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She shudders, and I use that as an excuse to wrap my arms around her. I won’t have my mate getting cold.

“Still, I’d like to make some changes.” She won’t meet my gaze. “I’ll make sure it stays looking nice, I promise.”

“Your sewing talent is unmatched. You don’t need to convince me.” I inhale the sweet notes in her hair while I feel a tightening below my belt.

It’s hard to not groan. I have to get out of here before I claim her against her bed again. This time, I know I won’t be able to hold back.

“Make whatever changes you desire, sweet princess.” I force myself away from her. My lips twitch as I notice her hand unburying itself from my shirt.

Looks like I’m not the only one struggling here.

“The party will be held in the garden once the sun has set. I’ll walk you there at nightfall,” I tell her. “Will that be enough time to make your alterations?”

“It will.” She nods. “But…”

“Yes?” With her nervous expression, it’s so hard not to take her into my arms again.

“I want Castor to walk me to the party.”

“You want Castor?” My voice hardens.

“Yes. I want the changes I make to the gown to be a surprise for you, and I… I just want him to be the one to escort me outside.” She folds her arms, not meeting my gaze.

“As you wish.” I can’t hide the prickle of jealousy in my tone.

If she thinks she can use my brother to drive a wedge between us, she’s got another thing coming. Castor may not be the brightest, but he’s loyal. He won’t touch what’s mine unless I want him to. And given that we’ve shared women in the past, I imagine it won’t be long before I’m ready to let my brother enjoy her again.

Based on the hungry way his eyes devour her when he thinks I’m not looking, I can’t imagine he’d say no.

24

CASTOR

My hand freezes mid-knock as Eden’s door swings open. That is definitely not the gown Lux bought for her.

A long, deep-orange and black gown slinks down her body. White pearl buttons have been stitched along the black hem, while the body of the dress seems to be attached to her wrists by little black loops, letting the fabric hang like the wings of a⁠—

Oh.

“You’re a butterfly!” I remark. Two black ribbons hang from her headband, mimicking antennae, while she’s painted her eyelids in a gorgeous orange shade.

“You look beautiful,” I tell her. “Lux will love it.”

Her lips twitch before she forces them back into her favourite scowl. “I don’t care what Lux thinks. I made this costume for myself. If I have to go to this silly party then it’ll be in a costume I want to wear.”

“Of course, little butterfly,” I copy my brother’s smooth tone, taking her arm to lead her away. If Lux weren’t fucking terrifying when he’s angry, I’d lock him in a room with her until they’d both fucked all this tension out of each other. A burning pain shoots through me at the thought.

Grimacing, I rub my chest.

“Are you alright?” Eden asks as we turn a corner.

“I’m fine.” I’ll have a servant deliver me some herbs later. I must’ve eaten too quickly at lunch. Weird.

“What’s your costume supposed to be?” she asks after a few moments.

“It was supposed to match yours and Lux’s,” I tease. “I’m the dark fairy from Sleeping Beauty. The one who cursed the princess to sleep for a hundred years.” I suppose I did spike her wine so it makes sense. Even if it was at her Prince Charming’s request.

“Right.” She pulls her gaze away from the deep V of my tunic and the orange flames of my chest tattoo. I wonder if she’s seen Lux’s yet. Probably, if he fucked her this morning.