She doesn’t let go as she says, “I’m so glad you’re okay. We were so worried. About both of you. Thorne said you were in danger.” When she releases me, her eyes are red, and her face is splotchy. She wipes away her tears, sniffling. “He also said you thought he and I might be really engaged. That I might want to marry him so I could become Queen or because I liked him that way.” She shudders. “That would be the most disgusting thing I’ve ever done, for so many reasons.”

I take her hands in mine. “Are you sure? Even if you don’t actually want the love part of a marriage. You would be Queen of Velmara someday.”

She laughs, bright and merry. “I have literally zero interest in ruling over that den of vipers back in Velmara. I hate it there. I hate the nobles. I hate my family. I’m even dreading going back to the heat after the coziness of the cold here. I don’t want to be Queen, and I will marry Thorne over my dead body.”

Thorne nudges my shoulder playfully, murmuring, “Told you so.” I stick my tongue out at him, and he wraps an arm around my waist, tucking me into his side.

Silene squeals. “You two are so adorable. Mates! I can’t believe it! What was it like, the realization?” She looks dreamy eyed, and I chuckle.

“To be honest, it was extremely confusing and weird,” I admit. Thorne laughs deeply, and it makes me nestle in closer to him.

“That’s just because of the way it happened,” Silene coos. “You two have been obsessed with each other since the moment you met. We could both see, couldn’t we, Fionn?” He grunts in agreement with her.

“Fionn, Laurel gave me some very interesting information while we were in the caverns discussing the sleeping arrangements in this apartment,” Thorne says, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Fionn stiffens. “Could we take a peek in your room, brother?” Thorne asks.

“I’d rather you didn’t,” Fionn responds coolly. Thorne rushes toward the bedroom door, but Fionn is faster. Fionn blocks Thorne, wrapping him in a headlock. Giggling, I blow a gust of air at the door, and it swings wide open. Fionn looks at me in betrayal, but I shrug.

“Sorry, he’s my mate. I think I have to pick his side in these situations? Though I’m not exactly sure.” Silene giggles and Thorne beams at me before walking into the very pink room. Silene follows, and she and Thorne erupt in laughter.

“It’s the closest bedroom to the outside door. What it looks like is irrelevant,” Fionn grumbles. Thorne and Silene only laugh harder.