deeper than she would have thought for someone of his age.

“If we are to do away with formalities Prince, then you should call me Veri.” Males were easy. Veri never had trouble with them. She could get males to do what she wanted when she wanted, including Hayden. And she loved Hayden, but occasionally she wished he would challenge her.

Prince Asher was intense and currently staring at her. She hadn’t expected him to be so delightful. Veri wondered how she could play this game. “I am here for an indefinite amount of time,” she said as they walked out into one of the many gardens.

The night-blooming flowers glowed in the moonlight and their scent permeated the air. It was balmy and the summer night felt delicious against her bare arms.

“I don’t know anyone and I’m not sure sitting in the Queen’s solar is something I would like to do all day and every day.” If the prince was interested in her he would take her up on the subtle offer. Veri needed to get to know Asher better. A marriage to him would prove to be very useful.

Prince Asher eyed her as he led her over a cute little bridge and he stopped there as he thought. “I’m not sure a lady with such dignity would be interested in participating in my daily activities.” He looked out over the small lake and then turned back to her.

The blue moon made his eyes shine with an iridescent light and Veri was entranced. She clenched her hand against her skirts as she tried to keep the other hand on his arm light and delicate. Veri hoped he wouldn’t notice her palms were sweaty. “What activities would those be?” she breathed the question in anticipation. For him she might do away with dignity.

The thought shocked her.

There was a long pause as he contemplated his answer and Veri reminded herself she loved Hayden. She was doing this for him, but it was difficult to remember when Asher looked at her as he did now, like she was something he planned to devour whether she wanted him to or not.

“Before breakfast I take my daily exercise and after the morning meal I ride. Then lunch and the afternoon I usually spend studying or hunting. After dinner, I am at the mercy of my mother and sisters’ plans. If they do not need me I am free to spend my night however I like.” Asher leaned his back against the railing of the bridge and studied her, gauging her reaction.

Veri was curious what he studied but she didn’t ask. “What kind of exercise do you prefer?” she asked instead, clasping her hands in front of her demurely. Asher seemed to like a submissive attitude even if he also enjoyed her honest comments.

Asher’s eyes narrowed but he answered her. “I run the palace grounds before participating in the morning class on fighting styles with our guards.”

It wasn’t much different than the exercise Veri did at home. She had to do something to keep her form slim and strong. Endurance couldn’t be maintained with sex alone. She grinned at him. “Perhaps I’ll join you one of these days. The stables sound like a wonderful distraction.” Veri curtseyed deep and low with her eyes downcast. She couldn’t rid herself of the smile though.

The prince watched her as she rose and before she could leave he extended his hand. Veri wasn’t sure what thoughts ran through his head, but she decided to take a chance and placed her hand in his. Asher was a difficult person to resist. He tugged her forward and she fell against him. She could feel the hard ridges of his muscles against her curves, and those muscles weren’t the only hard thing pressing into her.

She wiggled her hips ever so slightly as their breath mingled and she couldn’t tear her gaze away from his. Asher reached up with his other hand and roughly gripped her jaw.

His eyes raked over her lips and her breathing quickened. “I hope to see you there,” he said. His voice was gravelly and vibrated through her in the most pleasant way.

Asher stepped forward and she moved with him. His grip was hard and unyielding. Suddenly her back was pressed into the opposite railing. Her fingers clutched his arms and he felt delicious and warm against her. His dominance made her wet and Veri moaned as his lips brushed against her throat. Asher promised dark and wonderful things. His barely there kisses left her wanting more. She wanted to feel his teeth on her skin and to see the bruises on her hips and thighs the next morning.

“As you wish, my Prince,” she murmured into his hair. He smelled of stardust and the night air with that wonderfully spicy scent of rosanera.

Asher stepped back and bowed. He walked farther into the gardens alone, leaving her wanting and confused about her feelings. Veri clenched her hands into fists and licked her lips, tasting his lingering presence.

Asher wanted to be the one who left first in a small show of power and dominance. Damn him, he was good at these games. Perhaps Veri had found her match after all. Never had she been the one without control and she was surprised to find how much she enjoyed the experience.