“He won’t?—”
“Actually, darling, the king has a point,” the ghost said, drifting between us. “The little dear did nearly burn him to a crisp.”
I glared at her. “You’re not helping.”
“Why would you expect me to help in this situation?” Kieran asked.
“I’m not speaking with you.”
He sighed and lowered his sword.
“Do you have something I can put on your burn?” I asked.
“I’ll handle it.” He stomped toward the bathing chamber.
I followed, stepping inside and pointing to a chair near one wall. “Sit.”
“I told you I can take care of it.”
“I want to help. Please. I’ll speak with Quandary, tell him to work harder to control himself. He’s young. I know he didn’t mean to hurt you.”
With a sigh, Kieran sat in the chair.
I found supplies in a cabinet and brought them over, kneeling on the floor in front of Kieran, tapping my leg. “Put your foot here and pull up your pants.”
He did as I asked, watching me with more curiosity than irritation.
I unscrewed the lid of the container holding enchanted cream much like something my grandmother might make. Perfect. This would heal him by morning.
“I’m sorry I snapped,” he said.
“I don’t blame you.” I gently spread the cream across his burn. “I really did see a ghost.”
He raked his fingers through his hair. “There is no such thing as ghosts.”
“Of course there are.”
His grin slipped out, revealing his fangs. He really was devilishly handsome. I wasn’t sure my heart could take it. “There are not.”
“And here we are, me interacting with a ghost.” I wound gauze around his leg and secured it, carefullytugging his pants’ leg back down to his ankle. “These are ruined. If you leave them on the bed in the morning, I’ll patch the hole.”
“I’ll throw them out. I have others.”
I stood, carefully not meeting his eyes, because I was afraid of what he might see in mine. It was much easier to keep a grumpy Kieran at arm’s length than a kind one. That version reminded me too much of the man I’d fallen in love with.
He stood and followed me back to the bedroom.
Quandary lifted off the floor and soared over to hover in front of Kieran.Please tell him I’m sorry.
I relayed the message.
“We’ll make this work out,” Kieran said with a sigh.
“I’m Lady Cordelia Nightvale, by the way,” the ghost said. “I’ve haunted this castle for the one hundred and forty-two years.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said. “I think.”
“Who are you talking to?” Kieran stared at me like I’d told him I was about to soar off the tallest castle tower. Which wasn’t a bad idea. If I could perfect broom flight, I’d use that for my test run. Joy would keep me afloat.
