The Villainess Just Wants to Study

Chapter 40 ~ Cadence's Chess

"Hello, princess," he greeted her.

Cas gently ran his fingers through his dark hair. He was truly beautiful, if such a thing could be said of a man. He was handsome, with a strong jaw and well-defined cheekbones. And his eyes—his eyes were surreal. 

The attendants gasped in unison, their wide gazes fixed upon him. What was the Crown Prince to their young lady? Was His Highness her lover?

Dylan curtsied elegantly to him. "The first lady of the Beaumon Ducal household pays her respects to Your Highness."

A chuckle escaped his smiling lips. "Miss. Dylan," he said, "there's no need for formalities between us."

Dylan felt her body go on red alert, the way it always did whenever Caspian put on public displays of affection for her. She didn't want anyone to know about them. Their association of undefined terms couldn't even be described as a friendship, yet alone a romantic relationship.

"You look healthier." He looked at her face as if he were reading a book. "Much healthier."

His silver eyes were like a storm. Dylan felt uncomfortable all over under his gaze. Being warm and affectionate—it was something she could never do. Not with Caspian. Not with Laikin. Not with anyone. 

"Why is His Highness here?" she asked him.

His eyes narrowed. He didn't like it when she called him by his title—especially since his nickname sounded like ecstasy falling off Dylan's lips. He sauntered closer to her, until he could reach out and touch her. Cas would have pulled her into his arms if he didn't see the coldness in her lovely eyes. 

"I came to escort you to the Imperial Palace," he said softly, looking into her brown irises.

Dylan saw that look in his eyes. She knew that he cared for her. It was dangerous—his affection was dangerous. 

She stepped back from him. "Shall we depart then?" she said.

"Come with me," he whispered, grabbing her by her waist as he grinned from ear to ear and escorted her to the carriage. It was far too flashy and luxurious for Dylan's taste. It was almost as if he was trying to draw attention to himself. 

The maids and attendants dipped their curtsies and giggled, glancing at Dylan and the Crown Prince. His Highness was obviously enamoured with their young lady. He personally came to escort her to the Palace in an extravagant carriage. It was like a public declaration of love!

Holding Dylan's right hand, Caspian helped her board the carriage and then took the seat right next to her. Despite the large width of the carriage, her thigh and hip were touching his. Dylan caught her breath as he leaned over so their shoulders were also touching.

Soon the carriage began to rattle noisily, pulling out of the Duke's estate.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly as he leaned over toward her. 

She glanced up at him through heavy eyelashes. Cas felt his heart skip a beat. Didn't she know how attractive she was, how very beautiful and how very clever? His body grew tense, as if it was waiting for a reaction from her.

"Cas," she whispered. He shivered at hearing his name in her mouth. Dylan could hear his breathing, as heavy as her own.

He begged her, "Say my name again."

"Cas."

His eyes grew dark with scarcely controlled desire. He wanted to taste her lips again. "Do you mind if I kiss you?" he asked her.