“Excuse me. I’m just…stressed. Can’t imagine why.” I lift the diamond necklace on the vanity to my throat, struggling with the clasp.
Zadyn steps in, moving my hair to the side, his fingers sweepingthe back of my neck as he hooks it closed. Our eyes lock in the mirror.
“We’re going to figure something out.”
“How do you know that, Zadyn? War doesn’t wait. And neither will Kylian.”
His hands move to my shoulders, massaging them through my silk robe. I fight the urge to groan.
“I don’t want to hear his name today. Let’s just set it aside for one night. We deserve it. To drink and dance and pretend things are normal for a few hours.”
“But—”
“Just one night,” he whispers, leaning closer, a secret smile tilting up one corner of his mouth. I can’t help grinning back, thrilled to have things somewhat lighthearted between us again.
“You’re not still mad at me?”
He drops his hands.
“I was never mad at you. I was just trying to give you space to decide what you want. You know I just want you to be happy, right?” He sinks back into the vanity, his caramel hair swooping down over his eyes. I stand and brush it back, holding the top of his head as I give him an affectionate little shake.
“That’s better. I can actually see who I’m talking to.”
He smiles fully, flexing one dimple, and something clenches in my stomach. Like a single butterfly flapping away.
“I haven’t had time for a haircut. You know, with coming to your rescue. Repeatedly.”
“My hero,” I lilt.
When our laughter dies and our chests still, I become very aware of how I’m pressed between his parted legs—how I’m still fisting his hair. I notice how hard he’s gripping the edge of the wood beneath him, like he’s clinging to his restraint for dear life.
The last time we were this close, I was a hot mess, crying and slobbering all over him until I asked him to kiss me, and everything subsequently swirled right down the drain. His hand grazes my hip, lingering for a moment before he presses away from the vanityand stands to his full height.
He opens his mouth to say something, but then he changes his mind, stepping around me.
“You should get dressed. I’ll wait for you outside.”
I slip into the silver gown and matching shoes, adjusting the thin straps before opening the door. Zadyn straightens off the wall and does a double take, blinking in a way that’s so adorably him. His eyes heat as they travel up and down my body, setting off little sparks in my belly.
He shakes his head.You’re perfect.
I smile, reaching for his outstretched hand. The moment I take it, Mar stumbles around the corner, breathless, clutching her gown.
“What’s wrong?”
She skids to a halt. “It’s Sorscha.”
My heart poundsas we fly down the hall. Mar flings open Sorscha’s door to reveal Jace kneeling on the floor, a piece of parchment clutched in one hand and a white gown in the other. He glances up at me, his face blank.
“She’s gone.”
76
SERENA
9 DAYS
“What? What do you mean?”
