The bottom of my mug was empty. I stared at the hot chocolate dregs, wondering when I’d sipped so much of it.
Muzo noticed and leapt off the couch. “You want more, Pops? Coming right up!”
“I—”
I’d opened my mouth to tell him I shouldn’t have any more sugar—especially not so late in the day—but he’d already grabbed my empty mug and scampered off to the kitchen to refill it.
I slumped against the back seat with a sigh. Recounting memories was exhausting, and I still hadn’t gotten to the point. I felt guilty for taking up so much of my friends’ time.
Taylor and Alaric looked tired, too. Hours had passed since we nestled on the couch together. They were probably sick of listening to me, but were too polite to interrupt.
“That’s enough for now, I think,” I mused, flashing a sheepish smile. “It’s already late afternoon. I should head back to the hotel and leave you all in peace.”
Alaric scoffed. “You think this place ispeacefulwithout you? Please. It’s a zoo. I’m shocked the dragon brothers and our children haven’t stormed through the living room in a tornado of chaos.”
“He’s right,” Taylor agreed with a shrug. “This is probably the quietest it’s ever been. I bet they heard us talking and gave us space.”
“Dragons? Tactful? What a novel concept,” Alaric remarked.
I rubbed my knees, which were tucked against my chest. I’d spent all day at the castle. Wouldn’t they want me to leave by now?
“They serve dinner at the hotel, so I should get back before it’s too late,” I murmured.
Alaric pulled a sour face. “Oh, Poppy. Hotel food? Really?”
“What’s wrong with it?”
To my surprise, Alaric put his arm around my shoulders while sighing dramatically. As usual, he smelled like baby powder. The familiar scent was comforting, as was his affectionate touch.
“Nothing, if you’re a pedestrian contestant schmuck,” Alaric said dryly. Beside me, I noticed Taylor rolling his eyes. “But you’re our guest. That means you’ll enjoy dinner here, with us.”
“No, I couldn’t possibly impose any longer,” I blurted.
Alaric’s catlike gaze sharpened into angry slits. “I don’t recall asking. I’mtellingyou, wolf.”
“But—”
Taylor’s milder voice chimed in. “What he’s trying to say, Poppy, is that hewantsyou to stay here for dinner tonight.”
My cheeks flushed. They still wanted me to stay? But all I’d done was recount dusty old memories all day long...
My mind drifted to the long list of what-ifs. What if nobody else wanted me there? What if there wasn’t enough food for a surprise guest?
What if Viol didn’t show up to dinner because of me?
My chest clenched painfully hard. I grasped my shirt, twisting my fingers into it. That thought was the worst. Anxiety started pounding through my veins. I couldn’t bear the idea of Viol avoiding me again.
Alaric snapped his fingers in my face.
“Stop spiralling,” he said sharply.
The abrupt noise forced me back to reality. “Huh?”
“I recognize that expression,” Alaric sneered. “You’re overthinking. Cut it out. Just wash up and come to dinner. I won’t accept ‘no’ for an answer.”
Taylor gave me a lopsided grin, like he was powerless to help. “You heard him, Poppy. Come on, I’ll show you the bathroom upstairs.”
It seemed like I didn’t have a choice. Sighing, I accepted my fate. I slipped off the couch and followed Taylor. As we left the living room, I heard Muzo’s chipper voice from around the corner.
