Chapter Twenty-Eight
I woke alone and coldin the prince’s ridiculous bed, the trickles of music filtering through the cracked bedroom door. I stretched and winced at my still sore muscles. The prince hadn’t slept with us, instead he’d gone to sleep on his sofa after he and Whist finished talking and plotting. He was determined to keep his distance, something I no longer planned to make easy on him.
Rolling from the bed, I ducked into the bathroom to freshen up. Unsure where Sky and Saber hid my clothes, I stalked out into the main room in the tiny green gown, skidding to a halt on my bare feet.
The music came from Aster playing the piano. His back faced me, so he hadn’t noticed my entrance yet. I leaned against the wall and watched him. The muscles in his back rippled through the thin fabric of his shirt as his fingers danced and flirted across the keys. The song was unfamiliar but it was beautiful. It was melancholic and bittersweet, reminding me of dark and lonely nights. My fingers itched for my ukulele, wanting desperately to join in.
“I know you’re there, you know.” His voice made me jump, but he didn’t stop playing.
“How?”
He glanced over his shoulder. “I can smell you.”
I couldn’t decide if I should have been offended. “I had a bath.”
He ended the song and turned around on the stool to face me. “It’s not a bad smell, you frustrating woman. Your scent is... intoxicating.”
“So is yours.” I wanted to slam my hand over my mouth at the admission, instead I hurried to change the subject. “You didn’t tell me you were a musician too.” No one mentioned it, which seemed odd considering everyone wanted us to connect.
Aster shrugged. “I’m no musician. I can play a couple tunes on here, but it’s nothing compared to you. And it’s not something many people know.”
“Why is it such a secret?” I didn’t understand why he’d hide something like that.
He looked down at the floor. “Everything I am belongs to the people of Faligrey. I like having something that is just mine.”
“I can understand that. Where are the others?” I hated waking up alone. Something that kept happening lately.
“They had a few things to take care of, so I said I would remain here with you until they are finished.”
“Do you know where they left my clothes?” I fussed with the hem of the tiny gown, uncomfortable being so bare in front of him.
His sapphire eyes burned trails up my legs and his voice came out a bit hoarse. “Yes. I will show you.” He stood from the piano and approached me, his gaze raking over me like hot coals.
My mouth dried and my breathing hitched. I wanted to taste him again. I wanted his body against mine. I wanted to know how we’d fit together.
Instead, I followed him down the hall to his bedroom, his wafting scent making me crave him even more. I shut the door behind us, closing myself in with the prince of bloody Faligrey.
Aster opened his closet and stood back with a gesture. “They are hanging in here.”
“Thanks.” I flicked through the fabric, needing something comfortable. “What am I expected to do today?”
“Nothing. Relax. Recover from your hellish evening.”
“No training with Elora?” I asked, grabbing a shirt of Sky’s and the first pair of trousers I found.
“She and your assassins are questioning the other guards who were at the gala and who knew your attacker.”
I snorted. “Why bother? Don’t we know the king was behind it?”
“Yes, but he of course acted horrified and demanded we find out if he had any accomplices. So we are going along with it.” Aster’s voice carried with grim frustration.
“How do these games not drive you completely mad?” I’d only been here a little over a week and was ready to yank my hair out or plot a royal murder.
“It’s all I’ve ever known my entire life.”
“That’s depressing.”
“Indeed.”
Was it time to tell him my decision? Would he be relieved or upset?
I decided to show him.