The Spoils of Allsveil: Dark Heart Heroes #2 by S.N. McKibben Read Free Book Online

said.
    “Lady Tyilasuir to you, Prince Goththor.”
    Darrin sighed. “Princess Tyilasuir, I didn’t expect a love match, but can we try to be civil to each other?”
    “Were you civil to my father?” We walked the rest of the way in silence. Being nice to the bastard was going to be hell, but it would further my plan.
    When we got to my wing I’d thought out everything I’d say. My retorts, my explanations , and everything in between.
    “There is one point of contention I need to speak to you about.” I turned to him.
    “Do tell.” Darrin quirked that sideways smile. He didn’t trick me—the devil was in that smile.
    “Our arrangement.”
    The smile faded and soulful eyes replaced the curious boy. “Yes, well, now that Mother is here I’m sure every thing’s been taken care of.”
    “Does your mother control your life?” I quipped. “Will she be instructing you in our marriage bed as well?” I wanted to slap myself for that last bit. I shuddered for thinking it.
    Darrin crossed his arms and scrutinized me. “You want something.”
    “Yes. I want to discuss the details of this arrangement, and trust me, it will be the longest conversation we have. After we’ve come to an understanding, we won’t be seeing much of each other.” Because you’ll be dead.
    “I don’t think you’re ready for marriage or speaking about it.”
    “I don’t need to be ready . I’m not ready, but it seems we’ll be married soon.” Unless you’re a corpse.
    “We have some time.”
    I stomped my foot and groaned. “Prince Goththor, won’t you please come in for refreshment and a discussion?”
    Darrin’s smirk returned. “Why , Princess Tyilasuir, I will if you prove to me you can actually have a discussion without it being a lesson on who can insult whom more.”
    I pulled back. “Prove it? What manner of proof do you need? I said please.”
    “Kiss me.”
    I gaped at him. Reining back the urge to strike him, I stammered, “What?”
    He turned his head and tapped his cheek. “Right there.”
    Was he insane? Kiss him? I wanted nothing of the sort. But I needed to get him inside to complete my plan. “I’m scandalized you’d request such a thing.”
    Darrin pulled back. “My lady, if you can kiss me it means you’re not completely disgusted by my presence. If you have an inkling of like for me it means I can have a reasonable conversation with you. If that’s possible, I’ll join you.”
    As I listened, I realized Darrin was not the dumb brute I’d figured him to be. I crossed my arms. “Turn your head.”
    He presented his cheek and kept wary eyes on me. At least he wasn’t asking me to kiss him on the lips. I stepped in and his eyes tracked me. He didn’t trust me. He shouldn’t but his wariness didn’t suit my plan. My lips brushed against his sun-blessed skin. He was warm. It was just a peck but he felt rough, male. A thrill twinged down my sternum.
    Darrin didn’t recover right away. He blinked and his look was confused. But then he smiled. The beauty of him crashed through and I saw him as the dashing prince Mother warned me about. A bloody sword through a sparkling back plate filled my memory. I turned to the door and went in. Darrin closed the door behind him and leaned his back against the wall. I couldn’t tell if he was barring my way out or holding onto his only escape. I poured wine for two and offered him a glass. He took it and surprised me with intensity in those soft brown eyes. “You wanted to talk.”
    “Yes. King Goththor mentioned you being the governing body of Allsveil.” I sipped my wine.
    A knowing smile spread across Darrin’s face. “I’ll tell Father your spy network is faster than he thought.”
    I frowned. Definitely not the dumb brute. Maybe this wouldn’t work. “For one who claims he doesn’t bury grievances, you sure do know how to hide secrets.”
    “I’m a prince, not a scallywag.” He eyed me suspiciously and rolled the wine around in its