“Kerris,” he whispers like a prayer. Gently, he raises his hand, his fingertips grazing the curve of my jaw. His touch ignites a longing so deep, it takes everything in me to keep from stumbling back.

This is bad. Very, very bad.

The fire I’d hoped to find burns in an Unseelie’s forbidden touch.

* * *

Clasping her hands beneath her chin, Nia bounces on her toes as the sunlight falls through my bedroom window, casting her snowy curls in a golden glow. “You simply must come along. It’s the hottest day of the year so far, and if you stay inside, you’re going to melt into a puddle. No one wants to marry a puddle, Kerris.”

I want to be excited about the prospect of visiting the quarry, but I’m not for two reasons.

The first: I got only a handful of hours of sleep last night.

The second: Prince Ronan Reve.

Going to the quarry means being stuck in a carriage with him. No, thank you. “I’d love to but perhaps it would be best if you go on your own.”

She arches a brow. “Because of Ronan?”

I nod. When I told her what happened, she was rightfully appalled.

“He will be the perfect gentlemen. I’ll make sure of it.”

I’m fairly certain she will be too busy with Nolan to do such a thing, but I appreciate the sentiment all the same. A day out could be exactly what I need to get my mind on something besides Ever. Heaven knows I could use a distraction.

Besides, I cannot stop living my life or hanging out with Nia because of the prince. He has already wasted the last few weeks of my life; I don’t plan on giving him any more.

“I will agree as long as I don’t have to swim.” I don’t care how hot it is outside; my clothes are staying on.

Nia squeezes my hand, her smile soft and understanding. “Do whatever makes you happy. I just want you with me.”

* * *

Nia dons her swimming costume beneath an airy blue and white striped dress, while I select my lightest dress: a loose gown of peach linen and a silken shift with lace cap sleeves that give my skin plenty of room to breathe.

Before we leave, Aunt Cordelia insists we both wear sun hats with thick ribbons that tie beneath our chins. The moment we climb into Ronan’s waiting carriage, we take them right back off.

As nervous as I am about seeing the prince again, he doesn’t seem the least bit bothered by my presence as he regales us with the queen’s plans for the most glorious Beltane festival of the century. There will be jugglers and acrobats swinging from makeshift maypoles, custom cocktails made from rare liquors, and a cake as tall as the town fountain.