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Taking in a deep breath, she pulled the door open, and her smile fell. “Piper.”

“Hi, Katana. Thane had to go meet with King Drake, but he asked me to walk you to breakfast.”

“Oh.” She hated the sound of disappointment in her own voice. There went her dream of his confession of undying love. Well, she didn’t want that yet. They’d only known each other a few weeks, she sounded naive even thinking he’d be in love with her already… or at all. “Will he be joining us?”

“I’m not sure.”

This felt more like rejection than anything. Had she taken too long to get ready? She tried to hurry. Or had he rushed out of there, so he didn’t have to face her? Maybe he thought talking with her would be awkward.Damn it, this is not what I wanted.

Breakfast felt like an eternity. The food was delicious and Piper, Fennan, and Leif were entertaining company but all she could think about was their High King’s absence. Even the lovely music drifting through the open airy room full of sunlight, and the beautiful artwork of statues and paintings throughout the space couldn’t take her mind off him. She was about to stand and return to her room until it was time to leave when she heard his voice in the outside hall.

A pit in her stomach deepened and yet the very sound of him sent a tingle down her spine. A moment later he walked through the archway with Prince Ronan at his side, and his emerald-green eyes went straight to her. His jaw muscles flickered and without a smile, he went directly to the banquet table. Her heart thrummed in her ears and heat rose in her cheeks.

She was going to be sick.

One night, nothing more.She chanted in her mind but got up from the table. She knew what she agreed to. There was no reason to be upset now.

“Would you like me to walk you back to your room?” Leif offered.

“Oh, no thank you. I can manage on my own. Enjoy your meal.”

She hurried out of there as fast as she could and barely made it halfway down the corridor when she heard footsteps. Slowing, she turned and said, “Leif, I—oh.” She blinked at Thane.

“Not Leif,” he said.

“I can see that.” She couldn’t help but smile.

“Where are you going?”

“Just to pack my things.” Never mind that she’d already done it.

“Did you get enough to eat?”

“I did. Thank you for asking.”

With a sweep of his arm, he gestured for her to continue walking and fell into step beside her. “The contract is signed. They will come to our aid.”

Beaming, she grabbed his wrist. “Really?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s wonderful news. I’m proud of you.” She dropped her hold and tucked her hands behind her back.

He smiled at her. “Thank you.”

An awkward silence fell. The sounds of birds chirping outside the windows and laughter from children drifted through the hall. Would it be appropriate to ask him how he felt about last night? Or should she just let it be?

He cleared his throat. “Ronan and Dax will take us to the portal, and we’ll be back at the castle today.”

They made their way up the stairs and down the hall to where their rooms were. “That’s great.” Ugh she hated that everything felt… stilted.

He stopped at her door and dipped his chin. “Well, I’ll leave you to pack your things.”

She tugged down on the door handle but turned back to him. “Thane?” He hadn’t left yet.

“Yes?”

Tell him you want more than one night!“I really enjoyed last night, and I hope it does not change things between us.”