~Laith~
My heart had begun a rapid rhythm that sent the blood in a dizzying rush through her veins. I had never felt so awkward, with the solid warmth of the prince at her back.
His sturdy thighs intruded into the light folds of my walking dress. His broad hands nearly enclosed mine completely, and I felt with surprise that there were no calluses on his fingers.
"Say you love me once more," Zephirin coaxed.
His hands tightened on mine. As our arms aligned, I felt the steely hardness of his biceps muscles.
Suddenly I felt overwhelmed by him, threatened in a way that went far beyond physical influence. The air in my lungs seemed to expand painfully.
I stayed very still, staring through the tiny spaces in his mask. Unable to ignore the fact that I was locked against Zephirin's body in what most people would have described as an embrace.
