I finally shift my gaze to the far side of the bridge. There sits a marble castle. The entire structure is adorned with intricate carvings, arched windows glowing with opalescent light, and high silver towers reaching for the mist. It’s reminiscent of a fairy tale, not a nightmare.
“Welcome to Cryptgarden,” Caspian says. His dark eyes sparkle as he whispers in my mind,Make yourself at home, Princess.
53
Rosalina
Nudity.Nudityeverywhere.Andsex. My breath convulses, and I can barely concentrate on anything else as Caspian leads us into Cryptgarden, his home.
We traverse the great bridge and venture into the castle grounds, avoiding the long line coiling around attempting to be allowed in.
He takes us to a grand courtyard, open air, with towers and balconies encircling the area. The courtyard is just as beautiful as any I’ve seen in the fae realms, everything cast in blue and purple tones. Crystallized trees are draped with gauzy fabric, and glowing enclosures feature plush seating and beds. Elegant silver tables line the edges, filled with all manner of bubbling concoctions, sweets, and fruit. Several fountains spurt brightly colored liquid, and people fill their cups with it. There’s so much going on, I can hardly comprehend. Every available inch is crowded with fae.
And they’re all fucking.
Okay, that’s not true. But my cheeks burn at the sheer amount of debauchery around us. Fae move and flow together in the enclosed space. They dance half-naked along a marble stage in the middle of the courtyard. A chorus of pleasure rises to match the haunting music that drifts down from a gathering of fae on one of the upper balconies, the musicians all masked in skulls.
“Come along,” Caspian says, leading us through the throng.
It’s like electricity sparks through everyone as the Prince of Thorns enters his own party. Fae start to surround him, but he waves them away. As we trail behind, I hear the names of my princes whispered among the fae.
Keldarion throws a protective arm around me, drawing me against his massive body. These fae are dressed in everything from fine gowns, to crowns of horns, to leather beaked masks. Others wear only paint or binding jewelry. Some wear nothing at all.
Nope, I don’t think my outfit will stand out at all. In fact, maybe I’m a little overdressed, even with forgetting my panties.
Keldarion spins me around, eyes narrowed.
“You forgot what?” he whispers.
My whole body goes red. “Uh, nothing. What are you talking about?” How could he possibly know that? His large hands reach for the folds of my cloak, and I smack him away with a scowl. “You’ll never find out.”
I rush to catch up with the others.
Caspian stands almost shyly beside a willow tree carved of jewels, with strings of glowing gems for the branches. Fondness pangs in my chest; it reminds me so much of the tree I love back in Orca Cove. “This is a private area if you need a reprieve from the party,” he says. “No one will bother you here.”
The willow’s jeweled vines enclose an area of plush pillows and a low table. Fabric drapes add to the privacy. It’s a strangely thoughtful gesture, to reserve such a beautiful spot for us. Keldarion ducks inside, a pained expression on his face. Ezryn quickly follows, and I drift in after them.
“I know being back here is hard for you, brother,” Ezryn says, low enough to be out of earshot of the others outside.
“I’m fine, Ez,” Kel says gruffly.
Ezryn places a metallic hand on Keldarion’s shoulder. “Tonight, I shall abstain from any spirits or elixirs. I swear on my life, I will not let her out of my sight for a single moment—”
“Hey, I’m not a baby,” I say indignantly. But I don’t press. Keldarion may want nothing to do with our mate bond, but I’ve done enough research to know he probably feels a need to keep me safe at the very least.
Ezryn leans closer to Keldarion. “Partake in food and drink, and trust me to keep what is dearest to you safe.”
Dearest to him? Yeah, right. Before I can roll my eyes, Dayton barges into our willow enclosure. “Did someone mention drinks?” A tray of bubbling blue glasses balances in his hands. “Found these on my way here.”
Dayton places them down on the low table. Keldarion snags one and quickly shoots it back. Even Caspian raises a brow as he slinks his way into the nook with us. “Trust the Summer Prince to begin the celebration.”
“The party seems well and truly underway.” Dayton takes his own shot. “We’re catching up. Oh, that’s not very strong. You serving weak drinks here, Princey-Poo?”
“Please.” Caspian levels Dayton with a glare, and the two start arguing.
“Can I take your cloak, Rosie?” Farron comes up alongside me, and my heart nearly beats out of my chest. The feel of his naked body against mine is too fresh.
But he’s trying to be normal so I will, too. “Thanks.” I take off my bag slung around my chest.
