“Good morning,” I peep, my voice raspy. Probably from all the upchucking I did last night.
“Rosalina, you shouldn’t be out of—”
“Thank you for the water and the shirt. I’ll wash it for you and, uh, the pants. I’ll stop bugging you now.”
I scurry into the hall before he can mention the humiliation of last night. My tummy does not appreciate the sudden movement.
Every step I take sends a shudder of nausea through my body. Fae hangovers are no joke. I need to go back to my room and sleep.
But something trembles in my chest, and I pause. I’ve stopped at the junction of all four wings. There’s a door right at the top of the staircase, one I’ve never gone through.
The door leads to the High Tower. They forbade me from entering.But why?
The door is a beautiful, light oaken wood with ornate carvings of the four seasons. There are fluffy clouds near the top, and a tangle of rosebushes at the bottom. Silver scrollwork decorates the edges and its handle is crafted from gleaming gold.
The longer I stare, the more it’s like I can see magic emanating from the seams, a bright and crackling aura. I can’t help but place my hand on the wood before grabbing the handle. Warmth radiates into my fingers, and a slight hum pulses that sends little tingles throughout my body. I turn the doorknob.
Locked, of course. But if I—
“Whoa there, Rosie!” Firm hands grasp me around the waist and pull me away from the door.
“Hey!” I whirl to see Dayton.
“I’m all for breaking rules, sweetheart, but there’s some even I won’t cross. And neither should you.”
I stare back at the handsome prince, still in shock he could sneak up on me like that.
“What’s in High Tower?”
“It’s a secret,” he says with a wink.
“What kind of secret?”
“Ah.” Dayton grins, mischief dancing in his eyes. “A hundred gnomes. Kel keeps them up there to make his cookies.”
“You’re teasing me,” I say.
“Only a little.” Dayton’s gaze trails over me. “I see the beautiful dress has finally met its demise. Cute look, a little big on you.”
“It wasn’t like that. Keldarion—”
“Is a frigid bastard, I know. If a beautiful woman like you can’t get him to break his celibate streak, stars, nothing will.”
My cheeks heat. I had accidentally flashed him twice, and he hadn’t cared at all. Maybe the man is nothing but a giant ice cube.
“Listen, Rosie.” Dayton takes a deep breath and runs his hands through his hair. “What happened last night…”
A knot of anxiety forms in my chest, and I know whatever he’s about to tell me won’t be something I want to hear.
Dayton blows out another breath. He almost looks awkward. And Dayton doesn’t get awkward. “I won’t let it happen again. It was a mistake to kiss you and…”
Of course, he thinks it was a mistake. He probably realized I’m not one of his regular hookups, and he actually has to see me again.
“Right. Of course. I mean, we’re looking for your mate, after all.” Traitorous tears threaten to spill from my eyes. Stupid, stupid, stupid Rosalina.You knew he was like this before you went out. Why are you surprised?
“Great.” He turns then mumbles, “Good talk. And never open that door, okay?”
He heads toward the dining hall. I’m left trembling and frozen before I storm toward my room. It’s fine. Nothing unexpected happened.