What in the world has gotten into him? Why isn’t he speaking? Why didn’t he tell me who he was the moment he grabbed me?
It isn’t until he mimes locking his lips that I remember his promise from earlier.
“…I will not speak so much as a word to the princess or anyone else.”
Time to see how far he’s willing to go with this. I make a show of searching my pockets for the invisible key before shrugging. “So sorry. I must’ve left the key in my tower.”
Senan’s eyes narrow as he stands, stalks toward me, and stuffs his hand into the back pocket of my pants. With a smirk, he pinches my backside and then pretends to withdraw a key.
“Oh,thatkey! Completely forgot I put it there.” He “unlocks” his lips and grins. “Your commitment is commendable,” I say, my heart continuing to hammer my breastbone. It’s going to take a while for me to calm down after his little trick.
Senan’s shoulder-length, raven hair falls across his face when he sketches a sweeping bow. “I remain your most devoted servant”—his head lifts and eyes sparkle—“even though you just tried to kill me.”
“That’ll teach you to think twice before manhandling me.” Foolish man. He should’ve known better.
Senan straightens and steps closer, looping his arms around my waist and bringing me flush against his firm chest, which certainly doesn’t help my pounding pulse.
“Or it’ll teach me to bind those hands of yours first,” he says, waggling his eyebrows.
My cheeks warm. Always so uncouth. As pleased as I am to see him, I can’t help but wonderwhyhe has come—and at night, no less. His night guards are particularly tenacious and difficult to slip past. “What are you doing here?”
He taps the mask covering the top half of my face. “You mean besides hunting peacocks?”
“Yes, besides that.”
His heavy sigh sounds as if it carries the weight of the world. “I couldn’t bear the thought of being away from you.” From inside his coat pocket, he withdraws a black crow mask, slipping it over the top half of his face. “So I’m taking you up on your offer to tag along.”
Does that mean he isn’t going to Nimbiss? My heart skips at the thought, but my elation is short-lived. More than likely, he will simply return to Kumulus before they’re supposed to leave.
Senan taps my chin, his expression growing somber. “You’re not a happy peacock.”
I manage a smile even as my heart sinks back into place. “I am a very happy peacock.” Although I’d be happier if I could keep him all to myself and we could be free to love one another for eternity.
Head out of the clouds,Allette.He isn’t meant for you.
Daylight will come, and he’ll be on his way to his betrothed.
I need to be content with these stolen moments.
“Allette? Are you there?” a soft voice calls from the street.
Senan jumps back, tugging me deeper into the shadows.
Stars. How did I forget about Wynn? If she comes, she’ll find out about Senan. But I can’t tell hernotto come either. Plus, the thought of having my two most favorite people in the world on this adventure makes me deliriously happy.
Turning to Senan, I keep my voice low. “That is my best friend, Wynn. She won’t tell anyone about us, I swear.”
His silver gaze flicks to the street before returning to mine. “If you trust her, then so do I.”
“Truly?” Could this night get any better? Senan gives a nod. “I’m down here, Wynn!”
“In the alley? Heavens above, Allette, what are you doing down—Oh!” Wynn’s hand flies to her chest when she sees Senan. “You’re not alone.”
I link my arm through Senan’s, giving his toned bicep a squeeze. “Wynn, this is Simon.”
Senan holds out a hand, an easy, welcoming smile gracing his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Wynn.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” she says with a small smirk. “I take it you’re the reason Allette has been smiling so much lately?”