Rushing into the carriage, I had never left the manor so quickly.

Hearing that the lady was out to eat with the Princess my heart thrummed in my ears, I was a fool.

Of course, she’d try and get closer to the princess, that’s simply the nature of nobles.

Tapping my foot to the floor of the carriage, I felt as it rocked over the roads, the coachmen was going as fast as he could on my orders.

Tugging at my collar it was hard to breathe, I felt as sweat rolled down my back and I tried to calm myself.

To think, I let her be for a mere few hours and she had already run off.

The moment we got to town, I swung myself out of the carriage and began running down the street, feeling the summer heat pass by, my hair started to tangle.

Slicking it back, I stopped at the door to the cafe when I heard a shriek.

Looking inside I saw Lady Alindell standing with her chair laying on the floor, her body dripping tea as the princess sat before her, angry sobs coming from her eyes.

Walking into the doorway I froze, the princess looked so devastated, and Lady Alindell.

Why I’d never seen a woman so beautiful.

She darkly grinned at the princess, her face looked murderous, as if she had killed her enemy with words.

I stood, stunned, my chest twisted as a cage of flutter was unleashed within, my cheeks found themselves rosey as I stared at the woman…no, at the lady who brought this snobbish princess to tears.

Stepping inside, the floor creaked below me and both ladies turned my way.

“Oh Fenton…she’s…” The princess whined.

But before I knew it I had stepped forward and began taking off my jacket, I lay it on the lady’s shoulders and leaned down, hoisting her into my arms.

Holding her up, I watch as her eyes sparkle and her damp hair sticks to her sweet face, I would know more once I ask about what happened.

“Do excuse us, Your Highness, it seems the lady needs a change of-“

But before I could finish my words, I felt her fingers caress my chin, I followed and tilted my head towards her.

My lips catch hers and she leans in, with a mix between soft and rough she steals my breath away, and then speaks.

“And you can see your Highness, he’s much happier with me, now shall we go, my Trixxy?”

I could barely focus, I could taste the tea on her lips as I shook my head and licked along my bottom lips.

Not able to speak, I turned around and walked out the door, the lady in my arms, I was stunned, surprised, and worst of all, flustered.

My face felt hot, much hotter than the sun that beamed down, I ignored the chatter and the cries of the princess as I walked farther and farther.

“Do forgive me, Trixxy.” She whispered in my ear, sending a shiver up my spine

I didn’t know what to hate more, the fact that she was here or the fact I was aroused by her in this moment.

“She apparently wanted to marry you still, but don’t you worry, I’m sure this will get rid of her for a while.” Listening to her giggle my breathing began to steady.

Placing her thumb to my lips again I froze, it felt as if every string in my heart was pulled and my breath hitched.

“Goodness, I got lipstick on you, my apologies.”

Running her finger over the corners of my mouth, I wasn't sure if this was some game to her or not.

“You’re awfully silent, are you alive Count? Don’t tell me kissing a woman was that horrid? I apologize I wasn’t a man.”

The moment she spoke again I stopped walking, and a frown settled upon my face, what do I even ask first?

“I see even in a moment like this you have the energy for jokes.” Mumbling, I held her close, my jacket wrapped around her.

She laughs and grins. “This is the best time for jokes is it not? Consider this a thank you for the company, I’d hate to have a woman like her lusting for me, I can only imagine the disgust you feel.”

I could only agree, she was right, I hated it more than anything else.

“She had been like that since childhood, it’s partly why I’m always traveling.”

I had hoped her being engaged would make it so she forgot me, then when I could, I would slit her neck, and bask in her blood for what she did.

But she only got more persistent, as if I would rescue her from a situation she herself made, how I despised that princess.

I wanted her blood painted on the walls, her limbs ripped apart and her head on a skewer.

Scowling, I look ahead and soon feel the Lady’s hand on my chin, running her fingertips along my jawline a shiver shoots down my spine.

“Count, I adore the look of blood lust on your face.” She whispered.

I felt her breath on my neck and every nerve in my body spiked, letting go of the breath I didn’t know I was holding I stopped before the carriage and helped the lady in.

Sitting inside, I stared at her, I had never met a human like this, and it made me long to know what was happening within her mind.

Lady Alindell, whom I will kill in but a couple days, you are quite a temptress.