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He chuckles. “That’s not very polite, princess.”

“You’re not my father.” I glare at him. “Now let me go. Please.” I’ll cry if I have to spend another night haunted by that woman’s screams. The man who attacked her is right there! I just need to find someone who can help me.

Castor sighs, pulling back slightly. “I can see what you claim to have seen last night upset you greatly. My brother certainly seemed to think so,” he mumbles. “It’s been a while since he’s been so angry at me.”

I tense. “Why would Lux be angry at you? You didn’t hurt that girl.” But the dark glint in his eye suggests that maybe he did. He practically forced himself on me earlier this week. Of course I wouldn’t have been the first.

Or the last.

Bile rises in my throat. “Get away from me.”

He shakes his head. “You are so innocent it’s almost sickening. No wonder my brother is so obsessed.”

“This conversation is over.” If Lux was angry at Castor last night then he already knows how awful his brother can be. I was an idiot for not telling Lux the truth when he asked me what was wrong at the sewing shop. I’m not making that mistake again.

“The conversation is over when I decide it is over, sweetheart,” Castor purrs. “I think it’s time you and Lady Charlotte had a little chat.”

“Lady Charlotte?” My face scrunches up. “Who is Lady⁠—”

“She’s the delightful little minx you found engaged in a scene with her husband last night.”

My mouth falls open. “Her husband?”

“Yes. Lovely couple, but be careful around them. Ever since they opened their marriage they’ve grown more adventurous with who and where they enjoy each other’s company,” he chuckles. “I’d think twice before showing her around your bedchamber unless you don’t mind your sheets being a little damp after you return from your evening walk.”

I blink, speechless. He’s lying. He has to be. Just like he lied about Lux not believing me if I told him what happened the other day. “They’re not married. You’re just trying to protect that awful man.”

They’re probably friends. That’ll be it.

Castor shakes his head, sighing. “Come with me.” I’m pulled up from the bench before I can argue. Dragging me by my wrist, he takes me back to the bustling fountain and forces me over to the young couple.

Lady Charlotte is still sitting on the rim of the fountain, leaning against her ‘husband’ while he strokes her knee fondly.

I suppose they do look like a couple… Still, he could be forcing her to act that way.

Releasing my wrist, Castor greets her with a smile. “Lady Charlotte, Princess Eden here would like a word with you in private, if that’s alright?”

I scowl at him before turning back to her, my features softening. She doesn’t look afraid or like she’s being forced to be here. If anything, she looks a little sheepish.

With a shy nod, she gets up and drifts away from the fountain.

I don’t waste a second to follow her.

“Are you alright?” I ask quietly, checking over my shoulder to make sure we’re alone. Castor is speaking to the blonde man, who looks like he’s stifling a laugh.

“I’m quite well, thank you.” Charlotte nods before fiddling with one of her ginger ringlets. “So um… I suppose you saw us last night.”

I meet her gaze. “I did, and I want you to know that none of this is your fault.” Thinking back to how Amaryllis spoke to Camellia after her awful experience with Phillion, I try my best to take on her soft tone. “What that man did to you, no one should have to go through that. He’s a monster, and I’m going to try my hardest to help you get away from him.”

Her eyes widen, and she pauses for a moment before bursting out laughing. “You thought… Oh I’m so sorry, Your Highness,” she giggles. “This is just too funny!”

“What’s funny?” My brow lowers.

“That you thought…” It takes her several seconds to speak through her laughter. “I’m so sorry. It’s just that my husband is the sweetest man I’ve ever had the pleasure of being with. Whatever you saw us do, it was not what you thought it was.” Grinning, she takes a deep breath. “You see, Prince Castor has opened our eyes to many wonderful things. His little society is really quite an amazing⁠—”

“Society?” I blink. “What society?”

“Oh…” Her cheeks flush. “Forgive me. I thought you had been invited… Never mind. Please forget I said anything.” She laughs nervously. “My husband is a very kind man. There is no need for you to help me ‘get away from him’ as you say. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She curtsies politely. “William and I were about to return to our bedchamber. Good day, Princess Eden.”