I relaxed into the mattress. “Okay. You win.”
Charlie undid the tie around my wrists, and he carried me to our private bathroom to help me clean up. By the time we cuddled beneath the sheets, we were so exhausted that we fell asleep immediately.
When I woke the next morning, I was snuggled in Charlie’s arms. He’d had a few drinks last night and was completely out of it. He didn’t even notice when I stirred, but simply groaned and rolled over. I, on the other hand, had sleptgreat.
Emperor Cassiel had said we should take the day off, so I was going to spend it doing what I loved best— being pampered. Ireallyneeded to get my nails done, and I expected to spend the entire day at the spa.
I pulled myself out of bed and into my chair. I got dressed, then wheeled out into the main room. The stripper platform was still there from last night. Confetti and dollar bills littered the floor, along with empty liquor bottles. I wasn’t sure what had happened after Charlie and I went back to our room, but it looked like things had gotten pretty wild. Pieces of a broken vase scattered the floor, and several pieces of pizza were stuck to the ceiling.
Ez and Opal were snuggled up on one of the couches, and Tahoma was passed out on the floor beside them. Alistair lay slumped over the armrest of one of the chairs, his mouth hanging open as he snored.
Danny was face-down on the ground, clutching an empty liquor bottle. Vampires didn’t need to sleep, but it appeared Danny had enough liquor to knock him out cold.
Ivy and Chancey were tangled up on the other couch, Ivy curled in Chancey’s arms. Oberi was in unicorn form sprawled across the stage, her collection of hats scattered around her.
Marcus and Kallie were notably missing. I was certain that meant they’d snuck off to one of their rooms to fuck before the party ended. Good for them, I guess.
Abigail was the only person who was awake. She carefully wheeled between people while she quietly placed trash into a garbage bag, trying not to wake them. In the corner, Sprigs’ plant had been knocked over, and a mound of dirt had fallen out of the pot. Sprigs lay on Alette’s back, and both of them were sleeping. Abigail wheeled to the corner and tried to lift the plant upright, but she struggled to bend far enough in her chair.
“You don’t have to do that,” I offered.
Abigail jumped in her chair and turned to me. “Your highness. I was hoping to have this cleaned up before you awoke.”
I waved a hand nonchalantly. “I’m not worried about it. I have the day off, which means you should, too. I’m headed to the Ladies’ Court to get my nails done. Would you like to join me?”
She gave another bow. “If your highness requests it, then it would be my pleasure.”
“It would be nice to have some company,” I said.
Abigail and I left the room. Eldin was still stationed at the door, and she followed at a close distance as we navigated the halls.
“So, things got pretty crazy last night?” I asked Abigail.
“I suppose so,” she admitted with a giggle. “It was quite fun. I’m not usually invited to parties like that. It was my first.”
“Really?” I asked. “Well, you’re invited toourparties any time you want.”
Around the corner, I heard a familiar voice. “Eddie, can I have a word?”
It was good to hear Eddie’s name. We hadn’t seen him since he left the throne room last night, and he’d never shown up for the party.
“Of course, my Emperor,” Eddie replied. “What may I help you with?”
I paused. Both of them sounded pretty serious. They hadn’t seen us, since we were still hidden behind the wall.
“It is regarding the intel we received last night,” Cassiel stated. “Before you return to Charlie’s quarters, I must make a request. You cannot tell the prince what we discuss.”
I felt the blood drain from my face, and I instantly brought my wheels to a halt. Cassiel was hiding something from Charlie? That couldn’t be right.
I signaled for Abigail and Eldin to stop. I slowly inched my chair forward until I could peer around the corner. Eddie seemed nervous as Cassiel gestured for him to come closer. He kept his voice low, but I was close enough to hear.
“I have thought long and hard about what we discovered last night, and I have concluded that it is best if Charlie doesn’t know,” Cassiel whispered. “He doesn’t need to go to that awful place and experience what’s happening.”
“Forgive me, Emperor, but I do not understand,” Eddie said. “Shouldn’t the prince be made aware of this development? He should know what we found northwest of Flagstaff.”
Cassiel dropped his head. “In time, he will know, once matters have settled. But for now, I wish to spare him and the others the turmoil. None of our people need to witness such suffering. We cannot send our soldiers there, as there’s nothing that can be done. You know as well as I that these people cannot be saved. I give you this order as Emperor, Eddie. You must not tell Charlie that we found the Main Facility.”
I nearly fell out of my chair. I couldn’t have heard him right. My heart hammered as I listened closer.
