“We are?” I’d thought we would stay longer, especially if we figured out a way to keep Kalyll under control.
“We need to get to Mount Ruin as soon as possible,” Kalyll said. “I can’t perform my duties if I’m a raging beast or a benumbed corpse half the time, and the solution to all of this lies there. The journey is long, and the sooner we leave, the better.”
“Makes sense,” I said. “But still, I’m sure no one will miss me at the ball. I’m staying here.”
Jeondar huffed. “You don’t know my father. He’ll want to see you, talk to you, make sure you’re enjoying your stay. Naturally, he is very curious about your presence here. Then there is Valeriana. Larina has done a good job entertaining her, but she sent a message that the girl’s starting to get restless. You should probably see her.”
Valeriana. I’d completely forgotten about her. A new worry flooded me. If we were leaving tomorrow, how would I be able to ensure her safe delivery to someone who could take care of her? I needed to talk to Jeondar about it, though this didn’t feel like the time.
“Fine,” I gave in. “But only for an hour, then I’m coming right back.”
“Good,” Kalyll said groggily from his spot on the ground. His eyelids were drooping, and he seemed to be fighting the renewed effects of the elixir, though he promptly lost that battle.
“I hate to see him like that,” Cylea said.
“Me too.” Jeondar shook his head. “At least he’s getting some much-needed rest now.”
I waited until a quarter before 7 PM to load the syringe with the pure essence of stillstem. I flicked the barrel to force the air up, then pushed the plunger until a clear drop appeared at the needle point. Next, I imbued the liquid with my power until it shimmered silver, and walked to the prince’s side. I didn’t want to startle him, so I spoke his name gently.
“Kalyll, wake up. It’s time for the shot.”
He didn’t stir.
I took his hand in mine and squeezed, enjoying its warmth and strength.
Still nothing.
I squeezed harder and shook him a bit. His eyes opened a crack.
“Hey, it’s Dani.”
“Daniella,” he corrected in a lazy voice.
“It’s time for your shot. I didn’t want to startle you.”
“Go ahead,” he mumbled, stretching his right arm in my direction and blinking slowly, fighting to stay awake.
I rolled up his sleeve to reveal a muscular arm. His biceps was thick and his skin perfectly golden. Several veins were visible over the surface of all that strong sinew, so it was easy to find one at the crook of his elbow.
He flinched slightly when I inserted the needle. “It will feel a little cold,” I said as I pushed the plunger.
I watched him closely and realized he was fast asleep once more. His expression was peaceful. He was achingly handsome, and I felt as if I could keep on looking at him for hours, admiring the perfect symmetry of his face, the fringe of his darkest blue eyelashes, and the curve of his lower lip.
Get a grip, Dani.
I swiftly removed the needle, rolled down his sleeve, and walked back to the table, telling myself what dangerous ground I was treading. Developing a crush on the Seelie Prince would be a monumental mistake, a recipe for getting a broken heart without the benefit of an affair. No dates. No romantic foreplay. No sex. Only a heart shredded into a million little pieces.
After retrieving my journal, I went back and sat next to Kalyll. I took his vitals several times, keeping a professional attitude, never once staring at his lips or letting myself enjoy the feel of him as I touched him.
“How is he?” Jeondar asked.
“His pulse is slow but still within acceptable levels.”
“Perhaps you should go now. See Valeriana, get changed, and make an appearance. Make sure to talk to my father, and if he asks where we are, say you just saw us dancing with someone.”
“Even Kalyll?”
“No. He would be hard to miss if he was actually there. I’ll tell my father Kalyll is indisposed.”