I placed the crumpled bill back in Landon's outstretched hand, lifting my chin defiantly.
"I don't need your money," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady.
His piercing gray eyes darkened. "Don't be stubborn, Seraphina."
"I have my own money," I insisted. "The wages I've saved."
The truth was, I had barely enough for a single trinket at the night market—certainly not the "nice things" Landon suggested I might buy. But I'd be damned if I'd take his charity, not when I couldn't figure out what game he was playing.
One moment he was the cold, distant king ordering me around like any servant, the next he was cutting my meat at dinner and insisting I sit at his right hand. These mixed signals were driving me mad.
"Very well." He withdrew his hand, tucking the money into his pocket. His jaw tightened slightly. "Be back before midnight."
"Yes, Your Majesty," I said, bobbing a quick curtsy.
