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The eve of the Summer Solstice sprouted hushed whispers throughout the kingdom. Dark sun rays gleamed into the Sun Court, smattering the prince and his guard in a wash of warm colors. Evrardin stood before the prince who currently lounged on the throne, mindlessly picking loose threads of his sleeve.

“It’s really none of my concern how the people feel about the princess being initiated in tomorrow,” Acastus said languidly.

Evrardin sucked in a breath, trying to dampen his rising temper. “The people see you and the rest of the royal family as entertainment. This is going to start nothing but foul rumors. They’re going to think she’s bonding to steal our magick, to solidify the Glass Court’s prowess, if she does it before being married to you.” Acastus raised a brow, his eyes now meeting Ev’s. “There is going to be a big crowd, Cas. I’m not even sure everyone who wants to attend will manage.”

“Oh, my dear, Evrardin,” Cas began as he swung his feet to the floor and stood, “I need her to gain back her magick before the wedding. You know I don’t enjoy wasting my time worrying about these nonentities and whatever balderdash about which they are gossiping.”

“Well, you should.”

“Yeah? And why might that be, Captain?”

Anger rose in Evrardin’s throat, spreading out like prickly thorns, Cas speaking his rank in insult. Oftentimes, it was such simple things that could sprout rage within him, and it lasted longer the less he was able to relieve his stress. “She’s to be your wife. Aren’t you the least bit concerned about what the people will think, rushing her to be part of the sun-bearing bloodline?” Rakish thoughts crossed the features of Cas’ face. “Do you really want people prying into your business? Because they certainty will once they’re drawn into the promise of a scandal.”

Acastus had to know Evrardin was right, of course. He couldn’t have people getting suspicious and looking too closely into his life with the princess. Tomorrow was sure to be more difficult than it had to be with a large crowd watching.

“Why do you care so much?” Acastus quirked a brow.

An unsettling and troublesome pulse sparked in Ev’s chest. “As your guard, it’s my job to protect you—from more than just violence?—”

Cas cut him off with a wave of his hand. “No. You care about the princess. It’s not the same thing.” Acastus’ eyes narrowed on Ev, standing straighter. “Why?”

Ev’s hand flexed beyond his control; the rest of his body unwavering. “Should I not? Is she not about to become intertwined with your life? If I serve you, am I not to protect her as I would all your things?”

“No. You shouldn’t.” Cas’ words made Ev’s eyes widen briefly before settling back into his brooding countenance. “It’s me you serve. Not her. Not the king. Me . And if I want to do something that may bring my precious wife into harm's way, that is none of your concern. She and I are not the same. Maybe in the eyes of the Solar Sect we will be, but don’t confuse yourself for a holy man, Evrardin.”

Evrardin glared at Cas, unwilling to say anything that might result in punishment. Cas should be worried about gaining too much attention right now, especially from the king. Even with the extra marks from the Summer Solstice, Ev couldn’t see how this was in his best interest at all.

“Don’t underestimate her. She can fend for herself.” Cas paced back and forth, his hands clutched behind his back. “She’s a feisty one.” He pondered for a moment. “I think I’ve grown to like her.”

Ev’s eyes darkened, Cas’ lips tilting into a wicked smile. He always enjoyed torturing Evrardin, and now it seemed he also enjoyed ruining pretty princesses.

“So, you’re just going to sit back and watch the chaos unfold around her tomorrow? Around you both?” Cas’ lack of a response was answer enough. “She’s not ready. No one has even informed her of what to expect.” Fury laced Ev’s words as much as he tried to keep it out.

“Careful, Evrardin,” he remarked. “I might start to think you have feelings for my betrothed.”

“Seven fucking hells. I don’t have—This isn’t about—” He shook his head in frustration. “I’m trying to protect you!”

Cas held up a hand—a demeaning gesture he did often—stopping Evrardin’s growling words in their tracks. “I’m telling you now, regardless of animosity or fondness. You are to, under no circumstances, speak word to Mara about how you truly feel about her. Good or bad.”

Ev’s jaw tightened.

“Okay, good,” Acastus clapped his hands. “Glad we got that sorted.” Acastus looked back at Ev and rolled his own in turn. “Fine. Tell her tonight what is to be expected of her tomorrow. I suppose she should know what’s to happen anyway. Wouldn’t want to cause a scene.” He gave a sly smirk at Evrardin, taunting him. “She’s smarter than you think, though. I’m sure she’s read all about what's to come in those books of hers.”

Evrardin was desperate to shift the conversation away from the princess. “And the deterioration of the castle from your intake of the Veil? What are we to do about that?”

Acastus sighed, forced to think about the subtle collapsing of the stone walls. The shadows casting around unused corridors. The crumbling of the castle’s outer walls beginning to draw concern.

“I’ll double the men working on the repairs.”

“And the smoldering of your skin?” Ev added.

A gloveless Cas pulled his hands in front of him, appraising his blackened fingertips, almost relishing in the way the void swirled upward toward his knuckles as it began to fill the rest of his hand like smoke rising from an extinguished flame. “The gloves have been working for now. They’ll have to do.”

Evrardin looked at Cas’ fingers with disapproval. “And when they are no longer enough?”

The ink spreading through Acastus’ veins swam up his chest and the collar of his neck. They both knew it was inevitable. And rather soon at that. The darkness had picked up speed in the past week, ever since Cas captured Mara in his web. “That healer will soon be here. Less than a fortnight last I heard. Let’s just hope he can help.”

Cas’ eyes slanted as he measured Evrardin, his old friend. However, he supposed that relationship was left in the past, along with all the other marvels that made Acastus’ life worth living. For a brief moment, Evrardin could see the pride and lust dwindle to a controllable spark. Acastus’ face broke its mold. “Thank you,” he said softly.

Evrardin’s stone eyes lightened slightly. He reached out, resting a hand on the top of Acastus’ shoulder. So many things had been said already. Too many things to forget. Evrardin settled on giving Acastus a pained smile, knowing he could no longer offer him anything else out of his free will.