“Shut up,” Wrenley sneers, throwing her own simple dress to the end of my bed. I’ve got to give it to her. Not many people would talk so carelessly to the Prince of Thorns. Though, I suppose one must be fearless to work with Kairyn. I wonder how long Wrenley’s served as a Golden Acolyte. Did she work with Kairyn before he took over the monastery? Was she there when he was first banished to Queen’s Reach Monastery?
“No, I mean it,” Caspian says, stepping farther into the room. “Pink is really your color.”
“Leave her alone, Cas,” I say. “You haven’t complimented me at all.”
“Flower, you know I’d prefer you with nothing on at all.”
I launch a pillow at him, which he dodges easily, smirking.
“Now, there’s a man who isn’t afraid to speak his mind.” Marigold sighs.
“What are you doing here?” I growl. “Youweren’t invited.”
“Thought I’d bring my favorite girls a little gift.” He holds up an elegant purple bottle.
“That’s my idea of a gift.” Marigold saunters over.
“Careful, darling,” Caspian says so slyly, a blush crawls up Marigold’s cheeks. “There’s something special about this wine.”
“What is it?” I ask, an edge to my voice.
Cas tosses the wine from hand to hand. “My sister, theNightingale, dabbles with potions. This wine is infused with her truth serum. One sip, and you won’t be able to lie. Thought it might be fun for some of your games.” He sets the bottle down and strides from the room. “Not that any of you have anything to hide.”
The nearly full moon has risen in the sky, casting its luminous gaze through my window. So far, I’ve eaten my weight in tarts, participated in an embarrassing round of charades, and we’ve attempted to do each other’s hair. This was hindered by the fact Marigold and Astrid turned into animals, and Wrenley wouldn’t let me touch her.
The acolyte sits on the floor, picking at the lace of her nightdress, as we prepare to play another game.
“All right,” I explain. “This one is from the human world; it’s called Never Have I Ever. Everyone holds up five fingers, and we take turns saying things we’ve never done. If you have done it, then you have to put down a finger and have a drink. The first one to lose all five has to …” I bite my lip, thinking. “Has to take a shot of that disgusting whisky from the Autumn Realm.”
“Marigold, you’ll have to hold up your fingers for me,” Astrid giggles.
“Never have I ever gotten drunk with woodland creatures,” Wrenley says, a curved smile crawling up her face.
“A first time for everything,” I say.
“Sounds fun, girlie,” Marigold says. “But let’s make it interesting. Break out the prince’s wine and make sure no one lies.”
“Are we sure that’s a good idea?” Wrenley says. “Do you really trust what’s inside?”
“No,” I say, but I pop the cork and pour the liquid into three cups and one little saucer for Astrid. It’s smooth and looks to be flecked with stardust. “But I trust Caspian.”
Wrenley snorts, and it almost reminds me of the way Caspian laughed when he first saw her. “Wait, you’re not kidding. You really do trust him?”
“For better or worse, and I’ve got nothing to hide,” I say, taking a sip of the wine. It’s sweet and smooth with undertones of blackberry and a lemony tang.
Marigold takes a cup in her little racoon paws, and Astridlaps up a sip, the wine coloring her white muzzle purple. I hand the last cup to Wrenley. “You don’t have to drink if you don’t want to.”
Wrenley takes it and sips. “What would an acolyte have to hide?”
I place the truth wine down in front of me. As long as no one says,Never have I ever been in love with the Summer Prince despite him having a mate, then this shouldn’t be awkward at all.
“All right,” I say, trying to think of questions that will apply to the fae realm. “Never have I ever gone skinny dipping.”
Wrenley rolls her eyes but doesn’t lower her finger. Astrid gives a little giggle. But it’s Marigold who lowers her little racoon finger.
“What?” She smirks. “I had quite the nightlife before this curse.”
Wrenley bursts out with a laugh. I’m so surprised to see her laugh, my own bubbles up. “Something funny?” I ask.
