Even as I struggled to keep my senses in check—even though I knew that many of the people of Atlantia didn’t welcome me—I started pretending again.
But this time he was Casteel, and I was Poppy, and he truly was my Prince.
Chapter 28
“There’s someone I’d like you to meet,” Casteel said as we rode past the town center, beyond the crowds of people.
The tightness in my chest eased with the crowd’s dispersal, but balls of nervous energy formed in my stomach. Would this person be friendly? Would they stare?
“You okay?” he asked as he guided the horses to a stop outside of one of the homes where vines with tiny pink flowers climbed the terrace’s latticework.
I nodded as my gaze shifted up the road, drawn by the clang of a hammer. Homes were being built. Men were on the roofs, their skin damp with sweat, and women ran tools over the exterior walls, smoothing out the clay.
A young wolven loped out from the inside of the house, dancing around the women’s legs, tail wagging. Remembering what was said the night before about not many young being here, I figured it was Beckett. A grin tugged at my lips as he nudged a spade with his nose, rolling it toward one of the women.
Casteel dismounted as the door to the house opened wider. Kieran strode out, his brows rising upon seeing me astride my own horse.
Before I could even feel embarrassment over what had happened this morning, he opened his mouth. “Dear gods, you have her on her own horse? Soon, she’ll be running one of us over instead of stabbing us.”
My eyes narrowed. “This is who you wanted me to meet?” I asked. “Not sure if you realize this or not, but I’m well aware of who he is.”
Casteel laughed as he came to my side. “It’s not him I want you to meet.” He held Molly steady. “You want to dismount on your own?”
I nodded, rising and drawing one leg up and over the saddle. I lowered myself to the ground, nowhere near as gracefully, but I did it.
Kieran applauded. “Good job.”
“Shut up.”
The wolven laughed as one of the workers called out Casteel’s name.
Casteel looked over, squinting. He touched my lower back. “I’ll be right back.”
I nodded as I turned to Molly, scratching her behind the ear as I watched Casteel jog toward the house.
“By the way,” Kieran approached me, “I hope you’re not embarrassed about this morning.”
“I’m not embarrassed,” I whispered.
“You’re not?” He sounded doubtful.” “You won’t look at me.”
“I was just looking at you a few moments ago.”
“Only because you wanted to do violent and terrible things to me.”
I smiled because that was true.
“You look like you want to do that now.”
Brows raised, I looked at him. “Happy? I’m looking at you now.”
A half-grin appeared. “Yes, but your face is as red as a tomato.”
“Whatever,” I muttered.
“And you still look like you want to murder me.”
I sighed.
He adjusted Molly’s halter as he said, “You know what you felt during the feeding and what surely came afterward is only natural.”
“Thanks, but I don’t need you to tell me this.”
“Then maybe you would like some advice?”
“Not really.”
“I’m going to give it to you anyway.”
“Of course, you are.”
“If you wish for future feedings—and I’m sure you realize there will be future ones—to be less intimate, you could offer him your wrist.”
I spun toward Kieran. “Well, that information is so very helpful now.”
Kieran laughed, not even bothering to move out of the way when I punched his arm.
“Ouch,” he murmured. “That was actually hard.”
“Do I even want to know why you just hit Kieran?” Casteel asked as he rejoined us.
Kieran’s eyes lit as he opened his mouth—
“No,” I jumped in, shooting Kieran a look that promised death if he spoke as Casteel came to stand beside me. “You do not.”
Grinning, Kieran backed up. “When has she ever needed a reason to be violent?”
“Good point.” Casteel glanced down at me, one side of his lips quirking. The damn dimple winked into existence. “I guess I should be grateful that she didn’t stab you.”
“There’s always later,” I muttered.
A throaty, feminine laugh snapped my head around. “You’re right, Kieran. I like her.”