“Because, like you suggested, he’s fucking out of his mind?” His chest rose. When he spoke next, his voice was softer. “What if I’m right? What then? We won’t be there to back you up.”
“I will have Attes.” The moment I said it, I realized it was the absolute wrong thing to say.
Casteel’s flesh thinned until shadows appeared in the hollows of his cheeks, and silver bone gleamed in his jaw. “Yes. Attes. The Primal who not only can control himself but is clearly in love with you.”
“What?” I screeched as Kieran jerked toward Casteel.
“It’s the only reason he would’ve been so willing to burn his fucking hand off for you.”
“He did burn it off,” Kieran said. “But it came back.”
“And you saw how painful that was. I also know you’ve seen how he’s always looking at her,” Casteel went on. “He’s only been here for a day and looked at you more than I do in a week. And I’m constantly staring at you.”
“It’s because I look like—”
“You look like yourself, Poppy.”
“I…” I pressed my hand to my chest. “I can’t even think about or consider that right now. Because that’s…”
“What?” he demanded.
“Fucking disturbing!” I screamed, causing Kieran to jerk. “He’s your great-grandfather.”
“I didn’t say it was fun,” he muttered.
“Oh, my gods.” I turned, tugging my hair back.
Casteel’s chest rose. When he spoke, his voice was softer. “We are stronger together, not apart. We could defeat Kolis together. You wouldn’t even need to get close to him.”
“Maybe,” I said tiredly. “But there will also be a Fate there who would surely intervene.”
“One who won’t intervene if it’s you?”
“They are the ones who told me I needed to be the one to kill Kolis. Not the three of us,” I argued. “And he’s going to let me get close.”
“That comment doesn’t help,” Kieran interjected.
“But it’s the truth.” I moved toward Casteel, stopping short of reaching for him again. I couldn’t bear to see him step away from me or tell me not to touch him. “I’m sorry. I know this is hard—or maybe I don’t know. But you need to stay here. Both of you.”
Casteel inhaled through his nose. “That’s it? An order from the Queen?”
“It’s an order from your wife,” I said. “One I beg you to listen to.”
“Okay.” Casteel blinked, and the break in my heart widened when I saw the glassy sheen in his eyes, and I sensed his emotions for just a second. “So be it.”
He turned without a word and started toward the door.
“Cas,” I whispered. When he didn’t stop, I followed. “Casteel.”
He still didn’t stop. And he didn’t look back as he reached the hall.
Let him go,Kieran told me through thenotam.Give him time.
I planted my hand against the wall as the door shut behind Casteel.
There was silence, an aching quiet that was so unfamiliar. I felt lost in it as I backed away, so lost I had no idea how to get back to where I was supposed to be. Wherehewas supposed to be.
“I never wanted him to think…” My voice caught as I turned. I could feel the tears burning my eyes. “I never wanted to cause problems between you two.”
