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“It’s a surprise.” Lux winks at me.
“Oh…” I smile, but I can’t quite make it reach my eyes.
I wish my sisters were here, even just Camellia or Fern. They’d tell me I’m overthinking again, that I’m letting my anxiety get in the way of my happiness like it always does.
They’d tell me that even if Lux is a prince, he’s still only human. Humans make mistakes. And other than our bitter exchange on the balcony, he’s been nothing but nice to me. Just because there are bad princes out there doesn’t mean that Lux is one of them.
Even if everything inside me is screaming not to get into that carriage as we follow Castor up its golden steps.
15
LUX
Iguide Eden into the seat beside me, resisting the overwhelming urge to pull her into my lap. Sleeping alone last night was torture. It’s not common for new couples to be apart after the binding words have been spoken, but I had to deal with her father. That, and I couldn’t wait to tell Castor the news.
King Sol’s darling daughter is finally mine. Officially. And it’s taking everything within me not to claim her sweet pussy against the wall of this carriage while my brother keeps her thighs spread for me.
“So, Eden…” Castor grins. He knows I don’t mind him teasing her, but I’ve told him to behave himself today, or at least until we return from her engagement picnic. This day will be special for Eden. I’ve heard stories of girls like her growing up dreaming of the day they get engaged, how sparkly the ring will be, what he’ll say when he goes down on one knee.
Just for her, I’ve gone out of my way to make this day completely perfect. Or at least perfect enough that she’ll look past what I’ve done to her this past week.
“What do you want?” Eden frowns at him.
“I just want to know a little more about you,” he goes on, leaning back in his seat. “About your plans for the future, whether you want children.”
“She does,” I answer for her. “Isn’t that right, my love?” She told me in one of her earlier letters that she wanted at least ten. Both boys and girls and to maybe adopt a few too. When I read it, I almost couldn’t see past the hearts in my eyes.
“I… um… yes a couple might be nice,” she says before turning to the window.
My gaze narrows. She must just be nervous. This is a big day for her after all, and I haven’t exactly been hiding the fact that it’s coming.
Castor opens his mouth to respond, but I cut him off with a look. “Did you sleep well last night?” I play with her hair. “I’ll admit I was disappointed that you didn’t stay in my bedchamber.”
“I slept well,” she replies as my fingers pause.
I glance at Castor, who shrugs innocently, but I’ve known him for too long to believe that he has nothing to do with her strange mood.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take long to reach the picnic rug I had the servants decorate for us near the back of the sunflower field. It’s laid right along the border of the field, the twisting branches of the autumn trees shielding us from the morning sun.
As I help Eden out of the carriage, I don’t miss the way she gasps at the sight of it all. The orange trees. The sunflowers. The silver trays brimming with picnic foods and different wines.
“Do you like it?” I ask her.
“It’s so pretty,” she says as I lead her to the red and white picnic rug. She sits gracefully beside me while Castor crouches opposite us.
I thought about not inviting Castor today, but he needs to be here. I can’t have Eden hating him forever. Besides, she needs to get used to being around both of us. Especially considering we’ll be spending the rest of our lives together.
“Wine?” I offer her, reaching for the nearest bottle.
“Please.” She nods. I don’t miss the way her hands shake as she takes the glass.
“Eden? Are you alright?” But she ignores me, downing the glass instead.
Castor helps himself to the wine, taking a deep swig from his goblet. “Are you going to get this over with then?”
“Castor.”
He laughs at me. “It is clear that your princess is not exactly feeling up to this little outing, so let’s just perform her silly human ritual so we may leave here before the weather turns.”
