I tensed, sensing the conversation was shifting. “Oh?”
“Our rules may seem harsh,” he continued, his gaze fixed on the doorway through which Theo had just disappeared. “Particularly to guests who form attachments during their stay. But they exist to ensure the safety of all involved, physically and emotionally.”
So, this was it. A gentle warning about getting too close to the merchandise. I should have felt offended; instead, a weary resignation settled over me. Of course they had noticed my preference for Theo. I'd hardly been subtle. And in a place where discretion was the primary commodity, such attachments were undoubtedly monitored with vigilance. “I understand,” I said quietly, my gaze drifting to another companion in a peacock-feather mask, laughing at a guest's whispered words. “I see my feelings are... foolish. Our worlds are too far apart for such dreams.”
Ibrahim studied me. “Do you?”
My internal conflict writhed at his piercing gaze. “I suppose I am aware of it. But it doesn’t lessen the desire.”
He continued to watch, and irritation boiled within me. “What do you expect me to say, Master Ibrahim? That I will forget Theo the moment I leave?”
“I expect you to consider the consequences of such feelings,” he replied, his voice calm yet firm. “Theo is scheduled to see you tomorrow. Do you still wish for that appointment to proceed?”
The thought of seeing Theo again, of holding him, of knowing it would be our last time together, it was both tempting and devastating. But leaving without saying goodbye felt unbearable. “Yes,” I nodded, internal conflict thickening my voice. “But it will be the last time. I’ll be leaving immediately afterward.”
Something that could have been approval flickered in his eyes. “Very well. I hope you’ll see us at Dove Canyon again someday, Your Grace.”
I didn’t answer, but in my heart, I knew the truth: I would not return to this idyllic wonderland where I had found happiness I hadn’t known was possible, regardless of what decision Remy made. As I left Ibrahim to mingle with the crowd, I felt strangely bereft, as if our conversation marked the official end of something precious.
I finished my champagne, placing the empty glass on a passing server's tray while reclaiming control. The party continued around me, an extravagant swirl of color, sound, and movement, all of it now seeming distant, as if viewed through a pane of glass. The masks that had seemed whimsical and liberating mere minutes ago now struck me as somber reminders of the facades we all maintained, the lies we told ourselves about who we were and what we truly desired.
For a brief, reckless moment, I considered following Theo and those men, fabricating an emergency to interrupt whatever he mightbe involved in. But what would be the point? He was fulfilling his role, embracing the very reality I had accepted.
My jealousy, possessiveness, and longing—these were mine to manage, not his. The weight rested on me alone.
Instead, I moved toward one of the quieter corners near a small fire pit, settling onto a cushioned bench. The flames danced hypnotically, casting flickering shadows on those nearby. No one paid particular attention to my arrival, which I was grateful for. I allowed the warmth of the fire to seep into me, counteracting the chill of jealousy and loss that had nothing to do with the temperature and everything to do with the hollow ache spreading through my chest.
As I watched the sparks flicker upwards, I couldn't shake the thought of what awaited me back in Avaline. The medieval palace with its protocols and hierarchies. A Council of Ministers who would scrutinize my every move if I became heir apparent. Royal apartments in the east wing that would become my prison, larger and more luxurious than most homes, yet bounded by security measures and constant surveillance that made true privacy impossible.
Maybe I could reconcile my duty and my feelings. Maybe there was a way to keep both worlds intact. But as the flames flickered, I realized that even if I tried to maintain that balance, it would forever remain at risk of being consumed.
Chapter 20
Theo
“Swear to God, the guy couldn't have been a day over twenty-five, but he had the stamina of a fucking racehorse.”
Kaiden shoveled another forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth as I laughed, nearly choking on my orange juice. It was just after nine in the morning, and we were sitting in our dining area, trading stories over breakfast. The place smelled like coffee and bacon and Kaiden's way-too-strong cologne that he practically bathed in. “I thought you were going to say he had thedickof a racehorse,” I said with a smirk, reaching for a slice of toast.
Kaiden's eyes widened dramatically, the sleeves of his silk kimono sliding down his arms as he gestured. “Oh honey, that too. I swear, when he dropped his pants, I thought I was hallucinating. I almost called for medical backup.”
We both busted up laughing. It was weird how quickly we'd clicked. Three weeks ago we were total strangers, and now we're sharing breakfast and talking about clients' junk like old friends.
“What about you?” Kaiden asked, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin. “Those two guys from the party looked like they knew what they wanted.”
The memory triggered a small twinge in my chest, but it was easy enough to brush off. “They were fine, just rich guys who thoughttheir platinum cards made them fascinating. Not rough or creepy or anything... just enthusiastic.”
Kaiden leaned in, his interest piqued. “Details! Was it both at once or did they take turns?”
I rolled my eyes, chuckling at Kaiden. “Little of both, really. That was their whole act. The matching tuxedos weren't just for show. They're married but like to ‘share experiences,’ as they put it.”
“And how was that?” He seemed curious. “First threesome here, right?”
I nodded, taking a moment to sip my juice. The sex had been good, but that spark—that crazy connection I had with Ricard—totally missing. “It was fine. They knew their stuff. One guy, Nikolaj, kept telling me exactly what he wanted, which made things simple. The other one, David, barely talked but was super intense. They had their routine down.”
Kaiden nodded, understanding what I was saying. “But emotionally? You holding up okay?”
This was the real question hiding under our breakfast small talk. I appreciated him checking in. “I'm okay. It's getting easier, like you guys said it would. Last night felt less complicated somehow. Everyone got what they wanted, and nobody was pretending it was something it wasn't.”
