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I rolled onto my back and stared up at the ceiling, the heat in me slowly dissipating. What the hell just happened? I rolled onto my other side, and the head spins rolled along with it. I suddenly felt nauseous, and let out a small moan that was as equally from discomfort as it was from embarrassment. I buried my face into the pillow and tried to stay awake while I waited for Elias to come back, but sleep began to force its way in. Eventually, I succumbed and drifted into deep unconsciousness.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

When I awoke, the sun was already peeking through the small window that sat above our bed. I blinked a few times, trying to slowly welcome the light. A dull ache pulsed at the back of my head and I groaned slightly. After a few moments, I was finally able to fully open my eyes.

The first thing I saw was the full glass of water and small loaf of bread that sat at my bedside table. I stared at them for a moment, slowly trying to piece together where I was. Events of the previous night flashed in my mind. I felt dazed as I tried to bring the memories back. I looked down at my chest and saw the necklace of flowers, now wilted and falling apart.

That’s right. The full moon celebration.

The Monuvians had kept handing me this intoxicating drink, in all senses of the word.

In that moment, the memories came back full force, and the dullache in my head grew stronger.

I sat up quickly and turned to find Elias in bed next to me, sleeping peacefully.At least he didn’t sleep on the floor, I thought. I stared at his handsome features before remembering everything else that had happened the previous night. My body cringed at the memory of caressing his face, and his immediate rejection.

But he had said “you can’t do that to me.” Can’t do it tohim. What did he even mean? Would he have given into the temptation, had I not been drunk? Before I could ponder it any further, Elias began to stir.

He opened his eyes as slowly as I had, inhaling deeply through his nose. He was still fully clothed, as was I, so at least that confirmed I didn’t do anything else stupid before falling asleep. I certainly didn’t think I was drunk enough to have any missing memories. I almost wish I had been, though. Then I wouldn’t have remembered how I made such a fool of myself. Wouldn’t remember his stiff rejection.

“Good morning,” I said hoarsely, not realizing how dry my throat was until I spoke. I immediately reached for the glass of water, forcing some down. The quick movement made me feel a little queasy.

“Good morning, Princess,” Elias said with a crooked smile. “How are you feeling?”

I took another sip of water. “I might be suffering just a little,” I said after forcing it down. Elias’s grin widened. I glared at him. “Don’t look so smug,” I hissed.

He let out a small laugh and put his hands up in defeat. “I’m not the one who accepted a drink from a stranger. And three of them, at that.”

My eyes widened. “Did I really have three of them?”

“Yes. And on an empty stomach.”

I groaned. “They were strong, too.”

“I can tell.”

My cheeks flushed and I turned away, lowering my legs over the side of the bed. “I apologize if I did anything to make you uncomfortable,” I said softly, not turning to look at him.

The mattress shifted as he stood from the bed. “Don’t worry about it,” he answered from behind me, a slight hint of dismay in his tone.

That was good enough for me, I thought. I wouldn’t bring it up again, if not just for him, but also to prevent my own discomfort in reliving the rejection.

“Speaking of empty stomach,” Elias broke the awkward tension. “We should get you something to eat.”

I put my hand to my abdomen, feeling queasy again. “I’m not sure I can stomach anything yet,” I admitted, finally turning to look at him.

Elias crossed his arms. “If we’re going to get out of this kingdom and continue our journey, you’ll need to recover quickly. And the only way to do that is by eating something.”

I rolled my eyes. “I hate that you’re right.”

Elias walked over and put his hand out to help me up. I stared from his hand to his honey eyes, wishing I wasn’t already craving his touch. But I took his hand anyway, energy surging, and we made our way down the creaky steps of the inn into the foyer.

A booming laugh could be heard from the small staircase, and I recognized it as Sam. As we made our way to the inn’s main entrance area, I saw a wide array of customers both sitting and standing around, chatting. Sam stood next to an elderly woman who sat at a big chair stationed by the fireplace. I wondered if it was the same lady who yelled at us from below our room the night before.

Sam turned as we entered. “My newest guests!” the large man shouted to us with enthusiasm. My head began to pound from the loudness of it. “Please, find a seat and I will bring you some breakfast!”

Elias and I looked at each other before complying, finding an empty table at the back of the room. As we sat, I rubbed my temples, tryingto dim the headache that was quickly emerging. Elias watched me with concern.

After only a few minutes, Sam bounced happily over to our table with two plates in hand. “Ah yes, I recognize that look all too well,” he said with a dramatic pout. “I’m certain this will help.” He laid the plate down in front of me. The smell hit me first, before I noted the large chunks of red meat and huge mound of cooked eggs, next to two fresh rolls of bread. While I wasn’t hungry before, I could not deny the alluring look and smell of the meal.