“It honestly does feel like a dream.” I swallow hard. Even with this fairytale setting, Moth and I still got into the biggest fight we’ve ever had since we started dating.
“Ah, yes.” Ruby’s smile becomes just a little sad. “’This world might seem like a paradise,” she begins, “but it has threats, the same as any. It would be wise to becareful.”
“Mm.” Oak nods. “We would hate for you to do something unthinkable—like show up for the ball in something‘so lastseason.’”
The two burst into laughter while I struggle to shake the irritation with the twins off.
“What is their deal, by the way?” I ask. “They seem like stock character bullies from a teen movie.”
They blink at me for a moment, and I freeze. Crap, I need to stay guarded for a little longer. Comments like that will not do much to keep my secret safe.
“Like many, they are fighting for their place in high society and, might I add, not doing a very good job. Befriending you as an attempt to rise to the top would be much better than making you an enemy,” Oak says. I’m glad he was able to parse mymeaning.
“Is that what you’re doing?” I ask.
“As if I need to rise any higher,” he says with a sideways smile. “Contrary to popular belief, I live to paint the portraits in the grand hall, not to be depictedin one.”
The portraits… Moth’s innocent eyes and his father’s cold stare come to the forefront of my mind. If anyone is going to tell me what it was really like growing up with him, it would be these two.
“So … Moth, what was he like here?” I ask, even though I probablyshouldn’t.
Hesitating, they exchange looks.
“When he was young?” I clarify. “Look, there’s only one person here who hasn’t dated the Crown Prince of Eclipsica.” I point at Widow. Without any further prompting, the woman halts her sewing and moves to take a seat next to Oak.
“Oh, hi,” I greet her. Widow seems great, but this wasn’t a conversation I was expecting to have with anyone outside of my boyfriend’s exes.
“I suppose I can give my testimony,” she says. Dear Lord, he has datedeveryone.
“Fine.” I grab my teacup and take a large sip. “Might as well spillthe tea.”
“Why would we spill—” Ruby begins, but a wild sweep of Widow’s arms cuts her off.
“Please contain yourself. The sofa is new,” she scolds, and you know what? Maybe that’s enough talking forme today.
“I believe the lady would like us to gossip about her royal lover,” Oak says, raising his own cup to his lips. A knowing look sharpens his gaze as our eyes lock, causing me to wonder if he has either traveled beyond the realm or is just very good atcontext.
“Curious, very compassionate, a little bossy, but what tiny prince isn’t?” Oak shrugs before snagging another cookie from the tray. His hand brushes Widow’s as she reaches to do the same, and I catch the pair blushing at each other. I ship this.
“He was always kind, though. I remember he’d always save me my favorite tarts if I was late for tea.” Ruby smiles. It may not be romantic love, but the affection for Moth is still there. Shockingly, it puts me at ease instead of sparking my jealousy. There are people who careabout him.
“I guess his sweet tooth is something that hasn’t changed.” I laugh.
“Definitely not.” Ruby laughs. “Though it might have gotten worse.”
“What about when he was older…?”
“Angry,” Oak blurts out, taking another long sip of tea.
“Oak!”
“What? He was! All the time.” Oak huffs, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
“Not all the time…” Widow pipes in, her Adam’s apple bopping as she taps her fingers on the handle of the teacup she’s claimed. “That sounds like the prince was stomping around the castle barking orders. He wasn’t like that, not with meat least.”
“Not with any of us,” Oak agrees, not bothering to set his cup down on its saucer.
“A silent rage. I suppose I have to admit that,” Ruby concedes. “Though he was never angry at us.”
