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I scoot closer to Wisteria and she finally looks up at me, a grin tugging at her lips.
She’s even more beautiful when she smiles.
I’m in so much trouble.
Wisteria
A couple hours later, Natalia shows up to pick up Jason. She seems surprised when Stellan informs her how good he was. He stayed asleep for most of the time and only woke up for the last thirty minutes. He ate some snacks and played with toys.
After she leaves, I get changed to head out with Stellan. He tells me to wear comfortable shoes. I quickly change into something fit for being outdoors. When I come back into the sitting room, Stellan is standing at the door, talking with somebody. I walk closer and find his father standing there.
“Hello, Wisteria,” King Basilicus greets me.
“Hello, King Basilicus.”
“Dad,” Stellan says, his voice sounding tight. “Can’t this wait until tomorrow? Or next week? I just got married.”
“I’m afraid not,” King Basilicus—Warrick—says, frowning at his son. “I’m sorry, Stellan. I need you to be ready in thirty minutes.”
Stellan sighs, backing away from the door. “Fine.” He shuts the door with his father still standing there and groans as he turns to face me. “I’ve got to go.”
My heart sinks. “Oh.” I try to force myself to smile, but I’m certain the color of my eyes give away my disappointment. “It’s okay. You can’t help it. You’re the crown prince—you’ve got duties. I understand that.”
He takes a step closer to me. “I’m sorry, Wisteria. When I get back—”
I cut him off. “Don’t make any promises that you can’t keep.” I take a step back, putting some distance between us. “I’ll see you when you get back.”
He sighs, then nods. “Okay. I’ll talk to Natalia and Mom—they’ll take you out to see the island. I’m sure my sister would love to take you shopping.”
“Okay.” I do my best to look fine, though I’m notfine. I’m disappointed. And I hate how much it stings that Stellan isn’t keeping his word. Even if this isn’t his fault, I wonder if he’s secretly happy about leaving. Maybe he dreaded spending time with me.
Stellan looks at me for a moment longer, then he steps toward his room. As soon as his door shuts behind him, my shoulders sag in—relief? disappointment?—I’m not sure. When I feel a warm tear roll down my cheek, I quickly wipe it away.
Whatever this is, it’s for the best.
At least I’m free here. He did say I could check out the island. Even if my husband hates me, this is better than the alternative, right?
Stellan comes out of his room a few minutes later with a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. I relax my posture, putting on my best smile. If there is one thing I’ve learned living among the fae, it’s how to hide my true feelings. This should be easy.
He stops in front of me, dropping his bag to the floor. “I meant what I said earlier. You are free here, Wisteria. You can live your life how you want. Right now, things aretense. The dragons, now more than ever, need this alliance with the fae. We need to be strong.”
I tense at his words. “What’s going on?”
He hesitates.
“Somebody attacked us on the beach, but I’m beginning to think it wasn’t a random attack,” I say.
Stellan shakes his head. “It wasn’t random, but I also don’t want you to worry. Your protection is my priority.”
Only I don’t need him to protect me.
Still, I don’t want to remind him. The last thing I need is for him to start asking questions. It wouldn’t be fair for me to expect him to tell me everything when I’m not willing to do the same with him.
“Will you be okay?” He studies my eyes carefully, like he’s waiting for my true emotions to show.
I shift my weight, uncomfortable having him looking at me like this. It makes me feel… “It’s fine, Stellan.”
He still doesn’t look away.
