He mustn’t suspect our whereabouts, because his calls fade into silence, leaving only Maddox and me grinning beneath the dripping branches of a gold willow.
Step Six (or maybe Seven): Whatever you do, avoid staring directly into his eyes, lest you see a reflection of the joy on your own face.
Joy you haven’t felt in far too long.
15
“A problem shared is a problem solved.”
— A Seelie Guide to Happiness
After three long days without my cousin, Kerris finally sends word that she has returned to Rosehill. I cannot get to the castle fast enough. The moment I step into the grand parlor, she stands from the settee. I’m not sure whose arms wrap around who first. All that matters is that we’re hugging and she’s finally, blessedly home where she belongs.
“It’s about damn time you came back. It feels like you’ve been gone forever.” Next time she leaves, I’m going with her. No exceptions.
Heaven knows I would’ve been better off escaping to Applewood than remaining here, fighting this irrational desire to spend all my spare time with Maddox.
I’ve lost count of how often I had to stop myself from visiting the castle gardens since our little foray into the fountain. Even on my way here, I was this close to stopping by his wagon before coming to see Kerris.
Not only have my thoughts been plagued by the man, but also he has begun to haunt my dreams. Last night, I woke up drenched in sweat, strangled by my sheets, panting his name.
Kerris tries to pull out of my embrace, but I refuse to let her go. Not until she agrees to save me from myself.
Her huff of laughter is a balm to my weary soul. “Someone’s feeling awfully dramatic. It’s only been three days.”
“Three days too many.” I haven’t had anyone to talk to—unless you count Maddox, which I don’t because he’s the one I want to talkabout.
“Ever said the same thing.”
I’m sure he did. Thank goodness her husband is meeting with the Unseelie leader today; otherwise, I wouldn’t have seen my cousin for at least another week.
I tighten my hold. “Then it’s settled. You’re never leaving Rosehill again.”
“If I agree, will you let me breathe?”
“I suppose.” Wouldn’t want to suffocate the queen.
“Fine. I won’t leave Rosehill again. For a while.”
That will have to do.
Reluctantly, I let her go and join her on the settee, where a fine set of dainty, gilded-edge teacups wait next to two healthy slices of apple crumble.
She hands me a lace serviette, and I stretch the starched fabric across my lap. “How are Theo and Cora?” I ask, determined to make small talk before blurting out my own woes.
“As adorable as ever. I never thought I’d see my brother so smitten.” She fills my cup and then her own with hot, fragrant black tea. “Cora hangs on his every word, and Theo dotes on her as he should.”
It’s lovely to be reminded that there is still happiness out there, even though I’ve yet to find my own.
Kerris nudges my shoulder. “How was your date with Maddox?”
There’s no sense pointing out that it technically wasn’t a date. She will only needle me about protesting too much for my argument to hold any truth. Instead, I take a different approach, one that hopefully won’t reveal this unhealthy obsession I’ve unwittingly acquired. “Surprisingly enjoyable. Turns out Maddox isn’t completely intolerable.”
Her mouth drops open, and I take her momentary shock as an opportunity to pop a bit of crumble between her parted lips. “We’re talking about Maddox Finch, correct? The Maddox you—and I quote—‘cannot stand because he has too many muscles.’ That Maddox?”
I shrug. “You get used to the muscles after a while.”
“This is . . .” She blows out a breath, her head shaking as she stares at me, bits of crumble falling onto the serviette on her lap. “Most unexpected.”
