At the foot of the spiral staircase in the old wing, I cursed and started up the many, many stairs leading to my room. I’d woken up—alone, of course—in Bane’s bed. Though as soon as I’d walked out, I’d been the recipient of some very knowing looks from the servants. One had even pointedly stared at my neck where the fresh bite mark was clearly visible.

It was all just…great. So wonderful to be the topic of salacious gossip in the palace. But I supposed that came with the territory of being the first ever human consort to the royal demon family.

I really needed to get used to this, or else I would never have any peace. I could sequester myself up in the tower room, but there would always be times when I would have to go out, to be on display, to be gaped at and gossiped over simply because I was married to someone very important.

The thing that eased my mind was that I’d spared Isolde this fate. She would’ve been miserable in that room, or even in the palace itself. She had always been one to prefer wide open spaces, spending most of her time outside riding or practicing her fencing. This life would have stifled her spirit.

But even though it was far from a happy situation, I knew I could survive here. As long as I had my books and inventions and art, I could find contentment.

When I finally made it to my room, just as out of breath as before, I found it a little more presentable. The bed had been made with fresh linens, though the mattress still sagged a bit, and the frame was just as rusty as before. Someone had shoved all the trunks with Isolde’s clothes off to the side, revealing a large desk beneath the broken window.

“Good thing it’s spring,” I murmured. I wouldn’t freeze to death, at least.

There was a low fire built in the small fireplace. It crackled cheerfully as I approached. Oscar wasn’t a bad majordomo, though there were still no new clothes. I’d been wearing the current ones since leaving home. Soon I would need something else.

I sighed, running my hands over my wrinkled clothes. My stomach growled, and I trudged back to the door. “Back down for food again.”

I managed to find my way to the dining room without getting lost, and to my surprise it was already occupied by a handsome man—a little closer to my own age—sitting at the head of the table—the place where the king would have sat. He looked like a younger, somewhat thinner version of Bane.

“Hello,” I said hesitantly.

The man grinned and waved me over. When he snapped his fingers, a new place setting appeared.

“I’m Prince Morrow, and you must be Lord Adrian Tillcot, my brother’s new consort,” he said, humming as his eyes traveled up and down my body in a frank assessment before he broke into a grin. “The rumor mill was accurate this time. Very handsome.”

I flushed, which only made Morrow laugh. “Sit with me,” the prince said. “I should get to know my brother’s consort, shouldn’t I?”

I shrugged and dropped into a chair. “Your brother doesn’t seem to care about doing that,” I muttered.

He laughed again. “Don’t mind my brother. He…doesn’t let people in easily. Not even me.”

Though he winked and was all smiles, I thought I sensed a hint of frustration beneath the casual charm. But that…if it was indeed there, was none of my business. I’d heard a little about the younger prince. There were rumors about him, of course, but not as many as Bane. And as far as their relationship, I’d never heard a word spoken of it.

“It’s a bit difficult to talk to your brother,” I confessed.

“That’s because he’s always been the golden boy, above everyone else. Always the strongest, smartest, and with the most wonderful special demon talent.”

I frowned, curious about that last part. I had never heard of the prince having a special talent. “What is it?” I asked.

Morrow lifted a brow. “He hasn’t told you? I’m shocked. He loves to brag about his healing touch.”

That made me laugh. “Right. He can heal? That doesn’t sound very demon-like.”

Morrow gave a shrug. “That’s probably why Bane thinks he’s better than all of us.”

I was certain then that there was something there beneath the words, bitterness perhaps.

Sensing it was best to change the subject, I asked, “Were you at the wedding yesterday?”

“I was not,” Morrow confessed, but he leaned forward with a conspiratorial grin. “But I heard it was quite a show. Did you really tackle my brother?”

“What?” I gasped. “No! I would never.”

But Morrow only laughed and waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, don’t worry. I wouldn’t be the least bit upset if you did. Bane needs someone to shake some sense into him sometimes. And I already feel like you could be the one to do it.”

“Why don’t you do it?” I asked. “Shouldn’t you be able to, as his brother?”

For the first time since I’d walked in, Morrow’s smile fell. “Being brothers means something different when you’re royal.”

I picked at the food on the plate while I eyed my companion, trying to get a feel for him. He was basically the complete opposite of Bane, very open and gregarious, seeming as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

Except when I brought up his relationship with his brother, he’d seemed to close down. Though it wasn’t any of my business, I couldn’t seem to quell my curiosity.

After several minutes of idle chitchat, Morrow finally set his napkin down and rose. “I have to go, I’m afraid. I’m meeting some friends in the city, but I’ve prepared a surprise for you. I figured my brother is likely still brooding, so he won’t have prepared a tailor to come make some attire for you.”

“Oh,” I said, surprised. “I don’t need anything so formal. I only need a couple of new pairs of trousers and a few shirts until my things arrive.” I’d never been one for fashion anyway.

But Morrow laughed. “Oh, that won’t do for a ball.”

“A ball?” I asked, frowning. I’d heard nothing about such a thing. But then, who would have told me? Certainly not Bane. I expected he would’ve kept it a secret and sent a note to my room summoning me right before the event started.

“Oh yes,” he said, grinning. “The first ball of the season. It will be your de facto coming out.” He glanced at my plate. “Are you done?”

I’d left the food picked over, but I suddenly had no appetite for more. “Yes.”

“Good.” He snapped his fingers, and as if by magic, a butler appeared. “Please take Lord Adrian to the tailor I’ve invited.”

The butler nodded and waited while I stood, glancing at Morrow.

“Best not to keep Monsieur Delannoy waiting,” the young prince said. “He’s very in-demand, and I could only get him to come in at the last minute because I could literally order his execution if he didn’t.” At my shocked look, he winked and added, “Which I’d never.”

After bidding the prince farewell, I was led down the hall to a large sitting room, much bigger than the one at the top of the tower. Piles of fabric were spread around along with a huge floor-length mirror.

As soon as I walked in, an older man with an impressive mustache hurried toward me, gripping both of my hands enthusiastically and leaning forward to kiss me on both cheeks with just as much enthusiasm. “My lord, welcome, welcome. I am honored to dress the royal consort!”

I stood, a little unsure of what to do as he immediately pulled out a measuring tape and began winding it around my torso. As he took my measurements, he clicked his tongue and scowled at my wrinkled suit. “Oh no, this will not do. Marie!”

He clapped his hands, and a woman came scurrying over with a prefabricated suit in her arms.

Without even asking for my permission, Monsieur Delannoy quickly unbuttoned my shirt and pulled it off. I gasped, covering my naked torso on instinct, but the tailor was already tugging at my pants.

He seemed completely unconcerned about modesty, and I knew I had to decide if I would continue to cover my naked chest or push him away before my pants joined the shirt on the floor.

I had just started to reach forward, intent on preserving some of my modesty, when my pants fell abruptly to my ankles, leaving me in nothing but my undergarments.

And to make matters worse, the door opened at that precise moment, and who else but Prince Bane himself walked in, drawing up short and staring at me with wide eyes.