Page 71 of The Call of Crimson
“What’s so funny?” I ask, searching for my clothing.
“We’re terrible at cleaning,” he says through his laughter.
I spot the nightgown, pulling it over my head. “Why do you say that?”
He grins sheepishly, reaching for one of the wild, stray locks that frame my face. “There’s cake in your hair.”
“Oh gods,” I can’t help the laughter that bursts from me, joining his. There’s some on your shoulders.”
“We should probably leave before we make a bigger mess for the kitchen staff,” Elijah says, pulling his sleep pants back into place.
“Agreed,” I say, giggling as I jump from the counter. I grab what remains of the cake and head for the door. “But I’m taking the evidence with us.”
The sultry grin he gives me says he has no arguments with that.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
BREYLA
The next two days pass in a similar manner—uncomfortable family breakfasts, bickering, endless library research, more awkward family meals, then bed.
After lunch on the second day, Queen Josephina requested I join her for tea and needlepoint.
I quite literally ran in the other direction.
By the third day, I’m itching to get out of the castle. I’m bored. I’ve read the entire Mordet family history twice over, and will do anything to avoid more “female bonding time” with Queen Josephina.
When Ayden offers to walk me to the library after breakfast, I fake a headache and tell him I’d rather rest.
He gives me a highly suspicious look but leaves for training with Darian.
I count to one hundred after his footsteps fade, just to be sure. Then, exhaling softly, I crack my door open and peek down the hall. Seeing it empty, I slip out, pulling the door shut behind me without letting it latch.
Quickly, I cross to Ayden’s room. I tug at the handle but find it’s locked.
Smirking, I pull shadows to my hand, forming a shadow key as I had so many times before.
“Silly male should have learned from the last time I broke into his room,” I whisper.
I let the shadows seep into the lock, filling every crevice before hardening them into a solid form. A simple twist and the lock clicks open.
Smiling triumphantly, I push open the door and slip into his chambers.
His woodsy citrus scent fills the space.
I take in his quarters for a moment, admiring the display of opulence. Unlike the rest of the castle’s gleaming marble and gold, his room is dark—dark wood floors, black velvet furnishings, rich black carpets. Gold accents glint on the bed’s curtain ties and along the furniture's edges.
It’s excessive and decadent, but it suits him perfectly.
Then I spot it. My trunk is tucked beside the bed. A shiver runs up my spine at the thought of getting out of dresses. “Oh, sweet pants.”
I drop to my knees to open the chest just as the door slams shut behind me, the lock clicking into place.
“Well, fuck,” I sigh defeatedly.
“If you wanted in my room, love,” Ayden drawls, chuckling as he leans casually against the wall. “All you had to do was ask.”
I scowl. “I want out of this dress, Ayden.”
