Chapter 124

Once inside Kit’s room, Avinia began to unhook her gown while Seph pulled pins from her hair and Isla scurried down the hall to make sure the other room was ready. She returned and started helping with the pins while Kit slipped a nightgown on from the bottom up and then instructed Avinia to help her get out of her knickers as well. The less clothing she had on, the less complicated it would be for Pierce.

It took longer to get the pins out of her hair than anything else, and by the time they were all out and her hair was combed, she’d made good on that half hour, and then some. She slipped into a thick red robe and slippers and took one last look around her room. She would’ve rather stayed there that night, in her bed, alone, but she’d made a promise to Pierce. Besides, part of the Choosing was giving as many men as possible the opportunity to prove themselves. Even if she wasn’t feeling as much chemistry with Pierce as she had been with some of the others, it didn’t seem fair to dismiss him entirely.

Tem and Lok escorted her down the hallway. “Do you know which one Pierce of Metfirth is?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Blond hair, a bit shorter than me?” Tem confirmed.

“That’s him. Please don’t let anyone else in.” She hesitated, thinking she should clarify. If Cassius or Eli showed up, wouldn’t she want them to be allowed into her room? But no... not tonight.

Tem and Lok both nodded, and the princess went inside.

The blankets on the bed were pulled back, the light on the nightstand was lit, a sheath was laid out next to it, as was the lubrication, and the window curtains were pulled tight. Isla had done an excellent job. Kit’s eyes trailed over the other items in the room, which weren’t much. A dresser, the door to the loo, another door, hidden from the outside which only Kit could easily spot. That one led to her safe room, which was really just a small space in the wall. There was an armoire that held extra blankets, pillows, and robes. That was it. The room itself was lovely. All of the furniture was ornate, and the fabrics were plush in deep reds and golds. She did feel comfortable here. She just hoped it remained that way once Pierce arrived.

Kit sat down on the edge of the bed. She’d just started to let herself imagine he wasn’t coming when she heard a knock on the outer door. “Princess, Pierce of Metfirth has arrived.”

“Let him in,” Kit called back. The door opened promptly and then closed behind him. Kit took a deep breath and crossed the few steps to the door to her inner chamber.

He had changed clothing. Rather than coming in something more comfortable, as many of the men did, he was wearing his finest outfit, the one he’d worn on his introduction day in the colors of his province, including a hat with a large feather atop it. He looked slightly ridiculous to Kit, but she understood that this was a moment he’d been waiting for for years, so she tried to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Pierce, you look... wonderful,” she said, not sure exactly what adjective to use. “How are you?”

“I’m well, Princess, thank you? And you? You look comfortable.”

Kit glanced down, wondering what he expected her to be wearing. “Well, I didn’t want to mess with a frumpy gown.”

“I see.” He smiled, and before Kit could say more, he’d hastily closed the gap between them, his mouth devouring hers.

It was unexpected, and not enticing either. But Kit tried to concentrate on the positive. He was quite amorous, and by the feel of his manhood pressing against her thigh, he may be adequately endowed. Pierce ran his hand up her back, tangling it in her long dark hair as he continued to plunder her mouth with his tongue.

After a moment, Kit pushed him away, needing air, and a second to think. “I see you’re all ready to go,” she murmured.

“I’ve been ready for many years, Princess Katrinetta.” He started to come at her again, but Kit realized the door was open.

“Could you close the door, please, Pierce? And... make sure you drop the bar.” She almost always locked it, not because she was afraid for her safety but because she didn’t want anyone wandering in. The chances anyone would make it past the guards were low, but there was no need to set one’s self up for an embarrassing situation if it could be avoided.

Pierce took a few steps toward the door but was back in front of her so quickly, Kit wasn’t sure if he’d even locked it. The door was closed for certain, but she wanted to make sure it was latched. She didn’t get a chance to say that, however, as Pierce’s mouth came crashing down on hers again. This time, he reached up to grab her breast, sliding his hand under her robe. As he’d done before, he latched on with a fierce grip, and she had to push him away slightly because it was more than a little uncomfortable. She could only imagine what he might say if she latched onto his balls with that sort of strength.

“Gently,” she said, into his mouth, as that was the only way she could speak to him.

“I’m sorry, Princess.” He pulled away just long enough to apologize before sticking his tongue back down her throat. While he wasn’t squeezing quite as hard this time, Kit wondered if he wasn’t a virgin, too. He made Jate look highly skilled on his first attempt.

Pierce changed the position of his hand and encircled her nipple with his thumb and forefinger. Before he even had a chance to pinch her, Kit grabbed ahold of his wrist. “Please, a little gentler,” she coaxed. He tried again, a little looser, but Kit was well aware this simply wasn’t going to work. As soon as her tongue was free again, she’d try to explain that to him. For now, she concentrated on breathing.

A commotion in the hallway caught her attention before she could even begin to explain to Pierce she didn’t like his flavor of rough. Whatever was happening, it was loud, and there was a lot of shouting and clattering going on. Kit tried to pull away, wondering what could possibly be happening, but Pierce seemed oblivious and wouldn’t let her go.

She heard the door to her room opening, the one from the hall to the antechamber. It sounded like Tem shouting her name, but it was hard to make out, like he was underwater. The banging of heavy footsteps headed her direction gave Kit the strength to react. She pushed Pierce aside and ran to the door, remembering it wasn’t barred.

Kit reached the barrier just as someone slammed into it from the other side. It flew open a crack, and she saw Merek’s blood splattered face as he tried to force his way through. “Pierce! Help!” she screamed shoving against the door with all of her might. She was no match for the brute of a man, but at least she had leverage on her side. Pierce flew over next to her, and between the two of them, they managed to get the door shut and the bar down just in time to stop Merek from careening into the room.

“What’s happening?” Pierce shouted.

“I don’t know!” Kit admitted, terrified. What had happened to Tem and Lok?

As if in answer to her silent question, a thunking sound hit the other side of the door, rattling the wood, though the bar stayed firm. Kit took a giant step backward as it hit again.

“He’s trying to chop through the door! I need a weapon! Where’s a sword?” Pierce shouted, looking around the room frantically.

Kit knew he wouldn’t find any. Her mother was afraid to keep weapons in the room for fear one of the Representatives would kill the princess in her sleep. It had seemed like a ridiculous worry—until now.