Page 44

“Yes, my Lady.”

Chapter32

Bianca

Every second we remain in Pennie’s pool, my body feels better, to the point I almost feel immortality knocking on my door. But no matter how healthy I am, this pool can’t help my heart that is suffocating inside a fist of oppressive choices.

I can’t allow Bastien to die—that’s not even an option. I certainly can’t allow Pennie to bring my father here at the cost of his life, his family, and his freedom. And I absolutely can’t abandon my father who’s given everything to make my life amazing.

My dad, a single father, more than filled every role in my life. He allowed me to apply his makeup during tea parties and even dressed as a lady-in-waiting for several Halloweens so that I could be a proper princess. He never missed a single meaningful event in my life, and I can’tnotbe there when he really is an old geezer and needs my help.

What kind of choices are these? It’s just too cruel.

“Pennie,” I whisper into the silent cavern.

“Yes, my Lady.”

“I need to call my dad. He’ll know what to do.”

“That’s an excellent idea.”

“Let’s do it now. I hate the thought that Bastien might…”

“Nico would tell us if his condition deteriorated. But let’s get you dressed and ready, and you must eat something.”

“I don’t know if I can,” I say honestly.

Bossy Pennie is the one suddenly holding me. “When I say youmust, I truly mean it.”

I frown at him. “Is CaptainMcAssFacegoing to be a problem?”

Pennie blurts a surprised laugh. “I’ve heard the First Knight called many things, but that’s definitely my favorite. And he may be a problem. We can’t know yet, but don’t underestimate our ability to deal with problems of his kind.” He stands and carries me toward the same study where Bastien helped me get ready before Archie’s unexpected rut.

This castle probably has hundreds of rooms and I’ve still only seen a couple. But if I can find a solution, I’ll have time. Ineedmore time.

In the study, I allow Pennie to take care of me and just follow his lead, after he quickly dressed himself in dry clothing. I’m not used to the complicated clothing with layers and corsets, but I love the result of his efforts. I briefly stare in the mirror at the gorgeous lavender dress that would totally match Archie’s hue, when he’s not blushing at least. I look like a princess, my hair styled beautifully in an updo, with a few delicate flowers braided into it. Pennie’s gaze meets mine in the mirror as he gently sets a stunning necklace, filled with sparkling lavender jewels, around my neck.

“It’s gorgeous.” Feeling cherished by my monsters is something I never want to take for granted. It isn’t the jewels, clothes, or castle; it’s their care that matters.

Pennie’s warm hands rest on my bare shoulders. “Are you truly okay with all that happened with Archie?”

I set my hands on Pennie’s, holding his gaze in our reflection. “I am. We established a beautiful kind of trust and I can’t wait to see where it leads us.” I pause, fighting tears. “I don’t want to leave any of you. I feel like all of this—us—is just beginning. I’m not ready for it to end. But I can’t neglect my father either. There has to be a way, and my dad is a problem solver.”

Pennie lightly brushes his fingers over my cheek. “We know. We are great fans of your father.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “He wouldn’t judge this—us, I mean. It’s not every dad who would be okay with his daughter and a few handsome monsters, but my dad wouldn’t care as long as I’m loved. But I don’t think he’ll be thrilled that my adventures might take me away forever.” I nod to myself, hope alive inside me. “He’ll know what to do. He always does.”

“Then let’s eat and then we’ll call.”

“As long as Bastien can wait that long.”

“Of course.”

Pennie takes my hand and leads me out of the study, up the stairs, and into a formal dining room where Nico stands with Archie—now elegantly dressed—and Bastien, whose relief at seeing me is so powerful I feel it in my bones. His feather is safely tucked inside my corset, where his eyes are instantly drawn. A blush follows a moment later. Apparently, Bastien can feel where his origin feather is hidden.

I hurry to Bastien and wrap my arms around him. “We’re going to eat and then we’re going to call my dad. Everything will be okay.”

Captain ShinyPants steps into my eyeline—I’d tried to will him out of existence by ignoring him, but that clearly failed.