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“You like that?” Castor purrs against my neck.

“No,” I moan, but I can’t move. Don’t want to move. Guilt burns inside me. “You need to stop,” I breathe.

“Your soaking pussy says otherwise.” He drags two fingers over my core, my legs widening shamelessly. “This,” he cups my entrance as I moan, “tells me that you want me to take you right here against this day bed.”

“You can’t.” But my hands pull his body closer like I wish he could.

Chuckling, he lifts his head from my neck. “Look at you…” One of his hands presses against my bodice, pinning me down, while his other toys with my clit. “Grinding your little pussy against my hand.”

“I am not—” But then I snarl in protest as his fingers leave me to grab my rocking hips.

The alcohol is making my head spin. This isn’t me! There’s no way I was just⁠—

He brings his hand to his face. My jaw unhinges as he slides his glistening fingers into his mouth before removing them with a wet pop. “You taste fucking divine, princess.”

Heat builds between my hips. If he doesn’t finish what he started right now⁠—

“I’m not going to fuck you here.” He grins as I whimper. “And I’m not going to kiss you properly either, as much as you might want me to.”

Why not? I want to demand before I stop myself.

“Rest for a moment, my darling. I will find Lux and he will come and take care of you.” He fixes my skirt. “That is unless you’d rather I stay here instead.” He winks at me, chuckling.

I want to force myself to move away from him, but my limbs feel too heavy.

I think, maybe, I really am drunk.

Exhaling, I close my eyes for just a second, trying to figure out what I can do. I need to get out of here. Find Lux. But when I try to open my eyes, I find myself drifting off, the velvet bed feeling so much more comfortable than it did before.

11

EDEN

“Eden…” A soft voice curls around me. “Eden wake up for me, sweetheart.” I feel a warm hand rubbing my shoulder. “Eden…”

My eyes flutter open as a cool breeze brushes my face. Above me, the sky is a blanket of stars, broken only by the tall manor that stands behind me. As I sit up, a stone railing blocks my view of the garden.

I’m on some kind of balcony. A hand rests on my thigh. We’re on some kind of balcony.

My heart flutters as I notice Lux sitting on the padded seat we’re sharing.

“Are you alright?” he asks nervously. “I was about to fetch a healer. Castor gave you some of our stronger wine without realising your limits. I’m so sorry about that.”

“He should apologise himself,” I groan. “My head feels awful.” Not awful enough that I’ve forgotten what he did to me, though. And how I, or at least my body, reacted to it. Guilt drives into my heart.

Lux winces. “It’s my fault. I should’ve warned him that you had already had been given too much wine. We’re both truly sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologise for.” I shake my head, taking a deep breath.

I have to tell him what happened just now. There shouldn’t be any secrets between us, especially if what Castor said about him proposing was true.

“Lux,” my voice wobbles, “when you were gone Castor⁠—”

“Your refreshments, Your Highness.” A servant appears with a tray of drinks and snacks. Behind her, music streams out from the open door that must lead back into the ballroom.

Thanking her, Lux gestures for the tray to be placed on a nearby table. After she leaves, he takes a goblet and fills it up with what thankfully appears to be water. I don’t think I could stomach another goblet of wine anytime soon.

“Here.” He hands it to me. “The water will help with your headache and the food will soak up any leftover alcohol. Now, what were you saying?” he asks as he settles back in his seat.