The Peace She Brings

Her eyes were wider than the saucers that were used to carry the cup of tea. Jaden rubbed his thumb over the coarse gown at her waist and spoke encouragingly, "Zuri, you are my assistant and must remain loyal to me."

Nodding absentmindedly, Zuri continued to focus on the knot of the cravat, which finally came undone. Next, her hands moved to his double-breasted waistcoat, and she slowly started unbuttoning the buttons on the parallel sides. Throughout this, she tried to ignore the prince's hand on her waist as well as concentrate on what he spoke.

But while she was trying her best to concentrate, she missed what he had said, thus looking up blankly when he asked, "Don't you agree?"

Zuri stared wide-eyed, unaware and unsure whether she should agree or not. But she dared not anger the prince, as he was already frowning, so she hurriedly nodded her head. Her throat felt patched and she licked her lip to moisten them.