One Kiss by Nadia Lee Page B

even cry out as his muscles twisted. If this was death, he refused to accept it. No, he had to live and find a way to take Molly away from this horrid place, keep her safe. But the pain overwhelmed him, doubling him over and blackening his vision. He panted, hands clenched, but couldn’t seem to draw enough air. How could he come this far and find the one woman he valued above everything—even undoing his curse—just to writhe helplessly…?
    Fairy Godmother, it’s about time you popped in. I don’t care what happens to me. But Molly needs protection.
    He hadn’t even told her how he felt.
    Forgive me, Molly.
    * * *
     
    The porcupines’ grip on Molly’s arms slackened and they took several steps back. She stared at the figure before her. She’d known what Robert truly looked like, but the reality was beyond what she’d been able to see with her gift.
    Exquisite silk of the deepest royal blue clothed his crouching form. When he at last looked up, glossy black hair topped a handsome face that would’ve been overly pretty if it hadn’t been for the harsh angles of his cheekbones and a heavy, masculine jaw line.
    “Prince Robert!” the old duke from Lustrea cried.
    “That’s
Prince Robert?” Serenia said, her mouth hanging open.
    Panting, Robert blinked, then looked down at himself. Even with his dark brows knitted in confusion, he was too magnificent, too wonderful, too royal.
    Molly’s heart beat erratically, her face hot. She felt as though she might need to lie down for a bit.
    He slowly unfolded his legs and stood to his full height. He took an unsteady step toward Molly.
    “Wait!” Princess Serenia said, running toward Robert. “You’re the one I want.” She wrapped herself around his arm. “My previous engagement is hereby annulled.”
    He stared at her, then cleared his throat. “I beg your pardon, but you’re wearing John’s ring.”
    She yanked the ring off her finger and tossed it away. It hit the floor with a ping and rolled off. “There.”
    He shook his head. “I don’t believe that changes anything. You did accept his proposal.”
    “I just unaccepted it.”
    “What?” Prince John yelled.
    “Do hush,” Princess Serenia said. She turned to Robert. “I’m claiming you as my husband.”
    “Why in the world would you want me as your husband?” Robert asked, befuddled.
    She looked at him quizzically. “Because you’re more handsome than John, of course. I deserve only the best. I
am
a royal princess.”
    He tried to pull his arm away from Serenia. “Have you no shame? You tried to have me killed several times. You even lied to obtain my treasures without paying your side of the bargain.”
    “Not true!” She held his arm fast and stomped a pink-slippered foot. “You should be grateful.”
    Molly couldn’t bear to watch the spectacle any longer. Princess Serenia always,
always
got what she wanted, and Robert had said he needed a royal princess, not simply to undo his curse, but also to marry. It was a matter of time until she wore him down.
    Sharp pain robbed her of breath, as layers of cynicism disguised as practicality peeled away from her heart. If she could have held onto even the flimsiest bit of the protective barrier, it wouldn’t hurt as much.
    She backed slowly away through the crowd, keeping her eyes on Robert. He looked so magnificent in the hall, even in confusion. Molly had seen many princes during her tenure as Princess Serenia’s maid, and none had ever matched Robert. She knew she would never forget the sight, now etched forever on the very core of her being.
    Finally she turned away. As happy as she was for Robert’s good fortune, she had to think about herself and her mother now. Princess Serenia was preoccupied at the moment—thank goodness she was easily distracted—but that didn’t mean she would forgive Molly for embarrassing her in front of everyone. Molly had to flee the kingdom before anybody remembered her and her punishment.
    Anger, disgust