Page 24

Dayton

I stride through Soltide Keep, the familiar halls doing little to lift the heavy feeling in my chest. The glimpses of my haphazard appearance in the tidepools seem to mock me as I make my way to the High Prince’s chambers.

I need to talk to him. Though I’m not sure as to what end.

To ask his leave to go to Autumn? Or to beg him to present an acceptable reason for me to stay in Summer?

What happened on the isle with Farron, the manner in which we’d fucked on the beach. Had that been the start of something new or a goodbye? Had I heard him right between the rush of the waves? Did you say those three words to me? Or has my imagination gotten the best of me again?

My hand hovers over my seashell necklace. I don’t know what choice to make.

After we’d made our way back to shore, I’d taken a revealing walk through Hadria with naught but a palm frond as coverage.

Once we’d arrived at my personal quarters, I’d thrown on a beige tunic and loose pants.

Farron had fallen into my arms, kissing me wildly, saying how excited he was for us to depart for Autumn tomorrow. Then he left to pack.

And here I am before the High Prince’s chambers to ask him something. I still don’t know what.

As I linger outside the door, I hear voices through the crack. I adjust my stance and peer through to see Damocles and Decimus in deep conversation.

“You must have noticed how much time they were spending together,” Decimus says.

Damocles gives a long sigh. Despite the late hour, my brother is still dressed in his fine regalia. Stars, I wouldn’t be surprised if the bastard sleeps in it.

“He kissed the Autumn Prince in front of the whole court,” Damocles says. “I’d be a fool not to notice that.”

A slight chuckle from Decimus. “Why the frown, brother? Was this not your grand plan?”

“Unfortunately, this summer has only proven how unready our youngest brother is.”

My stomach drops, and I force myself to stay still.

“Instead of courting the Autumn Prince properly,” Damocles continues, “he has stolen him away in shadows and night. Instead of staying in the palace and learning from his High Prince and the High Princess of Autumn, he has frolicked in the Pirate Isles and slept with the goats up on Mount Tempitus.”

My heart sinks. I press closer to the cool stone wall.

“Furthermore, he’s too cocky in the arena,” Damocles adds. “Always showing off. He’s late to events—if he bothers to attend at all.”

“He’s not much better when he does show up,” Decimus’s voice cuts in, low and sardonic. “You remember the Winter Equinox three years past? How he got so drunk, he challenged Winter’s vizier to a duel? Nearly started a war over a petty insult.”

The memory stings. That old, blue-lipped fae was a jerk and had needed a good ass-kicking. I had been so sure I was defending our honor, but thinking back… How foolish had I looked?

Damocles sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose. “I thought a union between Farron and Daytonales would ground him, make him see reason. But he’ll end up embarrassing Farron like he does the Summer Realm.”

Decimus places his hands flat on the table. “I believe he’s quite fond of the Autumn Prince now.”

Damocles shakes his head. “Those feelings will pass. He never stays with one partner for long. Besides, Daytonales is more than aware of what a union with Farron will mean.”

“What is that?”

“He would be expected to be a leader,” Damocles says, his tone dripping with frustration. “He’s not ready for that. He doesn’t understand what it means. Dayton is a fool?—”

Their words slice through me. I step back, unable to bear any more. My brothers’ voices fade as I turn and retreat down the corridor, my head spinning.

I make my way to the gardens, needing the open air. Taking a seat on a bench, the vibrant flowers seem like a mockery.

I thought I was doing well. I thought my time with Farron meant something. But to Damocles and Decimus, I’m still a reckless child, unfit for responsibility.

Isn’t that what I wanted? The freedom to explore Summer with no care in the world?

I bring my hand to my chest. The burning beside my heart flares up again. I lean forward, burying my face in my hands.

Dayton is a fool.

I look up at the moon, heart beating painfully. What do I do?

Then, I realize this choice has nothing to do with me.

It has everything to do with Farron and what’s best for him.

And it sure as fuck isn’t me.