Caspian steps back, eyes wide and shimmering.
Sometimes when I look at him, I forget just how wicked he is. But he nearly destroyed Kel. He’s bringing ruin to Castletree. Plus, he’s tormenting Rosalina.
I am the High Prince of Autumn, and the Below is an enemy to the realm. Caspian is an enemy. If I can’t stand up for those I love, I’ll never be able to defend all of Autumn.
I snatch Caspian by the lapel and shove him against the stone counter. “And stop speaking in Rosalina’s mind. Whatever dark sorcery you’ve conjured, leave her out of it.”
His eyes flick down to the notebook he’s holding. I recognize it now, one of the blank pads we use during our research. Rosalina’s handwriting is scrawled over the front—
I snatch the book from him, and he cries out, reaching for it. And with all the anger built in me, I rip the pad in two and throw it to the ground.
Caspian lets out a strangled sound and falls to his knees, gathering the shredded pieces. Then he glowers up at me. “You were all so quick to bestow me with the role of villain. Well then, Farron dear, if it is between that and outcast, I accept. I’ll play the part to perfection, and you’ll rue the day you ever cast me in it.”
The thorns around my neck shiver and all goes black.
61
Rosalina
“Blossom,”Daytonraisesadark brow from where he’s lounging on the cushions, “are you going to tell me why you smell like the meadows of Spring or am I going to have to guess?”
My entire body heats, and Ezryn stiffens.
“Oh, come on,” Dayton drawls. “Now you have to tell me.”
I open my mouth, knowing something awkward is going to sputter out. But Ezryn steps forward. “I was correcting an error most grievous, Summer Prince. How dare you not satisfy the Lady of Castletree?”
The Summer Prince doesn’t look intimidated in the slightest. His grin only widens. “So that’s what it’s all about. Our noble knight committed to justice, both in and out of the bedroom.” He places a hand on his chest. “But did the fair maiden proclaim how she wounded me so?”
I bury my face in my hands.
“I only hope, brother, she remembered your name in the throes of passion. Or did the name of our Sworn Protector grace your ears as well?”
I peek out between my fingers. Kel watches them both with a hint of amusement while sipping the water I gave him. There’s not a flicker of jealousy on his features.
Ezryn grabs Dayton by his shirt, lifting him up so they’re nose to helm. “I don’t care if she calls you Goblin,” Ezryn says. “If our woman requests pleasure, you give it to her.”
Dayton clasps his hands tight over Ezryn’s bracers. He smirks, wavy strands of blond hair falling across his brow. “If you say so, Daddy.”
Ezryn drops him with a long sigh, and Dayton springs lightly to his feet, laughing. We’ve been at a party for hours and he’s not drunk. Strange.
Dayton saunters over to me and throws his arm around my shoulders. I’ve missed the warm touch of his skin. “What do you say? Can you forgive me?” he breathes in my ear. “Jane?”
“You’re ridiculous.” I laugh. “Where is Farron to calm you down?”
A hushed silence settles over our alcove, and Kel says, “Where is Farron?”
He’s been gone too long. Apprehension tickles in my stomach. Outside, the party is winding down. The music has slowed to a haunting melody, and low moans of sex have replaced the earlier loud cries.
Ez shakes his head. “I’ll go look for him.”
“No.” I grasp Ezryn’s arm. “I don’t think we should split up.”
Ezryn nods. “He probably got turned around. Farron’s never been much good at directions.” His voice has lost its usual confidence.
I glance up at the throne, but the Prince of Thorns isn’t there. The rocks settling in my gut sink deeper. “I want to go home,” I whisper.
“He might have gotten frustrated with me,” Dayton says, remorse audible in his words. “He kind of wandered off, saying he needed a drink. I thought he wanted some space.”
