“And what exactly are you doing here, Prince Hawthorne, hidden from view?” a cool and hard voice says from the shadows. I jump, searching the dark to my left for the Queen. A laugh sounds from beyond my line of sight before Queen Laurel appears, posture rigid and green eyes assessing. I release the magic cloaking me and bow deeply.

“Apologies, Your Majesty.” I hold my hands up in mock surrender. “I snuck from my rooms so Fionn and Silene wouldn’t protest my exploring and forgot to remove the magic. I assure you I’m up to nothing nefarious. Just some good old fashion hiding from my friends.” My sheepish grin does nothing to break her unwavering expression.

“Why are you exploring my palace?” she asks, an edge to her voice. I take a few steps closer to her, practically involuntarily. It reminds me of my ruse to seduce her, so I take another step. Apparently, I have a death wish.

I shrug my shoulders, trying to lighten the mood. “I needed to move—needed to get out of the apartments. I was getting antsy.” I stretch my arms above my head for emphasis. “Am I not permitted to wander the palace?” My eyes narrow with a challenge I know she’ll rise to.

“I’d prefer you wander visible, where others can see you,” she responds cooly.

“You saw me just fine,” I retort with a cocky smirk. I’ve somehow miraculously gotten her alone, and I intend to put the opportunity to good use. She gives me a long stare, like she’s bored and unfeeling. But here, under the barely visible stars just before twilight, I see it for the mask it is. And this time, I don’t back down, my skin itching with the need to unravel her, just a little. I return the stare, not breaking her gaze. We stare at one another until her lips twitch, and she looks away. Thorne—one, Queen Laurel—too many to count. But at least I’m making progress.

“I saw you because I’m a super powerful witch, remember?” she says sarcastically, and it’s almost… flirty.

I press my advantage and make an exaggerated bow. “I’ll ensure I keep my impressive magic at bay in my future adventures through the palace, witchling.”