Page 85 of Brighter Than Gold

“Whatever you need.”

The King paused, looking like he wanted to say more, but ultimately shook his head and trudged out the door.

Chapter20

Reyah

My conversation with Kaspian had gone as terribly as I had expected. I felt ashamed and guilty, and like I’d inadvertently become the scheming whore-bride I knew everyone already thought I was. He was much calmer than I gave him credit for, I knew what his temper looked like, and he kept it perfectly shielded from me. But the look of utter betrayal on his face was enough to send me crying into my pillow after he’d left. I would have felt better if he had flown into a rage, tossed the room and screamed at me, but he fought so hard for his composure that it made me feel all the worse.

I could only pick at dinner as I sat alone in my quarters, alone but surrounded by staff who sweetly urged me to eat for the baby, when suddenly the door cracked open and a platinum blond head poked in.

I flew to Nyx and hugged him.

“My love, are you all right?” he asked, squeezing me back.

“It’s been a terrible day.”

“Well, I have something that might cheer you up. Come.”

I looked at him puzzled, and he quirked a grin as he took my hand. He pulled me through the maze of my new living accommodations, a place I still hadn’t even explored for myself, and then we were waltzing through the airy palace halls.

“Where are you taking me?” I asked, trying to keep pace with him.

“To my room,” he said proudly. “Have I told you Ilovebeing your brother?”

I tried to ignore the lady’s maids that trailed me everywhere I went now.

Nyx turned a sharp corner and then pushed open a door. “Home sweet home!”

“This is where you’ve been staying?” I asked in wonderment. It was small but posh, dark wood and deep forest-green walls.

“I’m scared every day that they’re going to ask me to leave,” he said with a chuckle. Thankfully my escorts had waited outside.

“Thought you might like to see some friendly faces,” Nyx said as he pushed open a bedroom door.

Lounging on the enormous bed eating strawberries and drinking sparkling wine, were Charlotte and Tanna. They jumped from the bed and barreled into me hugging me both at once. And of course, I was crying again.

“I’m so happy to see you, Reyah,” Tanna said quietly.

“Holy shit, I thought you were dead!”

I laughed at Charlotte’s brazen familiarity. “Gods, I’ve missed you two.”

“Come! Sit! Lounge! Drink! Not you of course, sister.” Nyx hurried us all back to the bed and rolled over a whole dessert cart. Charlotte’s eyes bulged.

“Where were you hiding that!” She pulled an enormous piece of chocolate cake onto a plate and dipped her finger into the icing. She squealed and flopped happily onto her back as she savoured it.

“So, tell us what we’ve missed,” Tanna said quietly.

I glanced over at Nyx. “Is there anything left to tell them?” I asked, giving him a sarcastic look.

He shrugged with mock innocence. “Some…details maybe…”

“What the fuck happened?” Charlotte exclaimed, sitting up and giving her cake just as much attention as me. “You snuck off to a royal wedding and ended up in one of your own?”

I huffed. “That’s the night I got pregnant. Kas caught Nyx and I—”

“Kas?” Charlotte barked, with her brows up by her hairline.

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