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“And he doesn’t. End of story. I also might have mentioned his mom.”
“Oof.”
I focus on looping my hair tie around my ponytail rather than the hurt I feel. I hate how pouty and juvenile I sound. A relationship with Valerian will complicate my life. I should be relieved that I can finally move on and focus on my goals.
Eclipsa comes up behind me. “I warned you that our kind views that stuff differently.”
“You did, and I’m an idiot.”
“You’re not an idiot, at least, not about this. You and the prince are from two different worlds. I don’t think either of you were prepared for how different.” She meets my eyes in the mirror. “His mother claimed she loved him and then she left him, while those cruelest to him have been loyal. For him, love will always mean pain.”
“Always?”
“I know he would do almost anything for his friends, especially you. And if he’s been distant these last few months, it’s because he’s trying to find a way to give you what you want.” She walks over to her gym bag. “Love is just a word, Summer. Why put so much importance on it?” I grab my gloves, stuff them into my Puma bag, and follow her out into the spring air. Students mill around campus, some already dressed for the evening banquet. “If it’s just a word, why can’t he say it?”
She laughs. “Remind me not to ever go against you in court once you get that internship and become a lawyer.”
“Deal.” My phone buzzes, probably Mack. “I gotta go.” I give her a quick hug. “Are you coming to the dance later?”
I’ve been so busy prepping for the final gauntlet that I’d nearly forgotten the spring banquet and formal was tonight. Thank goodness Mack texted me a few hours ago reminding me to make time for a shower.
“I didn’t plan on it.” She frowns at a few shadows who nearly run into us on the lawn, sending them reeling back.
I can’t help but think her reluctance is due to a certain sociopathic prince.
“Please? You can go with Mack and me. We’re meeting a few other shadows, but I promise they’ll be on their best behavior.”
Eclipsa sighs. “You are aware that your friends are terrified of me, right?”
“Then come. Show them you’re all puppies and unicorns. And wear something slutty.”
“So you want me to be a puppy unicorn slut?”
“Exactly.”
She rolls her eyes, but she doesn’t say no.
“Um, have you seen yourself in that dress?” Mack asks. She’s sitting on the floor. Thornilia has just finished putting Mack’s freshly streaked purple hair into magical rollers and is now painting her toenails a dark metallic green to match her dress.
I twirl as I check myself out in the mirror, the long skirt of my gown floating around me, lighter than air. The pink color is a bit too . . . pink. But it favors my tanned skin and pale blonde hair. Giant dandelion heads have been meticulously sewn into the skirt, and they ripple at the slightest movement, making my dress seem alive.
“Have you thanked the ILB yet?”
I run a hand down the lacy corset. “I will tonight.”
The dress arrived in a long white box with the name from the most famous Fae tailor emblazoned on the top. I hate how happy that single gesture made me, even if he didn’t leave a note.
Perhaps what Eclipsa said is true. Perhaps he’s been distant because he’s trying to find a way to open his heart to loving me.
“Does that mean you’re getting back together?” She doesn’t look up from her toes, but the caution in her voice tells me more than her expression ever could.
“I don’t know,” I answer honestly.
“You know I like the prince, and I know you swear you’ll use precautions with him—but there’s no pill to protect your heart, Summer.”
I glance down at Mack. I can’t put my finger on it, but she seems different lately. Distant.
It’s probably all the time I’ve spent preparing for the final gauntlet while she’s been studying for the regular second year exam.
