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I am that. I am his prince.

Aster's lips tip up. “Of course you know.”

Her gaze shifts to Rowan for a moment before returning to me. “Then take care of him.”

Rowan groans. “Sola…”

“What? I’m serious.” She reaches across the table and squeezes his hand. “My baby brother’s stronger than people think. More stubborn too. He spent years loving people who weren't there. Don't make him do that again.”

Something uncomfortable twists in my chest, but I ignore it. Now’s not the time, and she sure as hell is not the right company.

The guard reaches the table and stops beside me. “Sir.”

Keeping hold of Rowan's hand, I glance his way. “Please escort our guests upstairs.”

Around us, movement has already begun, staff guiding families toward the upper level while the crowd slowly shifts away from the pit and toward the performance hall.

I look back at Aster. “It was a pleasure.”

The lie is obvious and she knows it.

Still, she smiles. “I’ll see you soon, baby brother.”

Ignoring them, I slide a hand against the small of Rowan's back and guide him to his feet. “Come on, mouse.”

Rowan squeezes his sister's hand one last time before letting go. “We'll see you upstairs.”

Then I start steering him toward the stairs, weaving through the crowd as more and more people gather around the upper galleries. The atmosphere has shifted, anticipation humming beneath the conversations while guards take up positions near the stage, the last guests find their seats, and one of my men catches my eye from beside the curtains, giving a subtle nod to confirm everything is in place.

“You know,” I murmur, guiding Rowan toward the stage, “most people would be excited.”

He glances up at me. “About what?”

My mouth curves. “The surprise.”

Rowan stares at me for a second. Then his eyes narrow as realization begins to dawn. “What are you talking about?”

“Come on, mouse.” My hand lingers at his waist as I steer him toward the stage. “Show's about to begin.”

36

ROWAN

The closer we get to the stage, the worse it becomes, nervous energy crawling beneath my skin and making it impossible to stand still while every pair of eyes in the chapel feels fixed on me.

Beside me, Ciaran looks entirely too sure of himself. Frankly, I don’t trust that smile. It usually means he’s up to something. Whether it’s blowing me under a cold shower, or surprising me during my daily night swims with a splash and a kiss. Last night he came home late from the Black Chapel, lifted me out of bed while I was still half asleep, and fucked me over the balcony railing.

The city view by night was amazing, though.

Now, as we move through the crowd, familiar faces begin appearing everywhere, making the reality of what I’m about to do feel terrifyingly real.

Damaris spots me first, his grin widening before he throws both thumbs into the air, making me groan.

Ever since he’s been with Lucan, he’s even more bossy, terrorizing the kitchen and telling everyone what to do. Even Rafe has become docile.

“Tonight’s a special night, mouse,” he purrs in my ear as we make our way through the place.

“Why’s that?” I mumble back, careful to keep the conversation private. He’s up to no good, I just haven’t decided quite yet what it is.