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I had a serious thing for a vampire.

The Fae walked over to me and gripped my shoulder, holding me in place as I tried to pull away. He leaned over, his breath tickling my ear. “You’re thinking about your vampire. I can smell him all over you.”

A shiver coursed down my spine. “Stay out of my head.”

“Get dressed and come downstairs. You won’t be breaking your fast in your room today.” The lightest of smirks graced his pretty lips, and he left, leaving the door open.

It must have been on springs because when I slammed the door, it wasn’t nearly as satisfying as I hoped it would be. Leander’s soft chuckle was the only sound I heard.

The last thing I wanted to do was take off the outfit Kiam had given me, but it wasn’t worth the risk of the Fae stripping me and dressing me themselves. They didn’t need that satisfaction.

A search of the dresser didn’t reveal any soft leggings or comfy shirts or hoodies, so I moved on to the wardrobe and closet.

Even I could admit their clothing was stunning. Gown after gown of the finest fabrics—flowy, soft, covered with sparkles and gems. The dresses that looked like they had no structure at all would meld to the body, enhancing your curves with the beautiful material.

With a dark blue outfit in my hand, I went into the bathroom, showered, and got ready to go downstairs.

* * *

This time, Adrian was waiting for me. He led me into the living room where a silver tray with a lid sat on the coffee table. The woman with the overbite removed the lid, releasing hunger-inducing scents, and plated food for me.

After she left, I couldn’t stop myself from asking, “What happened to her? That looks painful?”

Adrian shivered almost imperceptibly. “The demon women were cursed with physical defects.”

“Curses are real?” I’d always thought they were only real if you believed in them, same as Kiam.

His eyes scanned the room. “They are, unfortunately for her and for any offspring she may have.” His nose wrinkled at the thought.

After I took a bite of scrambled eggs, I asked, “How does that work though? You just say something and it happens?”

“It can be more complicated than that,” he said, his eyes flashing with irritation, “eat your food and we’ll discuss the next steps of your internment.”

So, he did not want to discuss curses. Kiam was on the right track.

For now, it was best to change the subject. “Back in fairy land, are you a model? Like on the side, I mean.”

He was running his fingers through his glossy hair, and his hand stopped mid-motion, and he furrowed his brows. “I wouldn’t be an advisor to the emperor if I wasn’t.”

Hang on a minute. “So, you have to be really, really good looking to be an advisor?”

“The Fae are known for their beauty, particularly within the royal family, but that’s not why I’m in close service. It’s tradition to work closely with the royal court.”

I took a sip of orange juice that somehow tasted more orange-y than any breakfast juice I’d ever had before. I could have sworn I felt the vitamin C renewing my cells.

When I set the glass down after smacking my lips together, I remarked, “I meant, like, showing off clothes for a crowd. I guess you guys don’t have fashion shows or magazines.”

“Refrain from the child-like behavior. I don’t understand the point of your questioning. You humans engage entirely too much in frivolous, nonsensical behavior. Eat your food.”

I didn’t muffle my deep sigh as I picked up a triangle of buttered toast. If it wasn’t for the circumstances, this really would have been a perfect morning.

The room was spacious and still cozy. The food was absolutely delicious, and I sat there, watching the sun’s rays streaming through the window while I admired the beautiful gardens just beyond.

The beams of light reached my feet, glittering off the metallic threads embroidering my pretty shoes, and it gave me an idea.

“This food really is fantastic; I appreciate it so much.” I glanced at Adrian, keeping my eyes on him as I reached for my glass. I missed, swinging my wrist wide.

The glass shot off the table and crashed to the ground, shattering on impact. I jumped up and grabbed my napkin. “Oh my God! I’m so sorry!” I pressed my hands against my mouth and widened my eyes.