My throat did something odd as then and now collided, and for a second I couldn’t speak. “Lord Caelus. I thought you were still in Lunden.”
“I just got back. But it seems you’ve forgotten me in my absence. What did I tell you about calling me by my name?”
“Ah, yes.” In my surprise, I’d slipped into formality. “Sorry, Caelus.”
“Much better.” He smiled, throwing Rose a quick glance.
Clearing her throat, she turned and busied herself looking in the window of the shop we’d just left.
He bent closer and went on more quietly, “I hope your belongings made it to you safely.”
“How did you…？”
“Who do you think brought them here? Asher and your friend Ella agreed to it as long as they got to pack and lock the chest.”
Asher wasn’t back in the city yet, so I assumed it had been magically transported. “Then, thank you.”
“Oh, no.” Caelus raised his hand as if to block my gratitude. His mouth twisted to one side as his gaze slid away. “I did it by way of apology. After you… left, I found out about your uncle. I’m so sorry, Katherine. I believed you coming to my rooms was something you’d agreed to. I never would have…”
The rest of his sentence faded beyond the rushing in my ears. I squeezed my fingers and shoved away the image of Uncle Rufus, the feel of his hand around my throat.
Things here and now. The warm sunshine. The scent of baking—sweet and spiced with cinnamon and mace. Fingernails digging into my palms, muted by the gloves.
I could think of that night purely in words. I didn’t have to relive it.
When Uncle Rufus had dragged me through the halls of Riverton Palace, Caelus had believed I was going to him willingly. I’d been so knocked off course by the memories that night had unearthed, I’d never thought of his part in it for a second.
For all the city held new threats, at least I was safe from my uncle.
Refocused, I threw Caelus a quick smile. “I’m grateful for your apology and explanation. My uncle is… a determined man. I’m not surprised he lied in an attempt to win your favour.” It was the least he would do.
“I feel…” He shook his head. “Well, not as bad as you must’ve. He told me Marwood got wind of the plan and that was why you hadn’t been able to attend. When I saw you with him at the party, my offer was meant to be an olive branch to show I wasn’t trying to tear the two of you apart.”
My head spun at the odd way fae relationships worked. My skin burned too, like it was suddenly aware of the fact he’d seen me riding Bastian’s fingers to mind-shattering climax.
Knees together—you’re not a whore. The words whispered in my mind, my father and my uncle’s voices joined in a grotesque chorus.
I swallowed and managed a bitter little smile. “No need to worry about that—we managed it well enough ourselves.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You’re no longer with him?”
I couldn’t bring myself to speak and instead gave the smallest shake of my head.
“Well, that’s a shame.” The lilt in his voice sounded anything but disappointed.
“I thought fae couldn’t lie?”
“I meant for him.” His smile gentled as he took me in. “And perhaps for you. Though, hopefully not for me.” He angled his head a touch, a question there that I chose not to answer.
Perhaps I should tell him about Robin—scare him off. But Bastian’s warnings to, essentially, not tell anyone anything chimed in my head.
“I always did like that necklace.” It was only when his gaze rested on it that I realised I was pulling on it.
Maybe I could get him to help me find its maker. He might recognise the style and be able to point me in the right direction. If I could get him to ask for me, the Dawn jewellers would be more likely to speak to him. He was clearly still attracted to me, and I wasn’t above using that to my advantage.
Women’s weapons. We had to use what we could.
I gave a half smile, letting my gloved fingertips stroke my collarbone. “And here I thought it was me you liked.”
His sky blue eyes followed the gesture, pupils expanding. “I liked it even before I saw you wearing it.”
I drew in a long breath, barely controlling my reaction. He’d seen it before unCavendish had given it to me. Was he behind the changeling? But, no, if that was the case he’d be more careful about slipping up.
How to poke without being too obvious, though? I stalled by giving him a flirtatious look from beneath my lashes.
“Looking for jewellery?” A man’s voice behind me, smooth and confident.
Caelus’s eyes widened and he took a step back, inclining his head.
When I turned, I understood.
Prince Cyrus, teeth brilliant white, golden hair perfectly tousled around his face, eased into the spot beside me. “But such a pretty lady has no need of further adornment.”
Caelus muttered a brief goodbye, and my heart sank at losing this opportunity to ask about the necklace.
Yet a prince stood before me, so I bowed. “Your Highness.”
“Oh, no, we don’t do that here, Katherine.” He wrinkled his nose. “Perhaps if you were presented to me more formally, but we’re not such sticklers for etiquette as I hear your people are.” He cast his gaze over the jeweller’s window display, eyes half closed. “Doing a spot of shopping?”
“I wanted something new for a ball.” It was easy to shrug and lie—my name didn’t feel like a threat as it had coming from his father. It made sense that he knew who I was, either from the rumours about Bastian arriving with me or from the king.
“Ah, but you’re being humble.” He chuckled. “This isn’t just any ball—you’re the guest of honour.”
Behind the smile, my teeth were gritted. “Her Majesty has paid me a great compliment. I’m sure I don’t deserve it.”
“I’m sure you must’ve done something most impressive.”
Rose gave me a meaningful look. “We have that appointment.”
“Well, I can’t have two such lovely ladies late on my account.” The prince clutched his chest. “You must allow me to walk you to this ‘appointment,’ whatever it is.”
“It isn’t far, you don’t need to—”
“I insist.” For a second his easy smile hardened, but it was gone so quickly, I questioned whether I’d seen it. He gestured along the street, and Rose and I had little chance but to fall in at his side. He ducked a little closer and raised an eyebrow. “After all, it will give me the opportunity to secure a dance with the woman of the hour.”
“A… a dance?” He couldn’t mean—
“At the ball in your honour? Or have you forgotten already? I heard you’d been ill, but I didn’t realise you’d taken a knock to the head.” He chuckled at his own joke, and I forced out a faint laugh.
“I hadn’t realised members of your court would be there.” That had to be why Bastian had seemed so agitated when he’d told me about it—the dangers of mixing with Dawn.
Yet, they would also bring opportunities. Perhaps Caelus would be there, too.