Chapter39:

The sound of arrows slicing through the air, and the reverberating thunk each one made as it contacted the target, reminded Kit of the pitter patter of rain as she watched the archery contest from a bench beneath a shade tree. Her mother had laid out the rules and then given the Representatives a few minutes to practice before the tournament itself would begin. Most of them would’ve taken a contest before the princess seriously no matter the prize, but the added bonus of a kiss from the princess for the winner was enough to inspire all of them to reach for victory. Of all the men before her, Kit was certain Cassius was the most distracted. She would’ve expected him to be capable of hitting the bullseye more often than not, yet he struggled. Every once in a while, he would turn and smile in her direction, and Kit would feel a tightening in her abdomen. He’d pleasured her one more time that morning before they parted ways, and she was still congratulating herself on such a wise choice fo