Leo gaped at her like he just realized he’d brought along a donkey instead of a queen. Haydn burst out laughing. Moeller hung his head, but Evelyn definitely saw a smile.
By some miracle, Heinrich appeared amused. Though Evelyn didn’t like the look he sent Haydn, as if Heinrich were impressed and Haydn got credit for it.
“By color, actually,” Heinrich said. “Who doesn’t love a rainbow?”
“Perhaps you would like to settle into your rooms first,” Moeller said dryly. “I’m sure thefeatherscan wait.”
“That would be appreciated. Thank you,” Leo said before Evelyn could offend anyone else.
Inside the castle, fae in gold tunics waited to guide them upstairs. Evelyn had seen the guards when Moeller was in Gryon but hadn’t noticed that they seemed to be unarmed.
Do they have daggers concealed under their uniforms? Or do these guards really not have weapons? Just how peaceful is Lochmatten?
The castle had a whole tower for guests. Leo and Evelyn were given a suite that took up the entire third floor. Higher up, there were enough smaller rooms to fit all the guards.
Evelyn explored their temporary home. A large living space had comfortable seating, a square table, full bookshelves, and a fireplace. Plush rugs and woven tapestries dampened any noise. The bedroom had tall windows, a large bed with gold sheets, and separate bathrooms for each occupant. Everything was high-quality but not as blatantly fancy as in the palace.
She flopped onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling painted with golden swirls. Moments later, Leo climbed on top of her and laced their fingers together.
Evelyn squirmed at the rush of heat between her legs. “What are you doing?”
Leo’s voice was low and rough. “Looking at you.”
He kissed the sensitive skin below her left ear. “Kissing you.”
Leo released one of Evelyn’s hands and reached down the front of her dress. She gasped as he ran his thumb over her peaked nipple. “Touching you.”
His mouth moved to hers, stealing her breath as he kissed her greedily. Evelyn struggled to think straight, but she recognized that his touch felt possessive rather than seductive.
Leo isn’t on top of me just because he wants to be. He’s claiming me because we’re under the same roof as Haydn and Damien, and Leo is angry at both of them.
But, gods, it feels amazing. He hasn’t touched me since our wedding night.
Someone pounded on the door from the hallway. Leo tensed for a heartbeat, then ignored it in favor of lifting Evelyn’s skirt.
The knocking started up again. Damien shouted through the door, “Sixteen dead bodies! All carved up and rotting!”
That sobered them in a hurry.
Leo rolled off Evelyn and headed for the door. “I’m going to rip his fucking tongue out.”
Someone is grumpy today.
Evelyn sat up. “He has a point. We’re supposed to be working.”
Leo continued into the main room and threw open the door. “What thefuckis wrong with you?”
“Did I interrupt something?” Damien’s voice was all innocence and apology. “I thought we were here to investigate the murder of your guards.”
“If you knock on this door again, I will cut your fucking arm off.”
“Understood, Your Majesty. I’ll make sure Rory knocks for me next time.”
Leo slammed the door shut.
Evelyn stood across the room with her arms crossed. “Do you think being an asshole to our friend makes me want you more?”
Leo’s shoulders drooped.
