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Kieran shook his head. “Prince Nolan is injured and needs to stay at Geimhreadh Castle, and my sister should remain behind to tend to him. Don’t make them feel obligated to come to this.”
“Prince Nolan and Princess Brianne have already accepted.” Leanna clasped her hands at her waist. “They must not feel that the threat is dire, and since you haven’t been home in a week, they must be in better spirits than you assume. Don’t you agree, my king?”
He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Of course. How foolish of me. I’m glad to hear that Nolan has recovered enough to feel comfortable traveling.” He tapped his fingers on his thigh.
Interesting. He didn’t want them here.
“Your families will arrive in two hours, so please hurry to your rooms.” Eamon waved his hand with a flourish. “Clean up, pick out something lovely to wear, and take the time to rejuvenate with a quick nap if you dare. When the moons are halfway to full height in the sky, come down and join your family at the meal. A few snacks have been placed in your room to get you by since you’ve had such a strenuous day.”
That was all I needed to hear. Bath, food, and alone time.
We all turned and headed to the stairs.
“Alina, I need to talk with you,” Kieran murmured as he leaned closer to me and pretended to check his sword. “I need to explain to you?—”
“King Kieran,” Quinley said. “I would like a word with you—if you’re willing, of course.”
I guessed Curry had called it in the stairwell.
“What is it?” I whispered. It would be helpful to know what he had to say so I’d have time to process it while getting ready.
Jaw tensing, Kieran paused, and I watched as his face slid into that look of indifference. “It’ll have to be later when I have time,” he answered before turning and heading back to Quinley.
If I hadn’t been so angry, I’d have laughed at his audacity. He’d talk to me when he had time? Clearly, my schedule didn’t matter … not that I had one, but that wasn’t the point.
I marched forward, not bothering to respond, and headed to my room.
Curry paused outside his room and watched me go to my door. I wasn’t about to remove the key from my cleavage while he was watching, so I leaned against the wall and yawned. “Dammit, where did I put my key? I hope it isn’t lost.”
He grunted and rolled his eyes, then removed a key attached to a chain around his neck. Now that would be smarter than sticking it between my boobs, especially during trials where I got drenched in sweat.
After he entered his room and shut the door, I removed my key. The moment I entered my room and locked the door, the tears I’d been holding back broke free. Between Moire dying, facing my regret with Beth, feeling as if I wasn’t the same person and all my strong emotions toward Kieran, I felt like one raw nerve. I’d guarded myself for so long, and here I was, in the worst time of my life, literally fighting for said life, and everything was crumbling around me. My heart was shattered, and I wasn’t sure I could pick up all the pieces. Even if I could, I wouldn’t have the energy.
Chest shaking, I crumpled to the floor. I wrapped my arms around my knees, leaned my head on the cool metal of the armor, and let myself cry. I didn’t know how long I did, but eventually, I ran out of tears. The pain was still a deep, unfading ache, but I picked myself up and went to the bathroom.
After turning on the water, I removed my armor and slipped into the tub. My skin tingled as the water’s magical properties swirled around me, caressing the tension away.
When the tub was filled, I held my breath, submerged my entire body, and enjoyed the sensation of the dirt, sweat, and blood washing away, leaving my skin clean. All too soon, it was time to get ready.
I opened my closet, and one dress tugged at me: a white chiffon gown with pale-green vines and leaves decorating the top of the bodice. The leaves continued up to frame my collarbone and flow into the long, off-the-shoulder sleeves—the very thing I wanted to wear tonight.
I slipped it on and found matching pale-green two-inch heels. I took my time fixing my hair into a French twist. Staring into the mirror, I lifted a hand to do my makeup. I didn’t overthink it, just let my magic work, and felt the warm tingling that happened when Enid had done this for me. My eyelids turned a light pink like the tips of my favorite flowers, and my lips turned crimson, reminiscent of a rose.
I glanced at the sky. It wasn’t quite time to head downstairs. I had a little while to lie down.
I’d taken a step toward my bed when there was a faint knock on my door. My stomach churned.
Marching to the door, I asked, “Who’s there?”
Kieran replied, “Alina, hurry. Let me in.”
I wanted to let him stand out there, but I also didn’t want Curry to see him.
I opened the door, and Kieran slipped in, the shadows hanging around him.
Well, that was drafty of me. I’d let him in without even grabbing Stan’s knife or my sword. He was wearing a navy suit with a snowflake on his pocket, and his shaggy, dark hair framed his face, emphasizing his stupid sculpted features.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” he started.
