“No.” I yanked my arm free of Casteel’s grasp.
Delano blinked slowly. “You sure?”
“Yes,” I snapped.
Delano glanced at Casteel. “Do I need to hide the weapons?”
My mouth dropped open again.
“Not yet,” Casteel replied smoothly.
“Why would you need to hide the weapons?” I demanded.
Delano’s brows climbed up his forehead. “Is that a trick question?”
“What did you need, Delano?” Casteel cut in before I could make yet another demand.
“You have a visitor.” His gaze returned to mine. “Actually, Poppy does. It’s Tawny.”
My stomach plummeted, taking my anger at Casteel with it. Unease rose in its place. “She’s…here?”
“Yes.” Delano shifted his weight. “As in, she’s waiting in the hallway.”
Casteel stepped forward, partially blocking me. “I’m not sure if now is a good time.”
“I’d have to agree,” Delano murmured. “I’ll tell her—”
“No,” I said, my spine stiffening. “It’s okay.”
Casteel turned, and his pine-and-spice mark brushed against my thoughts.You don’t seem okay.
I took a deep breath.I am. I need to see her. I’m just…I didn’t know. I had no idea why seeing Tawny filled me with such dread, but I needed to get over it. “Let her in, Delano.”
He hesitated for a beat. “Okay.”
“Can you delay her for a couple of minutes?” Casteel asked.
“Sure.” Delano pivoted, strolling off as he said, “I’m sure she would like more time to list all the ways she plans to cut off my balls if I don’t let her in.”
I blinked.
“Poppy.”
Shaking my head, I closed my eyes. “I’m ready to see her. I’m just… I don’t know why I feel this way, but I need to see her. She’s my friend. I need to see my friends.” I let out a little laugh when my stomach dipped again. “It still feels strange to say that word and know it…”
“It, what?”
“That it means something.” Warmth crept into my cheeks. “I know that sounds silly.”
“It doesn’t.” His jaw tightened. “Not when you spent most of your life not allowed tohavefriendships.”
And when I didn’t know if what felt like friendship was real.
I had been so scared that the kindness and interest Tawny showed me was nothing more than her duty as a Lady in Wait.
But itwasreal.
“Want to rethink that drink?” he asked.
