Page 64

EDEN

Somehow Lux manages to dress me without throwing all my clothes to the floor again. After feeding me the rest of my meal, he leaves me by my desk with everything I need to write at least a dozen letters.

But half an hour later, all my parchment is in pieces by my feet. What could I possibly say to my sisters? How do I explain that I’m trapped here? That Lux has put me under some kind of spell that’s messing with my head and making my body crave his touch.

Worst of all, how do I explain that some awful tiny part of me still has feelings for him? I liked it when he pushed me against the bed, when he dipped his fingers inside of me. I want him to do it again.

And again, and again, and again.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I rub my temples. These feelings aren’t real. It’s just the bond. But it’s hard to think with this headache that just won’t go away. My servant gave me some herbs, but the medicine’s barely touched it.

Perhaps at least it will get me out of the ‘busy day’ Lux has planned for us. Warmth fizzles in my chest. Now my ankle is better, I can turn my focus to actually escaping. If I can just remember where Lux said they kept their horses⁠—

“Are you finished yet?”

I jump at the sound of Castor’s voice. Before I can turn, he presses his palms against the desk, looming over me.

He chuckles. “You can write, can’t you?”

“Of course I can,” I snarl.

“Hmm…” He pauses, lowering his face to my neck. I feel his body tense behind me. It takes me a moment to realise what he’s doing.

I scoff. “Are you sniffing me?”

“So my brother finally claimed you,” he says huskily. “I can smell it on you.”

“Stop it.” I dive out from under his arms and almost fall off the chair getting away from him. I don’t know what he means by ‘claimed me’, but I assume it has something to do with the hot liquid pooling in my bloomers.

The liquid that I can’t even think about without wanting to part my thighs and press it inside myself just like he did…

“Why are you here?” I pant, desperate to change the subject.

“Lux is in the dining room with Father,” Castor explains. “He’d like to meet you, and Lux has given his blessing, so I’ve come to bring you to him.”

“I didn’t realise I needed Lux’s blessing to meet people.” I fold my arms. Maybe this is a good thing? Maybe Castor’s father will help me if I explain my situation? Just because his son is a monster doesn’t mean he has to be.

Though Castor’s smirk says otherwise. “This way, little princess.” He takes my arm and leads me out of the room.

It’s hard to believe that a month has passed since I walked through these hallways. Everything seems the same, just colder. The same trees sway outside the windows, only with fewer leaves than they had before. Melting frost sparkles on the drive.

It’s cold enough that I don’t complain when Castor pulls my arm through his, tucking me against his side. While the gown Lux picked for me is pretty, it’s not meant for this cooler weather.

I’m just wondering if perhaps that is the exact reason he chose it, when Castor pushes open the door to the dining room.

The rich smell of food hits me first. Scones, pastries, colourful salad, and three-tiered cake stands filled with sandwiches cover the long table. Even with this morning’s pasta still heavy inside of me, my mouth waters.

Until I catch sight of the bearded faerie at the head of the table, stuffing his face with a large sausage roll. Then my appetite vanishes completely.

“Eden.” Lux’s smile pulls my attention away. “I missed you.” He steps over to us, prying me out of Castor’s grasp. “Did you manage to write your letters?”

I try not to think about how nice his touch feels as he leads me back to his seat. “I didn’t. I couldn’t think of what to say to them.”

“How about that you’re being very well looked after by two handsome princes?” He sits down before pulling me into his lap. “Tell them that your new mate can’t stop thinking about you.” I roll my eyes. “That he can’t keep his hands off you, and that at this rate he’ll have you preg⁠—”

“Father, allow me to introduce you to Princess Eden,” Castor announces while sitting down.

I glance at the faerie. He looks a little like Castor, I suppose. If he were to start eating a lot more sausage rolls, age twenty years, and drink a barrel of wine. He’s wearing fine clothes, but I can smell the alcohol on his breath from here.