Each caress of his lips, each nip of his teeth, each swipe of his tongue lights a fire within me that melts away my doubts and burns the events of the morning to ashes. I cling onto his broad shoulders, not thinking of anything but Prince Kevon and how I never want this kiss to end.
His hands grip my waist and pull me onto his lap. It’s just like that time in my hospital room, but there’s no Lady Circi to interrupt us. He slides his fingers over my neck, threads them into my hair, and secures me in place.
My head spins, and I’m glad he’s holding onto me because I’d collapse under the onslaught of pleasure. How could I have ever doubted Prince Kevon? I dig my fingers into the hard muscles of his back, but when one of his hands skims the top button of my jacket, my body goes rigid.
Prince Kevon draws back. “Forgive me.”
“It’s…” I place a palm over the jacket’s opening. “I couldn’t stand for you to see me in this dress.”
His brow rises a fraction, and the strangest expression crosses his handsome features. Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I slide off his lap.
“Sorry.” I dip my head and stare into my hands. “Everyone in Rugosa saw me dressed like this, and so did the people watching me on NetFace, but I had no choice then, and it’s not proper—”
“Zea.” He takes a hand and places gentle kisses on each knuckle. “I understand.”
Forelle would probably remind me that Prince Kevon would see me in less than a skimpy dress soon enough, but Queen Damascena would taunt me about keeping the prince amused until he decided which Noble to marry. I push those thoughts aside and grab his hand.
Each kiss I place on his knuckles makes him laugh, and the awkwardness that clings to my skin recedes to the back of my mind.
We sit together on the sofa for the next few hours, sleeping, talking, drinking, and picking at breakfast. Prince Kevon shares stories about King Arias and tells me that it had been the king’s suggestion that he disguise himself as a guard to escort the girls to the Princess Trials.
From these anecdotes, it sounds like King Arias was deeply unsatisfied with life at court, or at least with his choice of wife. I wonder if Prince Kevon realizes this and has decided not to repeat his father’s mistake.
Eventually, the van stops, and the doors open. The dim lights of an underground parking lot illuminate a row of vehicles, including Prince Kevon’s two-seater solar car. Lady Circi, still clad in her black catsuit but with four times as many guns, steps into view.
Her brows rise when she sees me behind the prince, but there’s no disapproval on her features. “Move faster next time I send you an alarm.”
A breath catches in the back of my throat as we step out of the van. Did Lady Circi just admit to telling Prince Kevon that I was at the Rugosa Square?
Prince Kevon releases my hand and wraps his arms around Lady Circi. “Thank you.” He draws back and kisses her on the cheek before engulfing her in another embrace. “And I’m sorry.”
She endures the hug and glares at me with an intensity that warns me not to delve into whatever’s going on between her and the prince. I glance away, giving them their privacy. Lady Circi might be the queen’s lady-at-arms, but she has known Prince Kevon since he was born. Something about the way they interact speaks of more than a grudging affection.
When Prince Kevon finally releases Lady Circi, she strides around the van and talks to Garrett.
“I’ll walk you to your room.” The prince places a hand on the small of my back.
“Tonight’s the full moon,” says Lady Circi from behind the van.
Prince Kevon’s steps falter for a moment, but we walk past a fleet of cars and vans to a security door. It scans the prince’s retina and handprint before allowing us to enter a darkened stairwell.
As soon as the door shuts, bright lights flare to life. I walk up the stairs with the prince and ask, “What happens on the full moon?”
“Royal funerals take place when the moon’s light is at its maximum.” He places a hand on the rail as he guides me up the steps. “According to Gaia’s Bible, this is when the goddess Selene’s power is at its fullest.”
Prince Kevon explains that Selene requires a full moon to carry the royal spirit across the sky to Gaia. If they don’t bury King Arias tonight, they’ll have to wait another month. During that time, Queen Damascena will reign over Phangloria and will have the power to decide his bride.
A shudder runs down my spine at the thought of that woman ruling anything. She already abuses enough of her power and doesn’t need any more.
When we reach the top of the stairs, Prince Kevon is breathing hard. I pause to ask if he’s alright, but he shakes his head and says it’s just nerves.
As we continue through the hallways, the palace servants we pass wear white, which Prince Kevon explains is in celebration for King Arias ascending to the realm of Gaia. I want to ask what the Devotees of Gaia believe happens to the souls of those who aren’t royal but now is not the time.
Prince Kevon stops outside my door and places a hand on my arm. “Will you come to the funeral?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.” He leans down and presses a soft kiss on my lips. “I’ll make sure that the ushers seat you accordingly.”
I lean my back against the wall and watch him stride down the hallway, already looking to me like the King of Phangloria. Apart from my promise to stay at his side forever, he hasn’t discussed the possibility of marriage. Maybe that’s because he doesn’t want to scare me away, but seeing Mom and Dad this morning has strengthened
