“Maybe. Who was it that gave you your first sweet kiss?”
“I wasten.”
“He could have kissed your cheek. That would still be sweet. So, spill it. Which one of the handsome Prince Charmings gave you your first kiss?”
“Bo,” I admit, even as I chastise myself for saying anything.
“Was he your favourite? Did you have a crush on him?”
I had a crush on all four of the princes at one time or another. I’m sure most of the girls in Battle Harbour shared the same infatuation. They were handsome. They were our version of Prince Charming come to life.
Each time one of the boys appeared in People’s Magazine Sexiest Man of the year edition, the copies would sell out in Battle Harbour. And yes, because this took place during the blip in my friendship with Lyra, I did pull out the pages to hang them on my wall.
Thinking about that is embarrassing now that Stella is with Prince Gunnar.
“No comment,” I say, grateful that I manage not to tell Ashton any of what’s going through my head. I’m more of a say what’s on my mind than a keeping secrets gal, especially when I have someone like Ashton asking questions about my life.
“Ah, come on. It was Bo. Sophie and Bo,” he sings.
Ashton is not a good singer, and the realization makes me laugh. “Bo is happily married, so it doesn’t make much difference.”
“But it did back then. What else did you do down here?” He wraps his hands around the bars, but lets go with a hiss because of how cold they are.
“We’d bring books and comics. Odin brought down all these blankets and old pillows so it was warmer and kind of comfortable.”
“As comfortable as hanging out in a dungeon can be.”
“Exactly.”
It was the last time in my life that I felt safe and sure of who loved me. I had Spencer and my father, and the protectionof the royal family. It was as if I was wrapped in a cozy blanket of everyone who cared about me.
I was happy then.
I was always happy at the castle.
Maybe that’s why being back here makes me smile more.
28
Ashton
Sophieslowsontheway back. I don’t ask if she’s ok because I’ve noticed she gets a little snippy when people bug her with questions like that.
I’ve noticed.
I notice things about Sophie that only her friends would see.
I’ve seen her every day for the last three weeks. I’ve stayed in Battle Harbour because of her. I know she’s not going to go to the police or her father. There is no reason for me to be here.
And yet here I am.
“Here,” I say, moving in front of her. “We’ll never make it back with you going so slow.”
“I’m not that slow.”
“I can’t feel my feet.” I crouch a little, my phone flashlight illuminating the floor in front of me. “You’re slow. Jump on.”
“Where?”
