“Do you remember when you asked me why I followed Leo’s orders even though Ioutrankhim?”
“Oh!” Evelyn gasped. “Yes! You laughed at me. That makes a lot more sense now, actually.”
Damien grinned. “You didn’t make it easy to keep Leo’s secrets.”
“You kept bringing up the prince and asking about Hannah. That’s why Leo always looked so mad during those conversations.”
Evelyn’s memories were rewriting themselves. She could practically hear a pen in her head crossing things out and scribbling new notes.
“I was trying to guilt Leo into confessing sooner,” Damien admitted. “And hoping something would click in your mind.”
“I missed all of it.” Evelyn sighed. “Is there anything else I need to know? Was Leo hiding more things from me?”
“No, not as far as I’m aware. I will cut off his pinky fingers with my dagger if I find out he lied to you about something else.”
Evelyn smiled. “I appreciate that.”
“Can I do anything for you?”
“No. I just need to think about things today.”
“Eat breakfast first. And tell one of the guards if you need me.” Damien kissed her forehead. “Stay out of trouble, Princess.”
Once he left, Evelyn turned to retrieve the breakfast tray. Then she heard his voice again from the hallway.
“Good morning, Princess.”
She whipped around, but her door clicked shut and Damien was gone.
He must be talking to Hannah, which means she saw Damien leave my bedroom. Gods, this is going to be a long day.
Evelyn opened her door, but she didn’t see Damien or Hannah. Two familiar male voices carried down the hall. Evelyn approached them as quietly as she could. Leo and Damien were on the stairs and couldn’t see her.
“Why were you in her room?” Leo asked.
“I was trying to comfort her,” Damien said irritably. “Didn’t you hear? Someone broke her heart last night.”
“Comfort herhow?”
Damien was quiet for a few heartbeats. “I really hope that question came out wrong and you aren’t implying what it sounded like.”
“You barely left her side last night.”
“Because you were never at her side!”
“You kept touching her. You were practically on top of her!”
“I kept everyone else away. Or did you want every nobleman in the kingdom pawing at her? You left her to fend for herself because you wouldn’t let go of your godsdamned lies.”
“And you swept in to save her?”
“You think I have any interest in fucking your precious princess?” Damien yelled. “Two days ago, I was peeling Angelina’s melted skin off the floor of the bar, Leo! And you think stealing Evelyn away from you is what’s on my mind right now? You think that little of me? And ofher?”
Leo’s tone softened. “No, Damien, I?—”
“Fuck you, Leo. I’m done cleaning up your bullshit.”
Evelyn could hear Damien stomp down the stairs, leaving only Leo’s sharp breathing. Conflicting feelings raged through her body.
