The hair on the back of my neck stands on end and goosebumps spread across my skin, the feeling making me uncomfortable. Kian steps closer, the intensity in his gaze causing my breath to quicken. He has this knowing look in his eyes, as if he holds a secret I am not privy to.
Kian reaches his hand out, his fingers grazing my arm exactly where my birthmark is hidden under the tunic. I draw in a sharp breath, my brows lowering, and I take a step back.
“When you’re ready, princess.” His words catch me off guard, and my body locks up, just like it did during my encounter with Nero last night.
“There you are!” Maxon’s voice rings through the garden.
Kian steps back, and my attention drops to the ground as I try to compose myself.
“Everything okay?” Kian asks.
Maxon's voice is barely audible as he mumbles something to Kian and steps up to me. His finger lifts my chin, and I'm struck by the seriousness of his gaze. It’s as though he can see right through me.
“Are you okay, Stóirín?”
I feel a pull toward him, and I want nothing more than to take that last step and wrap my arms around him. But I don’t.
“I’m fine,” I whisper.
I lean into Maxon's touch as his finger trails across my jawline. I feel a surge of warmth in my chest and my stomach flutters as he pulls me closer with his other hand on my waist.
“I’m worried if I let you out of my sight, you’ll disappear on me,” Maxon murmurs. His warm breath skates across my cheek as his head drops closer. My eyes drift shut, and I take a shallow breath, my body tingling with anticipation. Maxon’s lips barely brush mine when a throat clears loudly, making me jump, my eyes flying open.
How did I forget we weren’t alone?
Chapter seventeen
Everly
Heart pounding in my chest, I take a step back, looking out over the courtyard. It’s getting harder and harder to deny my feelings for him. The fact that I can’t control my blush doesn’t help matters at all. It’s probably clear as day to everyone that I have feelings for the unseelie prince.
“I’m taking Everly into Skora. We will be back by nightfall.”
That catches my attention, I look up as Kian bows before turning and heading toward the training grounds. My heart races as Maxon takes my hand and pulls me after him, the scent of the garden and the rush of adventure fill my senses.
“Where are we going?” I ask, struggling to keep up with his brisk pace.
Maxon's gaze catches mine over his shoulder and he slows. “I was going to take you to Skora. I heard you’ve been training all morning and haven’t eaten. There is a place that does the best fried honey cakes with an assortment of berries and creams.”
On cue, my stomach rumbles, and a blush spreads over my cheeks as Maxon smirks. I could swear the tattoos on his face darken for just a second, but it must be a trick of the light.
“That does sound good.”
“Fae have a voracious appetite, and a particular fondness for sugary delights. Many of the dishes we serve have a distinctly sweet taste, so be prepared for that.”
“No arguments here.” I smile.
It’s one thing I’ve always had, my sweet tooth is well known. Mia and Scarlett always teased me about how much sugar I eat. While diets have failed me in the past, my dedication to a meat-free lifestyle has never wavered.
“As long as I don’t have to eat meat, we will be fine.”
Maxon's eyes flicker to mine, seemingly caught off guard. “You don’t eat meat?”
“Nope. Never.” I see a building up ahead and people walking horses in and out.
A young fae boys meets us at the doors to the stable. “Storm is in a mood, Your Highness. He won’t let anyone near him since you got back.”
Maxon chuckles. “When isn’t he in a mood?”
