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She considered that being under control? She really did. I blinked, my amusement returning as I laughed. “You had the situation under control? I’d hate to see what happens when you don’t.”

Actually, I’d probably enjoy seeing it when she didn’t.

A shiver swept through her. I almost didn’t catch it, but the cloak had parted, and whatever she wore underneath wasn’t that thick. Gods, I hoped it wasn’t a damn nightgown again. Or maybe I did.

She wiggled, trying to slip free. It didn’t work. What it did do was bring our lower bodies even closer together. I bit back a curse when her soft belly brushed my pelvis, sending a sharp, pulsing bolt of arousal through me.

Poppy stilled, her breathing picking up. I didn’t dare move as we stood there, our bodies pressed together. Then, slowly, she tipped her head back, and those green eyes locked with mine. I inhaled deeply, catching the thickness in her scent. Fuck, my damn heart kicked heavily in my chest in response.

A hundred different things went through my mind as I stared down at her, waiting for her to try to pull away again. But she didn’t. Her attraction to me had control of her, and I knew that was good. I could use that to further gain her trust. The Rite was tonight, and things—things would be happening fast after that. Seduction was a need.

And it was also a want.

I lifted a hand, placing my fingers just below the curved edges of the mask. My jaw loosened at the feel of her soft skin beneath mine. I didn’t move my hand, and I should’ve because I knew she enjoyed being touched. Seducing her wouldn’t be hard, but I waited to see what she would do. That was important to me.

Poppy didn’t move away.

It wasn’t satisfaction that surged through me but pure, raw lust. I drew my fingers just below the bottom of the mask and then down over the corner of her parted lips. Gods, they were soft and pillowy.

I dipped my head, liking how her breath caught—how her sweetness increased. My lips followed the path of my fingers before I even realized they had touched her skin. Her desire thickened in the air as I tilted her head back. Our mouths were now mere centimeters apart. I could kiss her. I could likely do a hell of a lot more, but my chest was too tight.

So, I didn’t.

I couldn’t even say why. Because I needed to. I wanted to. I just couldn’t.

You care about her.

Cursing myself and Kieran for even putting that thought out there, I tilted my head, bringing my mouth to her ear. “Poppy?” My voice sounded thick to my ears.

“Yes?” she breathed.

I slid my fingers down the elegant line of her throat. “How did you get out of the room without me seeing you?”

She gave a little jerk. “What?”

I’d surprised her with that question. Disappointed her even, because she wanted my mouth doing something more than questioning her. I smiled at that. “How did you leave your chambers?”

“Dammit,” she muttered, tugging at my hold once more.

I let go this time, my body immediately missing the heat of hers and regretting the decision.

Her face flushed as she retreated and lowered the book she held, but her chin lifted. “Maybe I walked right past you.”

“No, you didn’t. And I know you didn’t climb out of a window. That would’ve been impossible. So, how did you do it?”

Poppy turned from me, raising her face to the cool air coming in through the window. “There’s an old servants’ access to my chambers.”

I smiled widely, enough that if she’d faced me, she would’ve seen all my lies.

“From there, I can reach the main floor without being seen.”

“Interesting.” I kept my voice level. “Where does it empty out on the main floor?”

She faced me. “If you want to know that, you have to find out for yourself.”

“All right.” I let that go since I already knew the answer. “That’s how you got onto the Rise without being seen.”

Poppy shrugged.

“I’m assuming Vikter knows all about this. Did Rylan?”

“Does it matter?”

Yes, it did. “How many people know about this entrance?”

“Why do you ask?” she shot back.

“Because it’s a safety concern, Princess.” And it truly was. “In case you’ve forgotten, the Dark One wants you. A woman has already been killed, and there has already been one abduction attempt that we know of.” I took a step toward her. “Being able to move unseen through the castle, directly to your chambers, is the kind of knowledge he’d find valuable,” I told her, even though it wasn’t valuable in the way I implied. I was more worried about the Ascended making use of the access.

She swallowed. “Some of the servants who’ve been at Castle Teerman for a long time know about it, but most don’t. It’s not a concern. The door locks from the inside. Someone would have to break down the door, and I’d be ready if that happened.”