Page 19 of The Prince of Hidden Shadows (Runaway Prince Hotel #5)

After what feels like an eternity, Nathan tears his eyes away. “We’ve got work to do!” His velvety voice is resolute.

On the way back, we stroll by an art supply store tucked away on a side street.

Nathan then enlightens me. “To succeed, I have to use ancient techniques and supplies that are consistent with the period. Zagreus was able to provide plenty, thanks to his numerous connections.” Why does my chest constrict at his words?

“Got me linen canvases, natural pigments and such...” Does he think I’m clueless?

Pompous prick. “This will be such a cool project!” His excitement reminds me of a kid in a candy store, both endearing and infuriating. “Precision is everything, right?”

As we trudge back to the hotel, the sun is dipping towards the horizon, casting the streets in a golden glow. A strange mix of apprehension and anticipation washes over me at what’s coming. Nathan’s process might take a while. Am I on board with Zagreus’s plan?

Whatever happens next, there’s no turning back now.

The hallway is quiet, the plush carpet muffling our footsteps as we return from a bar Nathan dragged us to in order to unwind, and he lingered behind to meet with someone.

I peer down the corridor, admiring the familiar antique sconces spilling amber light along the dark wood-paneled walls when Zagreus mentions in passing that Nathan’s room is further down.

“Wait! What?” I freeze mid-step, shoulders stiff, the door just ahead. “Nathan’s room’s on this floor?”

Zagreus tosses me a look over his shoulder while opening his door. “Sure, why not?”

“This is the restricted floor. Your floor!” Warmth prickles at the back of my neck as I step into the suite. We reach the living room, and I plant myself in the doorway, one shoulder braced against the frame, unwilling to follow him any farther.

“My floor?” Zagreus shrugs, waving it away. “Nah, my best friend, Hecate, and nosy Eros are rooming here as well to take care of...” He pauses. “It doesn’t matter.”

My fists curl at my sides, knuckles whitening. Words elude me. My shoulders are locked, jaw tight. So, the mysterious 13th floor isn’t that private after all!

I’ve heard of Eros, but I didn’t realize that Nathan was referring to a Greek goddess earlier. My mind mulls over my rusty knowledge of Greek mythology. Who the heck is Hecate? I don’t ask.

“Don’t worry, I’ll introduce you two. She just got here. Nathan’s been helping me deal with a… situation… back East. They had urgent things to deal with. That’s why he’s staying here with her now.”

I’m not bothered in the least by the number of supreme beings navigating this floor, but I’m rather curious about how Nathan was able to get a room here.

My brain short-circuits. “So, any human is allowed here as long as one of you is with them?” Though there’s unfinished business between us I have to figure out how this all fits together.

“No, Nathan has access.”

What?

I blurt out, “Access? Nathan has access… How?” The crease between my brows deepens and my mouth twitches as I watch Zagreus from a distance peeling off his teal jacket and dropping it onto an ottoman. “Is he… together with your best friend?”

He huffs out a laugh. “Nah, none of us would be so… reckless.” His lips purse as if holding something back, and I bite down on my questions.

Surely, he doesn’t mean dating his friend would be reckless.

Hesitation flickers across his stubbled face, and he sighs.

“Well, Nathan has access because he’s been to my hometown, too. ”

The words churn in my chest, a knot forming at the pit of my stomach. Zagreus turns away, sauntering towards his bedroom without waiting for a response. I huff, weighing my options. The conversation isn’t finished. Grumbling, I push off the frame and trail after him.

By the time I’m at the threshold, my fingers have curled into fists, nails digging into my palms. “What do you mean he’s been there? Nathan’s alive and kicking!”

Zagreus flops onto the bed, propping himself up on an elbow. “Nathan is a beautiful…”—I swallow the lump in my throat—“glitch… Just like you, sort of.”

I choke on a breath, a slow burn spreading through my chest. “So, what? His visit to the Underworld magically granted him access to the invisible button and the 13th floor, is that it?”

Zagreus tilts his head, studying me. “Come on, Théo. It’s not a competition.”

I scoff, pacing to the window. The view stretches to the distant coastline, waves rolling under the fading evening light. My reflection confronts me, jaw grinding, shoulders rigid.

“It’s not about that,” I mutter, but I don’t believe it.

“Sure, it isn’t,” Zagreus deadpans.

I turn to him, words poised on the tip of my tongue, but his gaze stops me. He’s watching me with that infuriating mix of patience and insight, dissecting my every move.

“What?” I snap.

“You’re jealous.”

I bark out a laugh, though it’s humorless. “Jealous? Of what? Because you let your human boy toy—” I cut myself off, shaking my head.

“Go on,” Zagreus urges, his tone controlled and his face unreadable.

I grit my teeth, my voice lowering. “Live through the same thing I did.”

Zagreus sits up, his expression softening. “Oh, Théo, my sweet, passionate Théo. In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t play games. But you are right; I may have a weakness for humans, one in particular. I can’t remember how it all started. But, well, the laws of nature forbid it.”

My neck stiffens at his words, but I listen as he clues me in on some details.

“That’s why I don’t have a soul. Despite being the god of rebirth, experience taught me I can’t recognize my significant other.

Only my friend Eros has that ability, as the god who pairs humans together.

” My eyes narrow at his strange tale. What the fuck is he aiming at?

Before I can inquire further, he changes the topic.

“I’m sorry, I digress. That’s a conversation for another time.

What I can assure you is that Nathan isn’t my boy toy.

For the record, I believe he’s straight.

As for his journey, it can’t compare to yours.

.. He… died, almost… that’s how he showed up in the Underworld. ”

“Feels the same,” I mutter, crossing my arms.

Zagreus pats the space on the bed beside him. “Sit down, grumpy drama queen.”

I drag myself over and slump onto the mattress, the familiar dip under my weight grounding me.

“We’ve got bigger matters to handle,” Zagreus says, his tone becoming hushed. “Your assignment. My painting. Nathan’s skills. You see, he’s part of this for a reason. I already told you he’s exceptional at what he does, and we need that.”

I nod, though the knot in my chest doesn’t loosen. “And the next steps?”

Zagreus smirks. “You’ll find out soon enough. But first…” He nudges me with his shoulder. “Try to chill. Didn’t you say you trust me?”

“I trusted you… Now, I’m not so sure.” My voice comes out softer than intended.

“How about, I trust you? And that’s why I broke another two of our sacred rules by not erasing your memory and not reporting it to any of my people. That’s how much you mean to me, Théodore Cassel. Now, where were we?”

With that, his hand clasps the back of my head, bringing us closer to prove his point. Our stubbled cheeks get reacquainted. My pulse trips over itself as I part my lips and welcome his blistering kiss.

Holy shit!