Page 70 of The Chains You Defy

And I’d do so with a smile.

The night before we departed for Galanta—Holy Triad, I still couldn’t believe I was going to travel there—the males and I had decided on meeting in the sitting room of Dion’s and my suite and hang out. To have an enjoyable night preceding crossing over to Alaiann, where we would have to be too cautious to relax at any given point. Couldn’t say I was looking forward to the whole ordeal.

Of course, even Dion’s murderous expression couldn’t stop me from inviting Rewi and Bryon to our farewell celebration.

The royal kitchen staff had just left after building a giant spread of delicacies on a huge table—everything from enticingly smelling bowls filled with all kinds of foods to cut fruit and desserts.

My mouth watered from simply staring at the feast.

Hmm, would I get away with tasting what looked suspiciously like chocolate treats before anyone discovered me?

After glancing all around me, I slowly extended my hand to the candy but jumped back when a knock pierced the silence and was followed by someone opening the door.

“Hey, am I too early?”

“No, Ireas, come in. Oh, what did you bring?”

“I made a detour to the royal wine cellar andborroweda few bottles of alcohol.”

“Borrowed?”

“I’m sure it’s alright. I mean, the staff prepared a feast after they caught wind of us planning a celebration.”

“Oh well. We can always offer to compensate. Pay to the royal coffers.”

“I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”

Grinning, I took the beverages from him and ensured they were safely stored in the cooling container. Tonight was going to be fun.

In the end, not only Ireas but also Thain, Fig, and Antas had brought some bottles of different intoxicating refreshments, and when he finally emerged from the bedroom, even Dion carried a flask of schnapps in his hand. I stared at him, open-mouthed.

“Planning on carousing tonight?”

“If that’s the only way I can forget where we’ll be heading tomorrow, then yes. We’re safe here, so I won’t need my magic.”

“What? You’re letting loose?”

“Why no—” Dion’s answer switched into a growl as the door opened and Bryon entered the suite, followed by Rewi.

I narrowed my eyes at the prince, then made a show of getting up and walking in slow motion toward my old friends, full of the intention to hug them both.

But what had I thought?

One step before I reached the two of them, black tendrils curled around my waist and hauled me back, right into their master’s arms. “Princeling.”

The bastard chuckled as I glowered at him.

Rewi watched the casual demonstration of magic with fascination and amusement, and Bryon stared at the dark prince as if he wanted to curse him.

“That’s not funny, you possessive bastard.”

His breath, ghosting over the shell of my ear, was accompanied by a purring whisper, leaving goosebumps all over my skin. “It’s not meant to be humorous. But if you value your friend so little, and you won’t mind him being cut to pieces, by all means, go and let him touch you.”

Anger flared up in my chest, but to my shame, all was forgotten as Dion used the moment and nipped at my earlobe—not once, but twice. This simple, playful teasing had my body come alive, and memories of a few days prior invaded my mind, flushing my cheeks with red and my eyes with embarrassment. And, of course, to wriggle out of his hold was impossible.

“Is the rumor true that fae have the tendency to hide humans in towers when they find a fancy in one? I once heard such a tale as a young girl.”

My head shot to Rewi, who’d asked this question, then spun to Dion, glaring at him in warning.