Page 121

He studied me. “I see.”

His tone made it plain that he did not believe a word I’d said. Too bad. I would give him nothing more. And as much as I wished to question him about the humans, for now, I felt a burning need to get out of the kitchen. I needed to get to safety and think clearly. Besides, what could I do for them? I hated that they were down there, but I hadn’t even been able to help my best friend.

“Will you take me to my chambers? I wish to lie down.” I paused as my stomach roiled. “But I don’t wish to make a scene. Might we avoid the throne room?”

The prince nodded. “Certainly. Going that way would only extend the journey to your wing anyhow.”

As he led the way out of the kitchen and into a dark hallway, I thanked the moon for the alternate route. I hadn’t even considered such a thing.

It soon became apparent that neither of us knew what to say to the other as we walked. Briefly, I wondered what he’d say if I told him the truth. He’d mentioned wanting to be a shield, a protector, more than a sword. Would he do so for a fae that was not actually one of his subjects? Someone who had been the property of a powerful, cruel family? Was that asking too much?

I couldn’t risk finding out, so I remained silent as we traveled the empty corridors. We neared my wing, and my breath came easier. Only once I stood in front of my door did I feel safe.

I could hide in the suite. Prince Gervais wouldn’t know I stayed in the palace. It wasn’t like he’d come here for me—that was such a vain idea, brought on by terror rather than logic. His ship had taken on water, and he’d be here for a night, maybe a day.

That wasn’t so long to stay in one’s room. Roar could make excuses for me.

“Thank you, Prince Vale.” I looked up at him. “I appreciate your concern.”

He looked me over and inched closer. “Are you certain you’re alright? Is your lady-in-waiting inside?”

“She is,” I lied. Clemencia had been told to mingle and have fun at the ball. This had been her one night off, and I hoped she enjoyed it.

“Why do I feel that you’re being untruthful?” His dark brows knitted together.

The intensity with which he studied me threatened to steal my breath. It was like he was trying to peer inside me, to figure me out, perhaps even see to my soul. Stars, no matter how much I enjoyed looking at the prince, no matter how much he intrigued me too, I couldn’t have that.

“I cannot say, my prince.” My hand found the doorknob as I felt desperate to leave. “I shall see you tomorrow.”

With that, I let myself into my room, hoping to find Roar inside so that we could discuss this new development. But he wasn’t there.

Had the warden even noticed my absence? Perhaps, if he had, he would cover for me. If that turned out to be the case, he’d be back soon. As the only person who knew the truth of my situation, it would be cruel to leave me alone for long.

Trying to keep my mind off the vampire prince and my best friend, I undressed, changing into a night shift. I had no intention of leaving this chamber, so I might as well be comfortable.

I washed the makeup from my face and took down my hair, admiring the pin that Saga had gifted me once more. I put it in a box when the door to the suite opened, and I rushed from my bath.

But instead of Roar walking into the room, Clemencia appeared, her eyes wide. “My lady! Lord Riis told me you were ill, and I rushed here as fast as I could. What can I do to help?”

Blasted stars. It wasn’t that I did not want to see Clem. Rather, I found it sweet that she ran here on her first night off since meeting me. Still, I had wished to speak with Roar first.

“I’m already better. Being around too many fae had my head spinning.” I forced a smile. “I nearly fainted.”

She gasped. “Did you hurt yourself?”

“I’m fine. I promise.” I paused. “Did you notice if Warden Roar was still at the ball when you left?”

“I looked for him, but I didn’t find him in the crowd.” Clemencia shrugged. “He might have retreated to a private room with the king and that vampire lord. The king pulled aside the three other wardens, so I did not think it odd.”

Drat. If that was true, then who knew when I’d be seeing Roar? Perhaps not until the morning. It would be difficult to sleep tonight, knowing that a vampire lurked in the castle with Anna. My heart squeezed.

Fates, I wished to go to her now, to hug her and pull her away from that monster, and to hide her.

I sighed, and Clemencia rushed forward, probably worried that I’d faint again.

“Truly, I am fine.” I tried to calm her down. “I might go to bed.”

“Very well. I will wait out here in case you need anything.”