Page 64

It wasn’t like I planned to stick my fingers up in there and dig it out.

Condoms existed in Elyrdin, but Ash liked having nothing between us. At least I had access to other birth control methods here.

I smoothed my hands over my bodice and took one last look in the mirror, twirling a few tendrils of hair to tame them.

Opening the bathroom door, I looked around before making my way back down the empty corridor toward the sound of piano music.

“Hello, princess,” a low, smooth voice called from behind me as I turned a corner.

I turned to find a lean man dressed in a simple tuxedo standing in the center of the hall, hands tucked in his pockets as he studied me.

Dark hair brushed his sharp jaw in loose, disheveled waves that looked intentional rather than neglected. A single strand fell across his forehead to the bridge his nose, drawing my attention to his heavy-lidded, pale green eyes.

The corner of his mouth tipped into a smirk when I did nothing but stare at him.

What did he expect? He’d gotten my attention, then stood there staring at me like an idiot.

“Not even a hello in return? And here I’d thought Elyrdin’s princess would offer more than a blank stare.”

Few people called me a princess, but it wasn’t the first time someone mentioned the title to me. The way this guy said it irked me. It sounded mocking. I mean, I didn’t want to be called a princess either and didn’t expect everyone to accept my position with the princes, but I didn’t appreciate being disrespected.

“Hello,” I said, glancing behind me to see if anyone was heading in our direction. I regretted telling Ash to go back without me—much to his protest.

He took a casual step toward me, then another. “Have you been outside of Alonia yet?”

“No,” I said, dragging out the sound.

He lifted one shoulder as he took another step. “Probably for the best.”

I subtly mirrored his movements, stepping back as he stepped forward, hoping to reach a crowded space before he noticed. There was something about him that made my skin prickle.

I’d been so focused on keeping my eyes on him that I hadn’t realized he’d corralled me into an alcove flanked by plants until the leaves brushed my arms. How had he managed to turn me?

“Looks like we’ve got nowhere else to go,” he said, feigning disappointment before a dark grin split his lips. He reached up, caught a tendril of my hair, and twirled it around his finger. “You really shouldn’t be here, princess.”

I glared at him. “And why not?”

Who was he to tell me I couldn’t be at the ball? Cornaith expected me to be here. The guys wanted—well, Ash and Zeke wanted—me here.

“Because you don’t belong.”

“I’m the princes’ Nyrith. It’s normal for me to come to the ball.”

At least that was what Rinlora had told me when I wondered out loud if I could skip it.

“Oh, no, you misunderstand me.” The man let go of my hair and angled his head, his piercing gaze meeting mine. His fingers came up to grip my chin with a firm but not painful hold, ensuring I kept my eyes on his. “You should have never come to Elyrdin.”

“What? Why?” A shiver ran down my spine as I grasped that this strange infernal had isolated me completely. “What are you—”

“Raelynn? Where are you?”

The man let go of my chin as if my skin burned him at the sound of Cyn’s voice. He stepped back, giving me enough space to push around him, back into the open corridor.

Cyn took the final few steps to reach me. “What are you doing over here? Ash said you were in the bathroom, but your scent led me here.” He paused. “What’s wrong? It’s sour.”

I didn’t realize I’d reached for him until his hands closed around my arms. He pulled me close as if he could sense my upset. I’d never been more thankful they could recognize me by scent.

“What’s wrong with you?”