“I fucking love the way you feel,” Dayton rasps against my ear as I come back to myself. I collapse against the Summer Prince, feeling completely and totally satisfied. I wonder about Dayton’s words. Did my screams reach Kel after all?
23
Rosalina
Myvelvetshoesbarelymake a sound as I head toward the dining room, Dayton and Farron on either side of me.
After ourexperience in the hot springs, Farron helped Dayton and I wash our hair, then wrapped us in fluffy towels. It wasn’t exactly the way I’d wanted his hands on my skin, but it was still comforting.
I tuck a loose braid behind my ear. Farron had weaved small plaits into mine and Dayton’s hair before we left, explaining his mother taught him how. His voice had wavered as he spoke. I know he’s worried about what’s going on back home. But that’s why we’re meeting with the other princes now. To decide on a plan.
At least dinner is at a normal time with it being a full moon tonight—the one night of the month the princes and staff won’t turn into beasts or animals.
I smooth down my skirts as we draw closer. Marigold and Astrid have gone all out for my first banquet back in Castletree. Farron and Dayton took great joy in helping them decide on the dress, as they lounged together on my bed. Finally, they’d decided on one from the Summer Realm.
It’s made of the finest silk in a shade of soft ivory. The bodice is fitted, accentuating my curves, and adorned with delicate gold embroidery that glimmers in the light. A flowing skirt falls to the ground in layers, billowing as I walk. The neckline is low, revealing just enough skin to be alluring, but still leaving much to the imagination. Not that those two princes need imagination now.
I’ve got a light shawl overtop, not only to cover my arms, but because there’s still a chill in the castle, the magic of the Winter Prince seeping everywhere.
Dayton grabs my arm before we enter the dining hall.
“Now, Blossom, you need to do something for me before we go in.”
I raise a brow. “And that is?”
“Don’t cower to him.” Dayton fixes me with his turquoise gaze. “You’re Keldarion’s mate which means you’re his equal. He’s the one who told you he didn’t want to be with you, so if he says anything about this afternoon, that’s his own problem.”
My whole body heats. “Wait, what? How would he know? Did someone tell him?”
Farron trails a hand through my hair. “Rosie, you’ve got Day’s scent all over you. It’s… intoxicating.”
“Oh my gosh, I didn’t think about that.”
Dayton grips my chin. “Own it. He said he’d fuck everyone in the realm before you? Show him how desirable you are. Show him you’re the one everyone wants, and he’s the biggest fucking idiot in the whole Vale for not worshiping you as he should.”
There’s anger in Dayton’s words, and his passion ignites inside me. I straighten my spine and laugh. “Maybe I’ll fuck everyone in the Enchanted Vale before he has the chance.”
I know instantly that was the wrong thing to say. Dayton and Farron each grab one of my arms.
“No, Rosalina,” Farron growls, a flash of something feral in his eyes. He shakes his head, then sighs. “I thought you were going to be a good girl and listen to Dayton’s rules.”
Dayton’s rules. Him, Farron, Ezryn, and that frosty jerk. I can’t imagine wanting anyone beyond that. But… they’re so easy to rile.
“I’m okay with that,” I say, and they release me. I quickly bop Farron on the nose before turning to the door. “For now.”
I throw open the doors of the dining hall.
I sense Keldarion is already here the moment I enter, his presence hitting me like a wave. But I don’t look over at him, not yet. I keep my head high, my pace steady, kicking out my dress with each step as Astrid taught me.
I am the Lady of Castletree. I belong here as much as anyone.
At least, I think I do. My confidence falters for an instant, and I stumble over a partially protruding vine.
The dining hall is exactly how I remember, except most of it is covered in mounds of ice, including part of the table and the chair where I used to sit: the one opposite Keldarion.
What remains of the table is laden with delicious food. Ezryn sits in his usual seat with nothing in front of him. He doesn’t look up at me.
The High Prince of Winter is slumped over, his elbows on the table, hands covering his face. As if he can feel my attention on him, his gaze rises.
