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But Lux just chuckles. “I haven’t tried them yet, but I’ll make sure to. Your kitchen staff certainly know how to make nice food. Ours could learn a thing or two.”

My racing breath settles a little. “The cakes are nice as well. Over by the balcony, there’s a desserts table with lovely chocolate⁠—”

“Is it true you’re not allowed to leave the palace?” Castor cuts me off.

“Castor.” Lux glares at him.

“I just can’t imagine being stuck here all day,” he goes on anyway, looking up to the gilded ceiling. “After a while, it would feel like a prison.”

I clench my fists. “I’m allowed to go outside. I go to my dance circle most nights.”

“And where is that?” Castor taunts. “Might that be in the palace grounds?”

“I’m so sorry about this, Princess Eden,” Lux says. “Castor has clearly had too much⁠—”

“Are you really all still virgins?”

I gasp as Lux growls, “Castor.”

“Tell me princess, have you ever invited a man into your bed?” Castor’s eyes glint at my horrified expression. “What about two men?”

Tears bubble in my eyes.

“Oh, sweet girl.” His voice lowers. “This will be much more fun than I thought.”

Before I can sprint over to Father and beg to have this prince dragged out, Lux saves me again. “Castor, wait in the carriage.”

He just rolls his eyes, chuckling.

“Do not make me repeat myself.” Lux’s voice hardens.

Castor glances at him. “You’re serious?”

“I am,” Lux says. “You will return to the carriage and wait for me there. I will come to you when I am finished here.”

Castor’s brow dips. For a moment, I wonder if there might be a fight. But after a silent exchange, Castor leaves me with a final simmering look before storming out of the ballroom.

Lux turns to me apologetically. “I’m so sorry again, Princess Eden. This is my fault for bringing him here.”

“You’ve done nothing wrong.” I catch my breath. “I just… Did something happen? Did my family do something to offend him?”

“Please don’t worry. Castor forgets himself sometimes.”

“But he respects you, though.” I narrow my gaze at him.

They look the same age, and they’re both princes. Yet Lux just ordered him around like he was⁠—

“I am the heir.”

Oh…

“Castor may not like it, but ultimately if I make an order, he has to listen to me. And trust me when I say I will make sure he is punished for his behaviour tonight,” Lux assures me. “Had I known he would be this… inappropriate, I wouldn’t have let him come. Please give your sister my apologies too.”

My sister… Fern! Guilt squeezes at my heart. “I have to make sure she’s alright! I’m so sorry. I have to go.”

“Of course.” He bows, but I don’t miss the disappointment in his gaze. Rising from his bow, he speaks softly. “I hope to see you again soon, Princess Eden.”

“Please just call me Eden.” I can’t help my smile. “And I… I hope to see you again too. Excuse me.” Picking up my skirts, I head towards our private wing.