The Aspect of Essence (The Aelfyn Archives, #1)

by Samantha Amstutz

Lifting her hand as if it were the heaviest weight in the world, she paused halfway when a smug smile tugged at a corner of the prince’s mouth. She spoke before thinking. “You won nothing, so I suggest you wipe that satisfied look off your face.” Vesryn’s expression darkened, eyes flaring with a dangerous flame that sent her heart thundering. “And I suggest you address me with proper regard,” he hissed back. “‘Prince’ or ‘Commander’ will do. I’d hate to make two examples out of you because of your insolence.” “Then maybe you should do something to actually earn my respect,” she snapped. A muscle in Vesryn’s jaw ticked. Serenna shut her mouth, biting her cheek. I went too far. But he’s utterly infuriating! As meekly as she could manage, she mumbled a pathetic, “Commander.” “Oh, very good, Princess.” Vesryn drawled out the word, the sarcasm as scathing as his tone. “Your decorum astounds me. Now, are we going to stand here all fucking day or get this over with?” His fingers twitched in what could only be irritation. Serenna tossed her braid over a shoulder before viciously shoving her hand into his. A current raced up her arm when their skin met, unnerving her even further. She had no idea why he felt the need to shock her into submission. But she fumed in silence, holding her tongue while her treacherous magic practically summoned itself, pelting against the prince’s palm. Like her power called to him. Vesryn’s gaze bored into hers as he gripped her hand almost to the point...