Page 7 of Courting the King of Cliffs

“I don’t think so.” I looked down at my stomach, as if it would tell me.

It didn’t; shocker.

“When was the last time you ate?” she checked.

I bit my lip. “I’m not sure.”

“Then I’ll bring food, too.”

“I really am sorry. Tell Granite that—tell him I know he doesn’t want me here, and I’m sorry I don’t have anywhere else to go. I just need time to gather my thoughts, and then I’ll figure something else out.” The words spewed out.

I had no idea why my first instinct had been to ask Granite for help.

Or why I’d followed that instinct.

Logically, his land was the best place for me to be, but being near him when we could hurt each other wasn’t logical at all.

“You don’t need to apologize.” Eeva wrapped her arms around me for a quick, gentle hug. I didn’t do well with being touched by people I didn’t know, but I managed not to shove her away, so that was a win. “I’m sorry things have been difficult. No one will bother you here.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

She finally released me and stepped back. “I’ll get that paper and food back here quickly.”

I nodded, and Crag opened the door for me, gesturing for me to go inside.

I whispered another thank you before he closed the door behind me, and then found myself standing in the most comfortable home I’d ever seen.

Inhaling deeply, I fought a groan at the smell of the place.

It was perfect.

The scent was of spices and raw stone, completely untouched by people. The lights were stunning fixtures in the style the water fae preferred, dim enough that they didn’t bug me despite how oversensitive I was at the moment.

The setup was simple, with a massive bed in the sprawling bedroom, a few large bookshelves next to a huge couch in the living area, and a simple, sleek kitchen that didn’t look like it had ever been used. I loved to cook, though, so if I stayed long, it would definitely get broken in.

Since Eeva was bringing food and I was still so keyed up, I knew I couldn’t sleep yet. A shower would help with that, though.

I padded into the bedroom, slipping my dress off as I walked. When I got overwhelmed, I got a bit sweaty, so my dress didn’t smell great. I’d need to find something clean to wear later. I could always go back to my room in the castle, though I shuddered just thinking about it.

I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to sleep there again.

Honestly, considering I was twenty, I probably should’ve moved out a few years earlier. But Storm was always so worried about me, and Harper and I got along so well, it had seemed like moving out would just mean taking extra effort to go through my daily routine.

Now, I regretted not leaving before they had their baby.

Not that I wished they hadn’t had him—I loved Reeve tremendously.

I just…

Okay, I needed to stop thinking.

If only my brain would get the memo.

I turned on the water, leaving my dress on the floor as I stepped into the shower. My shoulders relaxed under the heat, and my mind calmed.

I was alright.

Definitely okay.

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