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He jumped up. “Keera,” he rasped when he realized it was me. “Maerhal had said you’d gone to bed.”

“Not yet.” I smirked and leaned against the doorway. “Is everything fine?”

Killian straightened. “Yes. Why wouldn’t it be.”

I eyed the broken lantern in the fireplace.

“That was an accident.” Killian’s finger picked at the skin around his thumbnail. “Please, sit.” He pointed to the chair next to the cabinet that he didn’t know I had ransacked only a few short weeks before.

“Tell me why the Shades haven’t seen you once since they arrived?” I raised a brow playfully. “They’re calling me a liar for saying I know the good prince.”

Killian’s jaw flexed. He awkwardly paced along the edge of his bed before leaning against the mattress. “I didn’t think my presence would be a welcome one.”

My heart fell. I had known the real Killian for so long that I’d forgotten it wasn’t who he was allowed to be outside the Faeland. To me, he was just as much a part of the Faeland as any other Elverin, but to the Shades, he was still Damien’s brother. Aemon’s son.

To them he still wore the mask of the enemy.

I leaned forward. “I’m sorry, I should have realized earlier.” I reached my hand for his, but Killian didn’t take it. “I will introduce you to them tonight. You will be at the ceremony, will you not?”

Killian gave me an unconvincing nod. His jade eyes lingered on my outstretched hand as it fell to my lap. He looked at it like he didn’t know if my touch would hurt him. My cheeks flooded with embarrassment, realizing I was the reason he didn’t trust himself alone with me.

“Killian, I am so sorry for what happened in the kitchens.” My shoulders fell, but I made sure to meet his gaze.

He blinked, eyes widening as the words settled between us. “Keera, you do not need—”

“Yes, I do.” I shook my head. “I was acting selfishly. I wanted to hurt you and I wanted to hurt Riven through you. It was unfair and I am deeply sorry for putting you in such a position.”

Killian gritted his teeth. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

I opened my mouth to argue but Killian stood.

“Keera, if there is anyone who has regrets for what happened it is me. In that moment, I was focused more on my wants than your well-being.” He walked toward the door and didn’t turn around. “I am sorry in more ways than you know.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY

IMANAGED A FEW HOURSof sleep before the groves filled with laughter and music. Riven chuckled as I blinked against his chest. I had been alone when I got to my burl. “I’m so irresistible you can’t help but watch me sleep?”

He pressed a kiss to my palm. “I wanted to be here in case the nightmares came.” He didn’t phrase it like a question, but I knew it was.

I wrapped my leg higher along his chest. “I didn’t dream at all.”

He pulled me on top of him and cradled my face in his hands. “Are you sure about that?” He pressed his lips against my neck and pulled at the string of my nightgown with his shadows. “I’m certain I heard you moan my name in your sleep.”

I smirked. “I think you’re confusing my dream for your fantasy.”

“Is that a challenge?” Riven trailed a sharp finger down my spine until my skin prickled with anticipation.

“How long do we have?” I peered out the window to see the suns but Riven blanketed my entire burl in shadow.

“They won’t start without you.” His hand caressed my thigh, moving closer to the dangerously short hem with each stroke.

I pressed my hips into his and grinned at the groan that issued from his chest. I swayed my hips once more and lifted Riven’s hands above his head so he had no choice but to relive that night in his burl. Then I nipped his ear until I knew he would give me anything I wanted.

“We can’t leave them waiting.” I smirked and hopped off him.

Riven’s eyes turned feral. “It will be quicker if we shower together.”

I threw him a disbelieving look. “We both know that isn’t true. You wouldn’t stop until we had run through all the water in the grove.”