I tuck the book back into my bag. The thought of the wilde courtship turns my thoughts back to purple eyes and a leering smile. I smooth out invisible wrinkles in my skirt. “Farron, I need to tell you something. Something I’ve kept hidden because I’m ashamed and scared.”
Farron jumps up so fast, his quill falls and drops blotches of ink on the paper. He wraps his arms around me, and I realize I’m shaking. “It’s okay, Rosie. You can tell me anything, you know that.” He sits back in his chair, pulling me on to his lap.
“It’s about Caspian.”
Farron stiffens beneath me. “Go on.”
I touch the two bands of thorns around my wrists. “I didn’t only see Kel the night my mating frenzy took over. When I woke up, Caspian was in my room.”
Farron inhales sharply but says nothing more.
“He looked possessed, Fare, like his body wasn’t his own. He wasn’t there long, but … but it was like he was drawn to me.”
“The Prince of Thorns likes his games,” Farron says, but his voice holds little conviction.
My fingers dig into his vest. “Farron, are you able to feel him like you do Kel?”
Farron touches his neck. “If I feel anything for the Prince of Thorns, it’s only remnants of our bargain. It’s deep magic, Rosie. It clouds the soul.”
Maybe so, but there’s something more going on. Something I’ve been trying to ignore for months. The yearning for Caspian, the jealousy. And when I was searching for Farron, it was him I found instead. I jump off Farron’s lap, voice growing frantic. “He can speak in my mind. I feel a pull to him. Farron, what if the Prince of Thorns is also my mate?”
Farron’s golden eyes widen, then he slumps forward in his chair, hands in his hair. The Prince of Thorns attacked his home, and before that, Caspian betrayed Keldarion and the entire Enchanted Vale.
I clutch at my heart. “What else could it be?”
Farron stands, then walks on shaky legs towards me. “There is so much magic in this world we don’t yet know about. It could be any one of his tricks. And if it is true, we’ll figure it out together.”
He cups my face and I lean into his touch. “You don’t hate me?”
“Of course not, Rosalina. There’s nothing you could ever do to make me hate you. Besides, if the stars have matched your light with that vile darkness, you don’t have to accept the bond.”
“That’s true,” I whisper.
“We need more information. And in the meantime, be wary of what you feel. Ask yourself if it’s truly the same as with Kel and I.”
“Why don’t you hold on to Caspian’s book for a while?” I ask. “It does technically belong to you, after all. Maybe you’ll find some clue in it I missed.”
“Okay, I’ll give it a read.” Gently, he brushes the hair from my brow. My heart melts at his tenderness. This softness, this forgiveness … I’ve never felt as open with anyone as I do with him. With Farron, my secrets will always be safe. I look down at the thorns winding around my wrist. My bargain. “Farron, there’s something else.”
“Well, I never!” A voice smooth as honey caresses down the hall, followed by the wheel of carts.
I pull away from Farron, wiping my eyes. “That would be Marigold.”
“Never too late for afternoon coffee,” he says, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Please do not fret about Caspian. Don’t think you can’t tell me what’s going on in that glorious mind of yours. If you need to follow your feelings, I will stand by you. But I promise, Rosie. I will find the answers to your questions.”
Relief floods through me from his response. From his warmth and understanding, though I know inside, the idea must be truly haunting. Nodding, I turn as Marigold enters the room, rolling a tray cluttered with ceramic carafe, elegant cups, and a tower of cookies. Behind her, in a flurry, is Eldy.
“Lady Marigold, I’ve never been bombarded with such attitude.” The majordomo flaps his arms at his side.
“What’s the problem?” I ask.
Marigold slams the carafe down with such vigor, little droplets fly out. Quickly, I grab the rubbing as Farron rolls up the map.
“The problem is Eldor has dared ask to escort me to Prince Ezryn’s welcome home jubilee tonight!”
Farron raises a brow and tries to reach for a cookie before Marigold swats his hand with a rolled napkin. “A plate first, Autumn Prince!”
“I thought you’d like to attend the jubilee, Marigold,” Farron says and gives Marigold a knowing look. “It’s a full moon tonight, after all.”