Chapter 45
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
MORGANA
A s dawn approached, I found myself beneath soft sheets and an even softer bed. The warm, wafting notes of morning tea and jam pastries curling around me. I sat up, holding the covers to my chest as I looked around the unfamiliar room. It was ornate, much like the sitting room Aster and I had spent last night in, with gilded filigree along the molding, leading into this masterful artwork that occupied the ceiling. For a brief moment, I forgot I was on a train. The sun was already poking through the windows, and before I could even think to search for my shirt, the door opened.
Aster walked in with the tea and pastries I’d just been smelling, his hair wet and unkempt. He was dressed entirely in black, from his velvet button-up, the markings laced across his chest poking through the open few brass buttons near his collar, to the smooth pants. There were frills around his collar, and up close, thin, gilded threads swirled across the planes of his shirt.
“We are scheduled to arrive in Avendatis a little earlier than planned,” he said and set the snacks down for me. The mattress pillowed in as he sat at my feet, drawing the cup to his lips. When he finally turned to look me in the eyes, blush crept across his cheeks and he smiled impishly. “Feeling well?”
I reached for the teacup and sighed. “I’ve felt better.” I took a sip.
The lie was bitter on my tongue, but I couldn’t hold in the laugh when his brows knitted together like a lost puppy. The tea was snorted up into my nose, and I hissed out a string of curses so long, I was surprised I knew them all by heart. I covered my mouth and nose before roaring out in another fit of laughter, moving to set the teacup down to avoid another happy accident. Aster reluctantly joyed in.
“The look on your face, Aster. I’m… I’m fine.”
“Fine?” he repeated, his brows settling.
“Fine is better than I’ve felt in weeks,” I said softly after my breathing mellowed. Relief molded his features, and he returned his focus to the steaming cup of tea. I cocked my head, moving onto my knees, holding the blanket close to my chest as I shimmied closer. “You’re kind of pathetic when you’re worried like that, Aster. I quite enjoy it.”
Finally, that sneer returned in full force as he dipped his head back to laugh. He twisted to capture my lips, one of his hands cupping my cheek and the other steadily gripping his tea. “You are lethal, little dove. I hope that never changes.”
“How can it?” I whispered. “I’m held captive by the monstrous prince of Verdantis. I have to keep my wits to me.”
Aster hummed and tucked some wild strands of hair behind my ear, tracing the rounded shape. I took a moment to admire the point of his. “There is a bath with water already warmed for you. As much as I enjoy hearing your silver-tongued sweet nothings, we must get ready.”
“When are we going to arrive at Avendatis station?”
Aster stole another kiss before standing, his eyes dipping to the sheets that covered my torso. Sucking in a breath, he twisted away and fetched a robe that was strung on the door. “By nightfall. We have much to prepare, as well as that royal makeover Erynna boasted about.”
I fell backward into the soft, cushioned mattress and looked at the ceiling. After a sigh, I nodded, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes and finishing off my tea. “Then we must get started.”
Aster took another glance at me, and then with a shake of his head, he walked out of the room. “Gods, little dove. I don’t know if I will survive you.”
I smirked softly. “By the hells, I hope you do not.”
His warm laugh bubbled into the air, and I closed my eyes. Once I stood, I knew I’d be faced with another day—and that just wouldn’t do. Not after the night I’d had, the bliss I’d felt. Aster was not a man I should trust. But here I was, laying it all for him.
I was either a fool, or the fates had twisted me into his web for a reason.
My heart had never been so vulnerable. I wasn’t sure if this was hate and lust dancing for the two of us, but I did not wish it to end. No, not yet.
It was far too fun.