Caspian
“Well, don’t just stand there. Come in,” I say.
Rosalina’s shocked face turns into a snarl, and she stalks forward and smacks me across the face. I could have stopped her, but I probably deserve it.
“What was that for?” I ask, massaging my cheek. “Did you want to get bought by one of those whelps?”
She places a hand on her hip. “One hundred thousand denarii to Kairyn and his tyranny, Caspian? You should have let me sell for less.”
“I couldn’t,” I say. “Besides, you’re worth far more. But if it means that much to you, I’ll steal it back.”
“Where’s Farron? Aren’t you supposed to be looking after him?”
“The little pup is safe and sound in my room, probably reading the most boring book off my shelf.”
“How could you bring Astrid here?”
“Prince Caspian came to Castletree looking for an assistant. Don’t worry, Rosalina, I volunteered.” Astrid gives a huge smile. “Marigold and Flavia had a lot of fun dressing me up like someone from the Below.”
“She’s done very well in this little game,” I say. “But I suppose it’s time to hop this little bunny back to her burrow.”
Rosalina’s face softens, and she pulls Astrid into a firm hug. “How is everyone at Castletree?”
“We’re all right, but we all miss you and the princes,” Astrid says.
“I miss you all too.” Rosalina pulls away and lets out a laugh. “I’ve got gold paint all over you.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Astrid says. “Marigold asked for a detailed account of what you were wearing. This will help me describe it. I love the siren look, by the way.”
“Ready, my dear?” I ask, sitting up.
Astrid hops up and down. “Ready! It wassofun traveling here through the thorns!”
“Yes, your screams of joy were delightfully loud.” I wave my hand, tangling the girl up in a bushel of thorns. She had been handy. I couldn’t trust anyone from the Below for this little act. While Kairyn knows I’m keeping an eye on Summer, it would have been too suspicious for me to bid on Dayton’s mysterious siren. Plus, I thought Rosie might like to see a friendly face.
“Goodbye, Astrid,” Rosalina says as the thorns weave into the ground.
I lean back on the chaise and eye her. “I’m ready to accept your thanks now.”
“What are you wearing?” Rosalina walks to the low table and picks a grape off the platter. “You look ridiculous.”
It’s bloody humid in Summer, so I opted to blend in with the locals and wear a one-shouldered black toga, bound at the waist by a coil of thorns. “You’re one to talk, Goldie.”
She turns, the paint smeared across her curves from the hug with Astrid. Stars, I wish I was the one to have smeared it. “I like it,” she says.
“So do I.” My voice pitches lower. “The rabbit was right; you do look alluring with those ears.”
Rosalina saunters toward me, the seashells chiming together, giving an oh-so-brief glimpse of what lies beneath. She leans down, golden hair spilling over one shoulder. She flicks me on the nose. “Astrid’s a hare.”
Rosalina moves to straighten up, but I grip her arm and hold her stare with my own. It’s so easy to lose myself in the depths of her golden eyes. Besides the color of her eyes and hair, and the fishy ears, all her features are the same. “Kairyn’s a fool. I would recognize you anywhere.”
“Sure, Cas,” she whispers.
“No, Rosalina, I would. I would know you in any form anywhere in all the Vale. By the gentle curve of your smile and the way the air sparkles when you’re around.” I draw myself closer. “In the night’s tapestry, I would know you as a star oras a bloom in a field of flowers. Did you know there is a particular cadence to your heartbeat? Especially when you’re around me. I could pick it out in a symphony.”
“Don’t be dramatic, Cas.” Her breath brushes over my lips.
“Dramatic?” My smile curves. “Dramatic would be saying that even if there was nothing left of me but shadows, I would know you.” But it’s not dramatic, because when my mother brought me to my lowest, when she sank me deep in pain and draped me in the dark, I thought of Rosalina.I thought of you and found my way out of the shadows and wished I could make my way to your light again.
