He gives a rueful smirk. “Then let’s go wish that bastard a happy birthday.”
With that, he steps through the portal, followed by Dayton and Ez, until it’s just Keldarion and me standing beneath the moonlight.
His face is a firm line, but I see the pain flashing in his eyes. What must it be like for him to attend a celebration for someone who betrayed him?
“And I’m with you,” I say, offering my hand. Even if I’m still mad at him, I know he needs my support tonight.
“Thank you, Rose,” he says, taking my hand. Together, we step through the portal.
A cold breeze whips through me, and a chill flickers through my legs.
Then I realize something.
I totally forgot to put on my panties.
52
Rosalina
Lightshimmersinmyvision, and the cold breeze flutters to a stop as I walk through the portal and into the Below. Kel’s hand is tight in mine.
I inhale the thick air, rich with a sweet and almost floral scent. We’re in a cavern. Crystals line the walls, emitting a gentle glow of pink, blue, and purple. A small pool of water lies to our left, iridescent plant life gleaming at the bottom.
“This is beautiful,” I say, turning as I try to take it all in.
“Not nearly so beautiful as you,” a smooth voice says, “Princess.”
Kel’s grip tightens on my hand, tugging me back. Because standing at the opposite side of the cavern is the Prince of Thorns himself.
How long has he been waiting there?
Farron shoots a wary glance at all of us, then advances. “Caspian, I’m here to uphold my end of the bargain.”
A dark chuckle reverberates through the cavern, and Caspian steps into the light. My breath catches. The gems’ glow casts off his exquisite features. He wears a black jacket cinched at his slim waist, with swirls of purple thread embroidered at the cuffs. A brilliant silver cravat billows at his neck. His pants are tight, tucked into shining knee-high boots. He stops before us, sliding his hands into his pockets, long dark hair falling across his eyes. “Welcome, residents of Castletree, to the Below.”
No one says anything. Not a single thing.
“Happy birthday,” I blurt.
His eyes widen, and he smiles. He should not be allowed to have a smile that beautiful. “Let’s be sure to celebrate it.” He winks at Farron. “Nice pants. Taking inspiration from Kel now, little pup?”
Farron flushes. “What? No!” He’s wearing a long-sleeved white shirt, laces undone, tucked into high-waisted leather pants. My gaze drifts from him to Kel, who’s wearing his similar tight navy shirt and leather pants.
“They’re dressed quite similarly.” Dayton gives Farron a little pat on his ass. “Cute.”
“Shut up,” Farron growls.
“Let’s get this over with,” Ezryn says, black armor shining, his movements stiff and precise.
Keldarion doesn’t let go of my hand as we follow behind the Prince of Thorns to the other end of the cave. It’s completely enclosed. Where is he taking us? I cast a quick glance at our thorn portal, still shining. Twelve hours, that’s how long Caspian said it would stay open.
He stops in front of a shimmering cave wall. “I thought I’d plant the matching seed somewhere out of the way. Didn’t want your arrival to cause a scene.”
He taps a crystal three times and the wall groans then shifts open into a small passage. Kel gives me a slight nod and we follow him through. It leads to a hallway. The walls are the same stone as the cave, but they’ve been smoothed flat, the ceiling low above us. The ground, too, is polished and covered in a plush blue rug. Crystals light the way, set into elegant mounts on the wall.
Behind us, the stone door slams to a close. Our exit, gone.
“This way,” Caspian drawls.
