“Fascinating,” he murmurs, studying every feature of my face. My body.
I start to ask him what, exactly, is so fascinating about me, but someone approaches, and he looks their way.
“Our Majesty is looking for you, Your Highness,” Sheera says, stopping only a few steps away from us.
“Of course he is.” Kelrean looks at me, huffing a laugh as he lowers his hand. “Just when the fun was starting.”
“It’s okay,” I assure him. “Go ahead. I should find my friends anyway.”
“Would you like me to lead you back?” he offers.
“That’s okay. I can find my way back.”
He nods. “I’ll find you afterward, then.” He excuses himself, and I watch him stride away.
A freaking prince. Flirting with me. Maybe the swamp monster actually demolished us and I’m dead right now. Or perhaps the talmoon is making me imagine all of this? That’s the only thing that makes sense. Fascinating? Beautiful? I must be dreaming.
I head back to the village square, polishing off my wine and then grabbing another meat skewer. I watch a man play a flute on the stage as I eat it.
My body still feels weightless from the talmoon, my mind so utterly relaxed that I can’t help smiling as I wander about. Everything seems much more vibrant—the moon fuller, the heat of the fires warmer on my skin as I pass them.
After discarding my empty skewer, I stop at a cart for a sticky roll and bite into it. It’s not honey loaf, but it’s just as delicious and warm. I notice all the children have disappeared, likely sent home to bed. The remaining beastials hang around eating, drinking, and…making out. Some dance together to the music, while others drunkenly sway alone to their own rhythm.
I start to feel the talmoon ebb away as the wine creates a soft buzz.
In the distance, I spot Algar and Thane standing between two buildings a few paces from the courtyard. I bite into my roll as I stroll in their direction, but the longer I watch them, the angrier Thane becomes as he speaks to Algar.
When Algar points a finger at Thane’s chest, Thane shoves it away, then yanks him forward by the collar. I gasp, walking faster. As I approach, Thane releases Algar, mutters something in his face, then storms off.
“Algar? What just happened?” I ask.
Algar whips his head around so hard the ends of his plaits fly over his shoulder. “Where the shadows did you come from?”
“I saw you and Thane arguing,” I reply, ignoring his question. “What was it about?”
“It was nothing,” Algar grumbles as he hobbles past me. “Just Thane beingThane.”
Confused, I watch him go. Before I can follow him, I notice Kelrean coming from the opposite direction.
“There you are,” he says. “Shall we pick up where we left off?”
“Um, sure. I just need to check on someone really quickly.”
He blinks at me a few times, seeming confused. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just—”
I clamp my mouth shut as Thane makes his way toward us with heavy steps. He’s the person I wanted to check on.
“We should get back to the castle.” Thane says the words to me while glowering at Kelrean.
“What’s the rush?” I ask.
“Your sister’s imminent death.” Thane finally eyes me.
I scowl.Jackass. “I’ll go back when Algar does. Or just return with Prince Kelrean.” I shift closer to the prince, demonstrating once again that he doesn’t dictate my decisions.
“I don’t think you’ll be seeing Algar anytime soon,” he returns.
