I Love You, My Cursed Prince

"You ... you have the most beautiful legs I've ever seen."

That's what Prince Vidar said to her on this cold afternoon.

If Muriel's eyes weren't covered by a blindfold, she would have fluttered her eyelashes.

"Oh Sir, you're far too gentle with this commoner."

His hand was on hers, with only her gloves keeping his flesh away from her. "Don't be so nasty to yourself, Muriel."

Then a kiss, another delightful kiss that had her flexing the muscles in her legs and t.h.i.g.hs.

After he pulled away, Muriel whispered, "I love that ... I know I shouldn't ... but I do."

"Oh ... Muriel, you've heartened me so earnestly." A kiss on her cheek. "I don't know what to do!" A kiss on her jaw. "Please, tell me what to do, make a request." On her cheek again. "Anything I can give you, anything, you'll have it."

Muriel didn't like this way of thinking. She thought of her kind father, who had a habit of coddling women he loved. Then she thought of her ungrateful mother. "Your Highness, please don't say such dangerous things. And besides, you've already given me so much. What could I possibly ask for?"

She felt his short fingernails lightly graze down her throat. It made her shiver, but it was lovely. "Hmmm," the prince hummed, "a necklace? A pretty gold chain with a blue enameled locket?"

Muriel's lower lip pouted out. Her voice was almost childish. "No. I don't need that. I'm fine."

Three of his fingertips touched her throat. Muriel was afraid to gulp down any saliva. It might be awkward if he felt it go down. "Pearls, then?" he said. "Three strands of pearls, true ones."

"No, Sir. I have necklaces. I don't need any more."

"Then what do you need?"

She smiled. "Another kiss."

And she was given that.

Right on her mouth, where she wanted it.

His hand slid across and then down, heating her throat, and then farther, to her collarbone. By the standards of current fashion, Muriel's neckline was a bit high. There wasn't any cleavage. There was also a white kerchief pinned over her shoulders and into that neckline. It was for extra warmth and modesty. Some days ago, Muriel had sewn cream colored ribbons near the borders while Princess Arya had been painting.

He took his sweet, gentle mouth away from her, and he said, "I can't remember when I last had this sort of kiss. I feel as though I've starved for years and you've given me steak and eggs."

"You've starved, but I've never known this treat before you gave it to me." Oh, how Muriel longed to reach up, find his shoulders, and cling to him! "I've been taught the most fascinating lesson!"

But there was a long pause. Prince Vidar's breath was tense and hurtful. He was mentally battling himself. Muriel could tell, somehow. "Your Highness? What's the matter?"

"I ... no ... I'm sorry," he said. Cloth was shuffled in the air above her. "Don't mind my foolishness."