Keldarion throws a protective arm around me, drawing me against his massive body. These fae are dressed in everything from fine gowns, to crowns of horns, to leather beaked masks. Others wear only paint or binding jewelry. Some wear nothing at all.
Nope, I don’t think my outfit will stand out at all. In fact, maybe I’m a little overdressed, even with forgetting my panties.
Keldarion spins me around, eyes narrowed.
“You forgot what?” he whispers.
My whole body goes red. “Uh, nothing. What are you talking about?” How could he possibly know that? His large hands reach for the folds of my cloak, and I smack him away with a scowl. “You’ll never find out.”
I rush to catch up with the others.
Caspian stands almost shyly beside a willow tree carved of jewels, with strings of glowing gems for the branches. Fondness pangs in my chest; it reminds me so much of the tree I love back in Orca Cove. “This is a private area if you need a reprieve from the party,” he says. “No one will bother you here.”
The willow’s jeweled vines enclose an area of plush pillows and a low table. Fabric drapes add to the privacy. It’s a strangely thoughtful gesture, to reserve such a beautiful spot for us. Keldarion ducks inside, a pained expression on his face. Ezryn quickly follows, and I drift in after them.
“I know being back here is hard for you, brother,” Ezryn says, low enough to be out of earshot of the others outside.
“I’m fine, Ez,” Kel says gruffly.
Ezryn places a metallic hand on Keldarion’s shoulder. “Tonight, I shall abstain from any spirits or elixirs. I swear on my life, I will not let her out of my sight for a single moment—”
“Hey, I’m not a baby,” I say indignantly. But I don’t press. Keldarion may want nothing to do with our mate bond, but I’ve done enough research to know he probably feels a need to keep me safe at the very least.
Ezryn leans closer to Keldarion. “Partake in food and drink, and trust me to keep what is dearest to you safe.”
Dearest to him? Yeah, right. Before I can roll my eyes, Dayton barges into our willow enclosure. “Did someone mention drinks?” A tray of bubbling blue glasses balances in his hands. “Found these on my way here.”
Dayton places them down on the low table. Keldarion snags one and quickly shoots it back. Even Caspian raises a brow as he slinks his way into the nook with us. “Trust the Summer Prince to begin the celebration.”
“The party seems well and truly underway.” Dayton takes his own shot. “We’re catching up. Oh, that’s not very strong. You serving weak drinks here, Princey-Poo?”
“Please.” Caspian levels Dayton with a glare, and the two start arguing.
“Can I take your cloak, Rosie?” Farron comes up alongside me, and my heart nearly beats out of my chest. The feel of his naked body against mine is too fresh.
But he’s trying to be normal so I will, too. “Thanks.” I take off my bag slung around my chest.
Farron grabs it and smiles. “This is heavy. What have you got in here?”
“My emotional support book. I mean, I know I probably won’t have time to read, but I like to have it with me just in case.” My throat tightens thinking of the second book in my bag.
“I get it.” Farron gives me a soft smile. He’s likely the only one who would understand. He moves to remove my cloak.
I guess I can’t hide behind it all night. I’ll have to hope Marigold’s skirt is solid enough to hide my forgetful mistake…
The moment Farron slips my cloak off, all the voices silence. I look down at my dress, the thin briars elegantly covering my breasts, the delicate swirling skirt. I squeeze my thighs together. But when I think of the crown of thorns on my head, I make myself straighten.
I’m met with five pairs of eyes on me.
“I’m going to murder that raccoon,” Ezryn says.
“Really?” Dayton says, almost dreamily. “Maybe I’ll actually give her that kiss she’s always demanding.”
Farron shakes his head, gazing down. “Rosie, you look…”
But it’s Caspian’s gaze I meet next. He’s… furious. Did he not think I’d keep his crown? Mustering all the stupid confidence I can, I hold his stare and delicately touch the thorns atop my head. “What? Didn’t you say it looked better on me?”
Thorns and shadows erupt from the ground, but they don’t dive toward me. They wrap around Kel’s legs, pinning his arms to his side.
All the princes tense, waiting. But they’re going to let Kel make the first move.
“I always knew you were a mindless brute, but to bring her here dressed like that.” A dark chuckle rises from Caspian’s chest. “She’s going to get eaten alive.”
I cross my arms self-consciously over my chest. I thought I looked nice.
Kel’s gaze is fire as he studies me, then he rips free of the briars. Ice crackles over the thorns, snapping them immediately. Kel grabs the collar of Caspian’s shirt, lifting the Prince of Thorns off the ground. “My mate may dress however she sees fit. So, if you value any of your minions’ lives, you will tell them not to touch her. Anyone who does will answer to me.”
Caspian sucks in a hard breath before pushing Kel away and dropping to the floor. He smooths his suit, composure instantly regained. “Very well. Enjoy the festivities. There are many delights in Cryptgarden. Do take care to sample them all.”
With that, the Prince of Thorns turns and leaves.
The breath is heavy in my throat as Keldarion slides up beside me, and I feel the light touch of his hand on my spine. “The Lady of Castletree is truly embodying her namesake tonight. You look as deadly as you are beautiful.”
But I didn’t need to hear your thoughts to know you forgot your panties, Rose, Kel’s voice sounds in my mind. I would have smelled you the moment you removed your cloak.
Ice floods my body. “How are you doing that?” I whisper. “You can hear me?”
“Only bits and pieces,” he says gruffly. “I wasn’t sure it would take effect. But the bond is growing the more time we spend together. I remember my grandparents having whole conversations without our family at the dining table.”
“Wait, what?”
“Mates can speak within each other’s minds.”
The words rattle in my mind as the fact comes back to me. I read about this. My gaze shifts beyond the willow tree and locks on the dark figure walking away.
Because Keldarion is not the only one I can hear in my mind.
54
Rosalina
Peering through the sheer curtains around the willow tree, I can’t stop watching the fae—they’re captivating and beautiful in a horrific way. Some dresses seem crafted from cobwebs, while others look dipped in liquid gold.
Even the air feels different in the Below, soupy and heavy with desire. Farron hypothesized that there’s an aphrodisiac added to the atmosphere, the wine, or perhaps the delectable food. Whatever it is, Cryptgarden is engulfed by an unrelenting wave of lust. The sensation is intoxicating as everyone’s inhibitions are swept away.
Well, almost everyone.
Everyone except for the two fae men sitting with me in this enclosure. Positioned by the entrance, Ezryn sits on a large bench made of false bark. His metal leg taps up and down as he observes the party, a sentinel on duty. And Keldarion’s only interested in the drinks.
At first, Dayton thought it was great as the pair of them tilted back shot after shot. But once Dayton realized all the alcohol in the world can’t change Keldarion into a fun time, he dragged Farron out onto the dance floor.
I watch them now. It seems Day’s lost his shirt, and they’re doing a lot more kissing than dancing. Happiness swirls in my stomach. I’d been worried Dayton would fuck the next fae who blinked at him.
I take a sip of my own drink. This one is a deep red, strawberry sweet with a sourness that tingles the back of my throat.