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“What amuses you, Raphael?” he asked. His voice was smooth and deep. It went well with his flawless appearance.

“Oh, it was just something that popped into my head. Nothing of note. The fruit is delicious,” I blurted to change the subject. I picked up a round purple fruit that looked like a giant grape but had a tropical smell. I bit into it, and purple juice squirted in every direction, even landing on the hand of the sternly quiet gentleman to my right.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” I grabbed the napkin off my lap and tried to wipe his hand but he pulled it away.

“No, it’s fine,” he said angrily.

Jonier snapped her imperial fingers. “Bring something to clean up the mess, please.”

It was hardly a mess, but it gave the princess a chance to humiliate me further. Although, I doubted she could ever outdo the first horrible escapade with the old woman.

I’d had enough of the meet-and-greet lunch. I placed my napkin on the table and moved to get up. One of the staff came over and pulled out the chair. “I’m afraid you’ll have to excuse me. I’ve developed a headache.”

“Must be the clean air and fresh climate here in Solamere,” Jonier said. “It’s vastly different from the heavy, stench-filled atmosphere in Norvale.”

I had a slew of biting retorts, but I held my tongue, nodded to everyone, then swept from the room like a mouse scurrying from a cat. I decided not to test the promise to the sorcerers that no harm would come to me while visiting Solamere. Princess Jonier was definitely giving off Queen of Hearts “off with her head” vibes.

I’d raced from the dining room only to realize, as I stood in the cavernous passageway just outside the room, that I had no idea where I was. I’d been nervous enough on our walk to lunch to not take in any details of the pathways. I headed by instinct to the right because I remembered a left turn. I raced past numerous doors and sitting rooms. How many places could a family sit at once? It was all so wasteful and excessive. As lovely as the surroundings were, I wanted no part in it. Granier had tried to be polite and make a good impression, but his mother commanded the room the moment she walked into it. I couldn’t be with him if it meant living in the same castle as his mother, no matter how much square footage was between us.

I traveled what seemed like endless hallways for at least five straight minutes when I finally heard voices around the corner. I hoped it was a staff member who could point me toward my room or at the very least help me find Cara. I reached the corner and stopped when a flirtatious giggle trickled around the bend. It seemed I was about to come upon a secret tryst between several staff members.

I peeked cautiously around the corner. A pretty serving girl was tucked between the wall and none other than Prince Granier. He gave her a ravenous kiss and came up for a breath. “I couldn’t wait to get out of that dull meal, especially having to sit there watching you serve the meal. He took her small hand and pressed it against his crotch. A grin spread across his face. “You did that, my sweet little thing.”

“But your fiancée?” she asked weakly.

“Not my fiancée yet, but once we marry, I’m free to do as I like. I’ll be in charge, after all.”

I spun around and headed back down another interminably long hallway. Apparently, his politeness was all an act. He just wanted to make sure I chose him and not Fenrick, so he could claim his title and throne. Then he would behave like so many other debauched monarchs and corner desirable staff in the hallways.

“The painting,” I said on an exasperated breath. It was a stout old man wearing a bright red tunic. A tall black dog stood at his side. I happened to notice it earlier as we turned out of my room. I was in the right place … hopefully. I took a deep breath, turned the knob and practically sobbed in relief. I’d found the room. I had the man in the bright red tunic to thank.

I raced to the bed and immediately struggled to untie the back of my dress. It took some good lip-biting and a few cuss words, but I managed to free myself from the garment. Cara had sweetly laid out a silk gown for sleeping. It was light and nearly sheer, and it felt like cool water as I dropped it down over my head. It was still early, but I planned to get into bed and stay there until I could leave Solamere for good. I would let Cara know that I was resting with a bad headache and didn’t want to be disturbed.

I walked to the dresser, took the clips out of my hair and wiped the makeup from my face. A breeze ushered through the open window. I walked over to close it. The sun was still high in the azure blue sky, and the town bustled along past the castle walls. The distant sea looked calm and not the least bit menacing from my vantage point. I reached forward to close the window and was startled by a shadow. Seconds later, Omni was sitting on the edge of the balcony.

“There you are, my feathered shadow.” I reached up, not certain he would let me touch him, but he stood still and allowed me to stroke his soft head. He stared up at me almost as if he could read the distress I was feeling. What a terrible predicament fate had handed me, and worst of all, I was sure neither prince would be willing to give up their title. I was going to have a target on my back long after finishing these monstrous visits.

Omni stared at me now, and a rush of heat went through me. It was a bird staring back at me, only I could feel Revel watching me through his sight animal. My breath quickened instantly, and I closed my eyes briefly to imagine Revel’s hands on me, touching my skin, my puckered nipples, my pussy. I sucked in a breath and opened my eyes. I hadn’t realized I was crying until tears wet my cheeks. I stared into the black beady eyes and knew without a doubt that Revel was staring back at me. I reached up and untied the top of the gown. It fell open, exposing my naked breasts and shoulders.

I gazed into the black eyes, and my throat tightened when I realized how badly I missed Norvale and how badly I wanted to be with Revel.

I mouthed the words “I belong with you.”

Omni took off. I shut the windows and climbed into bed with teary eyes and a tightness in my chest.

Twenty-Four

I felt gloriously lucky that no one disturbed me for the rest of the day. I slept soundly, given the circumstances, and lovely Cara came in several times to check on me and to bring platters of fruits and sweets. There was a hot brew that was similar to coffee that she told me came from the bark of a hickle tree. It was almost as good … almost.

Morning light had seeped into the room very early, and again, there was a crystal blue sky outside the window. No sign of Omni. I blushed thinking about what I’d done, opening my robe and letting Revel know I belonged with him. What if he didn’t feel the same way? After all, a man like Revel was not short on women. I’d never done anything like it before and decided I’d been in a vulnerable state because of the awful luncheon with Princess Jonier.

I already recognized Cara’s knock. So far, she’d been the only pleasant thing about this visit. “Come in.” My voice floated across the vast room. It was much bigger than Raina’s entire cottage.

Cara was petite and looked like a doll as she stepped through the tall doorway and into the massive bedroom. Her mouth was pulled tight as if she had bad news to impart.

“If you’re here to tell me Princess Jonier wants me removed from the castle for being a rude guest, I just need to get dressed.” I threw off the heavy blankets.

Cara hurried over to help me out of bed.