*Ainslee*

Rafe stares at me all through dinner. Not his usual coy glances. No, he has decided to openly moon over me.

Maybe I just should have let him have his taste back in the hall near the feeders’ quarters. Maybe that would have stopped him from being an idiot. But then, I think, trying not to watch him watch me, maybe not.

“Your Majesty,” I say, leaning over to whisper in King Axel’s ear just as dinner is ending. “Would you mind if I took a turn around the gardens? I could use some fresh air.”

King Axel who, blessedly, hasn’t noticed Rafe’s staring, smiles at me and gives...