Page 79 of The Call of Crimson
“We’re still investigating,” Ayden continues. “Looking into his family and belongings. We’ll find whoever sent him.”
“Good.”
Silence stretches between us, heavy and brittle.
“Tell me what you’re thinking, sweetheart,” Ayden nearly begs.
“How did you get in here?” I ask instead, eyeing the dresser I shoved in front of the door.
“Darian assisted once I discovered your barricade.”
“Of course he did,” I mutter, dragging a hand through my tangled hair.
“What do you need?”
“Sleep,” I say simply.
“Of course.” Ayden rises, gathering the plate. He hesitates at the door.
“Ayden?” I call softly.
He turns. “Yes, Princess?”
“Can you… make the dreams stop?”
A soft smile curves his lips. “As you wish.”
He leans down, brushing a kiss to my forehead. His fingers weave through my hair, and magic—warm and sure—settles deep into my bones, lulling me toward peace.
He moves the dresser against the wall and shuts the door quietly behind him.
I flick my wrist, sliding the lock back into place.
And finally,finally,I slip into a deep, dreamless sleep.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
BREYLA
Ayden smiles the moment my door swings open. “Good morning, love.”
I startle, eyeing him suspiciously. “Good morning, Prince.”
“Are you wearing shoes?”
Winter hasn’t arrived yet, but Ayden had been right about one thing– the chill settles in Prudia much earlier than it does in Rimor.
I lift the hem of my gown, displaying the only pair of flats the queen had deemed necessary for me.
“Unfortunately,” I mutter, wishing the day were warm enough to go barefoot.
“Excellent,” Ayden says, grinning. “We have a date this morning.”
“We do?” I ask warily as he offers his arm, leading me away from the royal wing.
“I know this wasn’t your choice, Breyla,” he says, voice light yet sincere, “but I am intent on courting you properly. I want to show you exactly how wonderful your life with me could be.”
“Your sincerity,” I sigh, “makes it annoyingly difficult to keep hating you.”
