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I release a frustrated sigh. “What does that even mean?” When he doesn’t answer, I throw up my hands. “Fine. More cryptic bullshit. Just tell me this, Winter Prince. What do you feel when you’re with me?”
Such a simple question. I hold his gaze, daring him to look away. Daring him to spout another cryptic answer so I can be done with him.
Instead, he looks me straight in the face and says, “When I’m with you, Summer, I feel like I’m drowning.”
45
“I’m thinking of winter jasmine and primrose for the Winter Formal,” Evelyn says. She somehow managed to grab the student position of event coordinator. Unfortunately for everyone around her, she takes the role very seriously.
Mack yawns. “Evelyn, if you put half as much effort into your grades, your parents wouldn’t spend their fortune paying for all your after-school tutors.”
We’re sitting outside for lunch in the courtyard, enjoying the unseasonably warm day. At the stone picnic table we’re joined by Jace and two Dawn Court shadows, Layla and Richard.
Some of the snow has melted, revealing patches of green grass and the beautiful black and white mosaic of the courtyard. Thin, stringy clouds drift in the sky above.
Jace grins. “Honey, no one cares about the flowers. Just make sure the punch is spiked with Faerie wine and the music is fast enough we can all grind our bodies together and you’ll be fine.”
His gaze slides to the table by the fountain and lands on Basil. The poor Faun looks miserable sitting next to Rhaegar. Mack said Basil stays with him out of loyalty, but after that night, he seems more afraid of Rhaegar than anything.
I don’t blame Basil. Rhaegar has changed, although I can’t exactly say how. And I catch him watching me at odd times when he thinks I don’t notice. The other night, on the way home from a late night studying session for finals, I felt someone following me.
The next morning, there were footprints below my window.
I push the chilling thought away and focus on reality, just in time to see Basil look up from his plate of fruit. When he spots Jace watching him, he grins softly.
Meanwhile, the Dawn Court girl, Layla, keeps trying to make conversation with Richard, who’s more interested in Evelyn. And Mack keeps shifting her gaze to the picnic table where the Elite Six sit, along with a certain dragon shifter.
This entire Island is one big cesspool of love. Ick.
“Richard promised to pick me up for the dance in a chariot flown by a pegasus,” Evelyn is saying. “Right, Richard? Oh my God, and you guys have to see my dress. I had it portaled in from the best dressmaker in Everwilde. Mack, have you gotten your gown yet?”
Mack and I share an annoyed look. Then she gives Evelyn the side eye. “No, I’ve been too busy studying for finals. You know, that massive test we have to pass to come back in the Fall?”
Evelyn makes a face at that, and a knot suddenly forms in my gut. The tests will be tough, but I’m prepared.
It’s the Wild Hunt at the end that scares me. We partner with our keeper for that. Just the thought of the prince warms my cheeks. As if he can feel me thinking of him, I suddenly recognize the heavy, prickling feeling that means he’s close.
At the same time, Mack gives a near imperceptible jerk of her head behind me. I turn just in time to see the Winter Prince stop by our table. Eclipsa and Asher stand on either side of him. I’m pretty sure the entire courtyard stops what they’re doing to stare.
Terrified silence falls at the table. I always forget how scared the others are of the Six.
“Can we sit?” Eclipsa asks in an amused tone, one side of her mouth quirked.
“Yes, of course,” Evelyn gushes, shoving her tray into Richard’s as she tries to make room. I hold back a grin as Asher tries to fit between Mack and Jace. I’m sitting on the end next to Richard. The prince locks eyes with me as he glides around to our side and stands behind Richard.
Richard’s face turns three shades of red, and he jerks to his feet. “I’m done anyway.” He sweeps one more longing look at Evelyn before picking up his full tray. “See you guys later?”
I watch him go before scowling at the prince.
His eyes glitter as he takes the place beside me. “Didn’t mean to frighten him.”
“Didn’t you?” Eclipsa drawls through a devilish grin.
He smirks. “Says the Fae assassin wearing seven blades. I mean, surely one will do, Eclipsa. Do you really need seven?”
“Eight,” she corrects. “I have one stashed in my boot.” Eclipsa turns and winks at Layla and the girl almost passes out.
The prince hasn’t addressed me, hasn’t even looked my way, but I feel my traitorous body rejoice at his nearness. Ever since Christmas, when he told me he felt like he was drowning around me, I’ve taken to ignoring him.
