“Does anyone else know about the two of you?” I ask, remembering Liam’s comment about having theories.

“The chancellor might have his suspicions, but no one else has given thought to the possibility.” Clearing his throat, he rises, failing to hide a wince as he steps toward the door.

“Are you okay?” Concern has me on my feet.

“I’m fine.”

There’s that phrase again.

Liam’s words echo through my head, and I know Loren isn’t fine.

“What did he do to you?” I ask, following him to the door.

“Nothing I didn’t deserve.” He turns, expression brimming with self-loathing. “I’m the one who left the door open. If not for my mistake, you wouldn’t have seen what you did, and he wouldn’t have punished you for it.”

As he reaches for the doorknob, I grab his arm to stop him. “You deserve better than him.” As far as I can tell, banishment from Zodiac Island would be a blessing.

“He’s strict and uncompromising, but you haven’t met his generous, kind side yet. You don’t know him like I do.”

After everything Mr. Bordeaux has put me through, I have no desire to.

9

Since the night he came to my bedroom to confide in me, Loren and I fall into our normal routine of shared duties mixed with moments of conversation that verge on friendship. Mr. Bordeaux is especially busy, even going away for a few days on an acquisition trip.

A rare ruby, or so Loren tells me.

I can’t say I’m heartbroken by my keeper’s absence, or how quickly the days seem to pass with him gone. I’m in my room after lunch, thinking of Liam as I work on a new sketch of a wedding dress with a halter neckline, when my bedroom door swings open. I know it’s Mr. Bordeaux before his shiny black dress shoes come into view on the threshold. Loren warned me he was coming home today, but my heart still seizes in my chest, making breathing difficult as I fling my work aside and scramble to the floor.

He strolls into the room, leaving the door open, and I’m surprised when he takes a seat on the bed, springs squeaking under his weight.

“Loren’s reports on your good behavior have been impressive. I’m glad to know we haven’t had anymore incidents.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bordeaux.”

Pages flutter, and I know he’s peering at my doodles. “Loren mentioned you have an interest in fashion design.” He flips another page. “You’ve got talent. If I win the auction for your hand in marriage, we’ll have to do something productive with your designs. Would you like that?”

“Yes, Mr. Bordeaux.”

“You can speak freely until we leave this room. I think it’s time we had a conversation.”

A few uncertain moments pass.