“He probably murdered them,” Thiago mutters.
“I owe him a boon. I told him I’d help him find his child.”
And the fae must pay their debts or suffer the consequences.
Thiago’s eyes turn into thin slits. “It’s not sleeping in our bed.”
“I’ll sleep wherever I please, little princeling.”
From Thiago’s icy glare, it’s clear he heard it too. “If I see a hint of your beady little eyes in my bedchamber, I’ll throw you through the nearest Hallow straight into a troll’s cave.”
Grimm launches into my arms, and I’m forced to contend with twenty-five pounds of pure arrogance that butts its head against my chin.
“Just try it, you big bat,” Grimm purrs, and his claws sink into my arm. “The queen is bound to help me find my owner, and until then, I’m staying with her.”
Thiago shoots me another look, one that clearly says stop making deals with Unseelie creatures.
I bare my teeth in a half smile, half wince. “He’s cute. And he’s nice and warm at night. And he won’t shit in the bed.”
Grimm does this kind of snigger-purr that I take to mean, unless the prince really annoys me.
Thiago stabs a finger toward Grimm. “Don’t eat the demi-fey. Don’t let me find you in our bedchambers. And don’t get too comfortable. As soon as we get a chance, we’re going to find your owner and then you’re gone, do you understand?”
“Aw. Is the wittle pwince afraid she likes me better?”
I swear I see steam shoot from Thiago’s ears as he stomps away.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The next morning, I groan as I roll out of bed.
“Breakfast?” Thiago purrs, proving himself the best husband in the world as he snaps his fingers and a tray appears, laden with all my favorites.
I glance at the towel wrapped around his hips even as I reach for a piece of bread. “That depends.”
“On?”
“Whether you intend to be breakfast.”
He crosses the room, resting both hands on the sides of my chair as he leans down to give me a kiss. “Don’t think I’m not tempted, Vi. Last night was fun.” But his thumb strokes across my cheek. “But you look like you need more sleep.”
I feel like it too.
“I guess the Hallow wasn’t the only thing that was drained,” I grumble, sipping at my cup of peppermint tea. Bliss. “You could do all the work?”
He smiles, but there’s a glint of worry in his eyes. “Patience holds its own rewards. I’ll wait until you’re more rested.”
I roll my eyes. “What are we doing today?”
He walks away from me, tugging the towel loose. “Discussing our next move. If that bracelet doesn’t hide you from the fetch, then we need to figure out how to protect you.”
I tilt my head sideways. Oh, now that’s really unfair.
His bare ass practically begs for my teeth.
“Vi?” It’s clear from the twinkle in his eyes that he’s said my name a few times.
I warm my hands on my cup. “Yes?”
“Later,” he mouths, and then he winks.
Fine. Grumbling under my breath, I reach for the second teapot on the tray. Peppermint to start the day, and then bitter nettle to prevent any unwanted side effects from last night.
But my fingers freeze on the teapot lid.
I didn’t drink any tea yesterday. Or the day before.
There’s a hollow ringing in my ears. It should be fine. Thiago withdrew last night. And I’m almost due for my monthly bleeding, in fact….
When am I due?
I’d jokingly said to Thalia that maybe it was best if I didn’t wear white the other night—just in case. But I haven’t thought about it since. Everything’s been so hectic.
But the thought ringing through my head is: I should be bleeding by now.
I can’t stop myself from counting, but there’s a breathless feeling in my chest that sends my thoughts scattering the second I get to five weeks.
Nearly five weeks since I had my last monthly.
Five. Weeks.
“Vi?” Thiago’s voice roughens. “What’s wrong? You’ve gone pale.”
“I’m late,” I whisper, my hands starting to shake.
“We’ve got time—”
“Late.”
This time Thiago looks at me, and I see a myriad of expressions in his eyes. Confusion. Understanding. Then horror. “No.”
Pressing my hands to my midriff, I can’t stop my nails from digging in. We were so careful. He always withdrew or used a sheathe, and I’ve been drinking bitter nettle tea every cursed morning.
“How late?”
“I don’t know! Three, maybe four days.” It’s enough to make worry worm like a hole in my gut. My bleedings have always been regular.
This should be a moment of joy, but all I can taste is a mouthful of ash.
I want this child so badly, but I cannot risk it. Not now.
“Are you sure?” he asks.
“No, I’m not sure!” I shove to my feet, my nightgown swishing around my legs. “I don’t feel any different.” Should I not be feeling queasy by now? I don’t know. This is not an area I’ve ever given much thought to before. “Just tired.”
But that can be explained.
Lack of sleep.
Attacks every time I turn around.
Endless nightmares.
I squeeze my eyes shut and I see her, running through a field of wild poppies, tracing her fingers over their petals as she laughs and looks back at me—
Right before the shadows swallow her whole.
I think I’m going to be sick.
I bolt for the wash chambers, sliding to my knees in front of the bath. My stomach rebels, but even as I gag, nothing comes up, and I don’t know if this is shock or something more.
A hand rubs my back, soft words rumbling through him.
“It’s alright, Vi. It’s alright.”
It’s the first time he’s ever lied to me since we made our promise.
Finally, I managed to swallow down the urge to vomit. A cool rag is draped over my neck, and Thiago squats on the cool tiles beside me as I drag my knees to my chest and cradle them.
“We will find the crown,” he assures me, squeezing my knee. “No matter what I have to do. She won’t have our child,
