Book 2: Pent Up

Anwen

After breakfast, I give Kieran my notes. Floyd was nosy, as usual. The king and queen of Sundrop Gem seem to lead together. Prince Castor seems sulky. Nessa isn’t trouble.

Kieran hums thoughtfully. “And Princess Estrella? She seems smart, involved.”

“Yes,” I say through gritted teeth.

“You don’t like her.” It’s not a question.

Relief washes through me. If people think I hate her, perhaps they won’t have to stick around. “Was it that obvious?”

My bite aches. That’s fine.

Kieran snorts. “Get through two days without tearing her head off. Please.”

I know the sound of a dismissal when I hear one, so I leave. Breathing clean air is a fucking blessing. I’m irritated all over again, certain that keeping away from Estrella is the right move.

‘I know you’re free,’ Baz calls, his mental voice slurred with alcohol. ‘Come get pissed with me.’

He’ll be in the Blue Slipper, our favorite tavern in town. And honestly