Biting her lip, her eyes flashed toward the darkening windows. “I might know someone.”
I threw myself into her arms. The first bit of good news I’d heard all day. “Thank you. Thank you.Thank you.”
She didn’t return my smile as she pulled from my embrace, rounding the counter to collect an ink pen and a bit of paper. “Write the message here, and I will have someone deliver it to the castle.”
Right. My message.
What did I say?
I didn’t want to give too much detail in case he refused.
I must speak with you.
And to convey a sense of urgency, something like . . .
It’s urgent.
That was all I had.
Hopefully, it would be enough.
* * *
Two days.
That was how long I waited before giving up hope.
Two long, drawn-out, depressing days full of rain and silence.
Robert and I were to be married next month, and preparations for our betrothal ball were well underway.
Keelynn hadn’t spoken to me in all that time.
And all I could do was sit in my bedroom and stare out the window, wishing Rían hadn’t let me down. Rain drops collected on the glass, rolling toward the white sill.
I’d gone to Meranda again yesterday, and she’d assured me that her messenger had delivered the note.
Meaning Rían had received my plea and ignored it.
What had I expected? That a prince would’ve dropped everything to rush to my aid?
What a fool I’d been. Tears welled in my eyes like those raindrops, spilling down my cheeks.
A bloody fool—
“I cannot stand weepy women.”
I shot to my feet, whirling so fast I had to catch myself on the back of the chair.
“You’re here . . .” Rían wasactuallyhere. Lying once again on my bed, legs crossed at the ankles, watching me through long, dark lashes.
“Did you miss me?”
I had, but only because I’d needed him. “Of course not.”
My blood ignited when his lips lifted into a smile, all dimples and wickedness.
He looked taller. Leaner. Infinitely more handsome.