When the man comes into view, I’m taken aback by how much he looks like Keryth. They both have the same long dark hair, sculpted lips, and sharp jaw. Identical icy eyes.

This must be Silas, the Night Realm prince.

“Aha!” Looking into the bedroom, he discovers me, pointing an accusing finger in my direction before aiming an angry look at Keryth. “You stole the princess of the Day Realm? Are you insane?” He doesn’t wait to hear an answer. “And King Zed is dead? There will be a war. I go to the Dream Realm for a week and come back to this mess! What’s gotten into you?”

“It’s not what you think,” Keryth responds calmly, as if this kind of outburst from his brother is normal.

“Oh, really?” Silas lets out a humorless laugh. “Tell me where I got it wrong.”

“She’s my fated mate.”

Silence.

My eyes volley back and forth between the men as they stare each other down. I guess Silas is stunned speechless, and I don’t know him well enough to read his pinched facial expression.

“Her, of all people?” he finally mutters. “How long have you known?”

“Four years.”

“That’s why you never let me go on the trade missions.” Shaking his head, Silas rakes a hand through his hair. “You were running off to see her in secret.”

“First of all, she has a name. It’s Zella.”

They both glance my way. My mate’s eyes soften, while Silas’s narrow.

And I really wish this meeting was going differently. Here I am, no pants on, looking like I’ve been tumbling around in bed all day—because I have.

I can’t even use the manners that have been drilled into me my whole life. It’s not like I can get up and curtsy.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I say meekly.

All I get is a curt nod before the guys move on with the conversation.

“I’ve gone to Dawn and Dusk myself every month because it was my duty,” Keryth says. “And let’s get one thing straight—my mate is my business. I was never obligated to tell you about her. She’s the one thing in this life that will always be mine, just as Tehya is yours.”

Seeming to finally accept the situation, Silas hangs his head. “When is the ceremony?”

“There won’t be one. We already said our vows on sacred ground. It’s done.”

“And the Day Realm? Will they retaliate?”

“No.”

“No?” Skeptical, Silas lifts an eyebrow.

“My brother is supportive of the union,” I speak up. It’s not a complete lie. “King Zarid wants peace.”

He straightens his shoulders. “Well, good. When do you two plan to inform the people?”

“When Zella is ready,” Keryth states protectively.

“You can’t keep this a secret. They have a right to know, especially when they’re worried about being attacked—”