His hands holding her tightened painfully for a few moments, causing her to wince.
But...
Quickly enough they loosened again.
She drew in a breath, and turned her head in an unsuccessful attempt to look at him. "I-I was going to the servant halls..."
He clicked his tongue, "Those are nowhere near here, little fool."
The arms holding her disappeared and the prince stood up. "I don't know where your mind goes when you wander, but if I hadn't found you, you might never have found your way out."
She turned to stare up at him.
The prince wore only the trousers of his uniform and was shirtless.
His long black hair hung loose down his back, his face shadowed in the dim lighting. The room behind him was equally as dark as the rest of the palace, if not moreso.
He reached out and lifted her to her feet. His hand lingered on her shoulder again once she stood, keeping her from moving away from him. She could feel the heat from his palm, and she shivered.
