“No,” I say in a rush. There’s no way I’m telling her or anyone about what happened last night. Not that most in the palace don’t already assume such behavior exists between me and the king. Does Lorelei know the truth? That we aren’t true mates?
“Fine then. Let’s get you dressed.”
“On one condition.” I hold up a finger. “Put me in a more modest dress today. No exceptions.”
* * *
By the time we reach the balcony, the two brothers are already there. Aspen sits on one of the ornate thrones on the raised dais, the one to his right remaining empty. I hadn’t paid much attention to the thrones during our mate ceremony, but now that I’m less distracted, I notice their beauty. Both are identical, constructed of twining roots and branches, gold leaves sprouting from the sides. Cobalt stands at Aspen’s left, a step down from the dais. Several guards wait on each side of the balcony.
Cobalt offers me a kind smile, while Aspen lounges in his throne, barely looking at me. The king reminds me of a jungle cat, lazing in his tree. Beautiful and dangerous, even at rest.
I keep my gaze on the empty throne as I make my way forward. Today I’m dressed in a pale blue gown. The cut of the neckline is still low, but the top is a heavy silk brocade, the skirt layers of frothy blue chiffon. An elegant necklace of bronze and sapphire circles my neck.
I take my seat in the empty throne, trying to ignore the tension rising between me and Aspen. Or am I imagining it? I glance at the king from the corner of my eye, but he’s paying me no heed. His chin rests on his fist, elbow propped on the arm of the throne. His other hand sprawls across the armrest. Too close to mine. He taps his fingers in a bored way, and all I can think about is how they felt on my skin.
“Sleep well?” Aspen’s voice is a cold whisper, and he doesn’t face me to say it.
My eyes dart away from his fingers, straight ahead. “Yes,” I say through my teeth. It’s a lie, of course.
“You didn’t check my bandages this morning.” This time he turns his head toward me. “Do you neglect all your patients like that?”
“You were obviously feeling well enough to manage on your own.”
“Oh, but I much prefer to be managed by you.”
Heat flushes my cheeks, and I refuse to meet the smirk I know is waiting for me.
I’m saved from coming up with a clever reply when I catch sight of movement on the stairs leading to the balcony. Indigo hair. Dazzling blue eyes. Queen Melusine seems somehow more beautiful than she was yesterday as she slithers up the remaining steps to the balcony floor. She smiles indulgently as she approaches. “Aspen, my dear son. So wonderful it is to see you well. How is it you recovered so quickly?”
He covers my hand with his, and I resist the urge to flinch. “I had a good healer. Evelyn has many talents.”
She looks down her nose at me, then returns her attention to Aspen. “Many talents, indeed. Although I heard quite the rumor yesterday. Though you recovered, you and your mate spent the night apart. Trouble in the bedroom?”
Aspen gives her a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “No trouble, Mother, though I do appreciate your concern. Dear Evie was keeping me awake and thought it best to leave me in peace. She moans in her sleep, you see.”
The way he saysmoansmakes my breath catch. There was a hint of jest in his tone, and I know it was meant for me. Teasing. Tempting. I keep my breathing steady, trying not to over-think it.
Melusine’s eyes dart toward me, as if she caught the jest as well. For a moment, her expression turns from haughty to worry. In the blink of an eye, her composure returns. “What a generous mate you have. In fact, I’d like to get to know her a little better. Evelyn, will you walk the shore with me tonight? See me off before I return home?”
I open my mouth, not sure what to say. I almost wish Aspen would answer for me, but he doesn’t. What does she want with me? Is it safe to speak with her in private? And by the coral caves, no less. Then another thought comes to mind.The coral caves. Melusine is the Sea Queen. If Amelie really did run to the caves the night she disappeared, Melusine might know something. It’s a long shot, but it’s all I have.
“I’d be honored, Your Majesty,” I say.
“You’ll be leaving tonight, then?” Cobalt asks, speaking for the first time.
“Yes, dear son, but don’t look so sad. If you miss me, you’ll have to visit more often.” With that, she turns and slithers back the way she came.
“Adjourned,” Aspen says, even though Cobalt and I are the only ones in attendance aside from the guards.
Cobalt looks from Aspen to me, hesitating, then leaves the balcony. I’m tempted to do the same, but there’s something I need from Aspen.
He remains seated on his throne, scowling after his mother. I shift in my seat to face him. “We need to talk.”
His scowl disappears, turning to mischief as he eyes the length of the gown. “I can think of something better we can do. It doesn’t involve talking at all.”
I blush. “No, thank you. You are never taking advantage of me like that again.”
He scoffs. “Take advantage? I’m not the one who forced secrets from my lips in a vulnerable state.”
