Page 73 of When Wishes Bleed

I plucked a grape from the stem and popped it into my mouth.

“How are you?” I asked him.

Stress lines creased his forehead. He relaxed his expression, but answered honestly. “I feel horrible for sending so many home, but it had to be done. I hated hearing how upset some of them were, and I don’t understand why I couldn’t have just told them individually. Some were humiliated. Their family and friends were no doubt watching, hoping they would receive a raspberry. The producers insisted it was tradition, but it didn’t sit right with me. And I didn’t want to upset my father by asking him to change it. He has much on his mind.”

“I think some traditions should be broken.”

His eyes searched mine. “What do you think of the four who remain?”

Should I tell him Rose was manipulating him, or keep quiet? The sound of laughter – male and female – slid into the garden seconds before Knox and Leah popped through the door. He was still carrying the glasses and Champagne, and her arm was wrapped around his as if she’d gotten quite comfortable with Tauren’s younger brother.

Noticing us, she quickly recoiled her arm and stood up straight.

“Relax, Leah,” Knox said. “Tauren knows.”

My brows rose. Was it Knox who was kissing Leah like she was the air in his lungs the night I saw the shadow I thought was Tauren in her room?

“It’s why he extended your visit. Relax,” Knox soothed. His eyes slid from his brother to me. “It seems a little crowded in here. What do you say we find another garden to haunt, Leah?”

“That would be best,” she agreed, tugging him back out of the garden.

I breathed a sigh of relief. “How long have they been…?”

“Since the second night she was here. Knox is typically very casual with women, but he seems to really like Leah. I think the feeling is mutual, too.”

“It must have been uncomfortable having to pretend-date her on telecast, then.” I’d eaten half my grapes.

“You have no idea. I mean, she’s nice enough, but I knew she and Knox were getting serious fast.”

“What about the others?” I led, giving him a sideways glance. “Which one do you like the most?”

He hesitated. “You want to know who I want to marry?”

“I’m a citizen of this Kingdom. As such, I’m as curious as any about who my queen might be.” Please don’t let it be Rose. I didn’t know much about Estelle or Tessa, as they were quieter and kept to themselves, but I would blindly choose either of them before knowingly wishing for the she-devil.

“Tessa is nice. She’s a sculptor, like my mother was, so my mother loves her.”

I nodded. “It’s good that they get along.”

“Estelle is a painter, and she’s incredibly talented.”

“What do you like about her? What attracts you to her? The skill of painting is admirable, but what draws you to Tessa or Estelle?”

He ignored the question. “Then there’s Rose.”

My heart skipped a beat.

“I’m confused about her. One minute, I feel like maybe she could be the one I choose. The next, I’m not sure why I even thought it.”

I made the mistake of smiling.

“What?”

“Nothing. I was just thinking about how confusing feelings can be,” I lied. Love potions could have that effect on their targets.

Tauren nodded toward the green apple I’d taken. “It’s a Sugarvein. Very sweet. You’ll love it.”

I took a bite and it was delicious. Like an explosion of sugar on my tongue, yet with a hint of tartness to counter the flavor. The Prince laughed as I greedily took another bite.

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