Page 44 of Dueling the Suitors

The Terrifying Illusion

Silas was a gentleman throughout the night. Every time Astoria woke up from a dream where he scooted closer to her, she found him still on his side of the bed, snoring gently. Almost like he hadn’t moved at all.

When she realized he intended to keep his word, she stomped down her paranoia and went back to sleep, only to wake up again in the morning to a distant feeling of something tugging at her hair.

Astoria turned to her side and tried to go back to sleep when Silas’ voice reached her ears.

“Good morning, sunshine.”

She groaned and pulled the covers over her head.

He chuckled. The feeling continued. “Last night, I wondered what your hair would feel like between my fingers. It’s soft, but I must say, not as soft as your lips.”

Astoria groaned loudly and turned over to face him with a glare. He was still in his place, but his fingers toyed with the end of her braid that was splayed across the bed towards him. She assumed it was his doing.

“Are we starting this again?”

“What? A new day?” he asked with an innocent raise of his eyebrow. “Of course, darling. We are starting our first day as husband and wife. Are you excited?”

“I meant, are we startingthisagain? The bickering?”

His lips twitched into a smirk, his eyes twinkling. “You love it, don’t you?”

“Oh, what have I gotten myself into!” She groaned and pulled the covers over her face again.

He chuckled but thankfully didn’t say anything more.

They stayed in bed, her with the blanket covering her head and him playing with her braid—she only allowed him to do so because it kept him distracted from annoying her—until breakfast arrived.

After breakfast, they got ready and left the chambers.

Astoria spotted Emmett leaving the royal family’s suite and called his name before hurrying towards him. The grim expression on his face softened and he squeezed her to him as she threw herself into his arms.

“Are you alright, little one? Are you hurt?” His question sounded like a growl.

“No, no.” She shook her head hastily. “He was such a gentleman. I just—I just don’t want to leave you.”

He stroked her hair. “You don’t have to. I’m accompanying the entourage on your journey. Did you really think I would send you away with a total stranger?”

Astoria slumped in relief. “Oh, Emmett. I love you so much.”

“I love you more.”

The door of the suite opened again. Astoria pulled away as her father stepped out, followed by Marcia and Silas, her brother. Her eyebrows rose absently. Were they in some sort of family meeting without her? Was that why Emmett looked grim?

“Ah, good morning, Astoria. Where is my son-in-law?”

“Your Majesty.” Silas stepped forward from where he stood, to give her privacy with her brother, and dipped his chin in greeting.

The king brightened and approached him. They talked in hushed voices. When Silas shook his head with a solemn expression and her father clenched his jaw, Astoria realized they were discussing the magnification.

Silas went on seriously, and the king nodded with a stiff jaw, seeming to agree with whatever he said. At last, the king placed a hand on Silas’ shoulder, patted it, and walked back to them. Silas followed, his gaze locking onto hers.

She arched an eyebrow. He winked.

At least he proved to be a good partner in crime.

“It’s time for you to leave,” the king said, refusing to meet Astoria’s eyes. “The carriages are ready, and your things have been loaded for your trip. I wish you both safe travels.”

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