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But that’s not all. I took the longest bath in recorded history just a few minutes ago. Not just a bath, but awarmbath with a dozen sweet smelling things thrown in. But I didn’t care, I finally feel clean again.
Closing my eyes, I let out a contented sigh. I’m back. Safe. And everything’s okay.
I visited my family first when we returned to the castle. To my relief, they weren’t thrown out. The opposite was actually true. Prince Sulien had kept them comfortable and safe while I was away, and all the princes had sworn they’d bring me back safely.
Grandmother and father were so relieved to have me back, but they also seemed like they’d been confident I’d be returned. They were confident in me. And my men. Even if they’d also been worried.
Seeing them brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t think I’d ever feel a hug from either of them again. It was like for the first time I could see a world where they’d be taken care of, and I’d be safe, too.
Everything is finally okay.
Aching in my wrists brings me out of my reverie. Annoyed, I stare at the scabs and bruises on my skin, then kick the covers off and inspect my ankle. Those iron cuffs, and the ball and chain did a number on my skin.Could it be an allergy?
I shrug, hoping it heals soon, so I can put all of this behind me. If I could go the rest of my life without ever thinking of my kidnapping again, it’d be too soon. At least I had the comfort of knowing nearly all the bastards were dead.
Now I just have to worry about my impending nuptials with the four princes.I sigh again at the thought. I don’t know any of them well at all. I spent more time with them in my dreams than in real life.
Are they who they were in my dreams?I haven’t had time to figure it out. I haven’t spent enough time with them to find out.
That’s why I don’t know if I’m ready to just agree to marry them. Seeing how they came to find me and fought so hard for me makes me open to getting to know them. Something could develop. Certainly, I already had feelings for them.
But they seem to want to skip all the get to know you stuff and swear to be together for eternity. I wonder what they’d say if they knew the truth. That I’m not their mate and that Sulien returned me just so he doesn’t have to have a real mate.
They’d hate me. Probably. I kind of hate myself for lying to them after everything they’ve done for me. But if I told them, could I also be sure I wouldn’t end up having my head removed?
I fall back on the pillows behind me. There’s too much to consider. I can’t make a decision like that so quickly.How could anyone?
My heart constricts at the sudden knock at my door, and I press my hand to my chest, willing my heart to calm.It sucks. I don’t know when I’ll stop being jumpy after my ordeal.I remind myself that I’m in the castle, protected by four royal fae, and it calms me down. If only by a little.
Sitting up straight on the bed, I look down at my white nightgown and grab a robe from the edge of the bed, slipping the silky fabric on. I try to tell myself that it’s only a servant or more food, the princes had been sending me food by the hour since I arrived home, but still, butterflies flutter in my stomach.What if it’s them?
It’s not. Calm down.“Come in,” I call out.
All four of the princes come into my room. Because, of course, it’s them. I smile, surprised by how the sight of them both eases me and makes me nervous all at once. Maybe because with them I know I’m safe, even though life gets more complicated with them too.
“Hi,” I say, feeling awkward, glancing from my bare feet to them.
All four men are dressed handsomely in the colors of their courts. Their clothes look like those meant to be worn in front of important fae they’re trying to impress, outfits that are out of place in my room. With me. In my robe. Their long hair is combed and styled. Their faces are shaved. And even from where I stand, I can smell their sweet scents.
“Do you have somewhere important you’re going?” I ask.
Prince Cobar smiles. “Yes, here, to see you.”
I laugh. “Flattery will get you nowhere. Seriously, what are you up to?”
They’re all quiet enough that my sense of unease grows.What’s going on?
“Cassia,” Prince Sulien begins, drawing his shoulders back. “We know you’ve been through so much these past few weeks. But we wanted to have a word with you.”
He’s always formal, but this is not quite that. It’s awkward. Too much. I honestly feel like they’re about to ask me something really important, and I don’t have a clue what it could be.
Are they going to tell me I have to decide or get out? Fuck? Already? I thought I had more time.
But, I nod, not knowing how exactly to respond.
Prince Forrest won’t make eye contact with me. He’s staring at the foot of the bed. Prince Zane’s as still as a statue, and his fascinating eyes aren’t focused on anything in particular. Prince Cobar’s the only one I can read. His eyes are pleading with me, but I don’t know why.
Prince Sulien clears his throat. “Do you want to marry us?” His tone is bland and dry, void of emotion. A simple yes or no question.
