Page 56 of The King's Maiden

My body sagged against the wall. “I need a shower. And a nap. Maybe not even in that order.”

Kingston chuckled softly and released his hold on my face before turning to Landon again. “See to it that your Maiden gets what she needs.”

At Landon’s nod, Kingston turned back to me.

“I’m glad you’re here and safe. I left something for you upstairs. An apology for not reaching out this past week, and because I won’t be around as much during the first challenge. But Landon will take care of you. He’ll fill you in on what you missed during the introduction, too.Afteryou rest.”

I nodded, touched by the unexpected gesture. He took my hand, toying with a charm on my bracelet before he placed my palm in Landon’s. A current of electricity rolled through me when our skin connected, fading slightly as Kingston pulled his hand away.

But something remained between Landon and me—a connection flowing differently, but present all the same.

And I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

Kingston stared at us both with a look I couldn’t comprehend in his eyes. No jealousy. No fear. Justpeace.

It was confusing as fuck.

With one last smile at me and nod to Landon, he took off down the hall. And then, it was just the two of us, standing together where he’d hidden us away behind the stairs.

I looked up at Landon as he returned to my side. Right where Kingston promised he’d be.

“Come on,” he said quietly. “Let’s get you to bed.”

I told the tiny part of my brain that saidyes, sirto lock it up. It wasn’t even noon, for crying out loud.

Chapter Sixteen

QUINN

Landon guided me out from where he’d hidden us behind the stairs, grabbing my bags before leading me up to the second floor. His grip held firm on my elbow, neither of us speaking in the wake of everything.

At the top of the stairs, the adrenaline keeping me going drained quickly.

I swayed on my feet.

Landon’s arm looped around my waist, pinning me to his side to guide my steps—slow and steady.

“Almost there,” he coaxed, his voice far more gentle than I’d heard it so far. “I’ve got you.”

Whether consciously or not, his thumb stroked over my hip. Soothing circles, gentle swipes—each soft touch reminded me of our night in the Round Tableau. And I hated the way he calmed me so effectively, lulling me nearly to sleep on my feet.

Landon led me to the end of the hall, stopping us in front of his room. Opening the door, he swung it wide. I suppressed a gulp as I stared at the large and intimidating bed in the center of the room.

“After you, Maiden.”

Landon set my bags down and stepped farther inside, opening a small door on the left side of the room. “You should get some rest. Bathroom is here. I can show you the campus and explain the rules once you wake up.”

I peeked inside the bathroom like a dutiful houseguest, pleased to see the large shower stall had fogged glass. The sink counter was pristine and free of bottles or general clutter. That didn’t shock me one bit.

But what did surprise me were two tall bookcases next to a large window opposite his bedroom door.

Set behind a beautiful and plush chaise lounge chair, leather-bound books filled the shelves. Just like the first editions my dad used to keep in his office.

My feet carried me to them on instinct, and my fingers traced over the spines of some of my dad’s old favorites.

I glanced back to where he stood watching me. “You like to read?”

His books weren’t in pristine condition, like everything else in his room. They looked not only read but well loved. So, I wasn’t surprised when he nodded.

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