Six

Daisy

The air in the room turned sharp enough to cut. For the next couple of seconds, it felt like the world had frozen over, with none of us moving, or even breathing. While I was rooted in my spot because I was scared, the brothers seemed to be processing emotions different from mine.

“I asked,” Caspian repeated, his voice low, too low, like something dangerous coiled just beneath it, “what is going on?”

No one moved. Not me, not him and definitely not Octavian.

For a moment, it felt like the world had narrowed to the three of us, the walls pressing closer, and the silence stretching too tight.

Then Caspian took a step forward. Each step was slow and measured, and worse? His gaze didn’t leave his brother’s face.

“Explain.” The word wasn’t loud. It didn’t need to be, because it landed anyway, heavy and absolute.

Octavian didn’t flinch. If anything, his lips curved a fraction more, like he had been waiting for this exact moment.

“She came looking for you,” he said smoothly, brushing an invisible speck of dust from his sleeve. “You weren’t here so I entertained her. You should thank me, by the way.”

Caspian’s jaw tightened as the words dropped between them like a lit match. For the first time since I’d known him, something cracked in Caspian’s composure.

It was a subtle shift, but it was there. I saw his shoulders square just a fraction more as his breathing slowed into something controlled. Like that wasn't enough, his gaze darkened in a way that made my stomach twist.

Everything about him right now screamed territorial and possessiveness wrapped into one as he stepped closer to me, and not Octavian.

My breath caught as he closed the distance, his presence swallowing mine whole, and then, finally, he touched me.

His hand wrapped around my wrist. It was warm and claiming, but a contrast hit me immediately. Octavian had hovered while Caspian didn't so much as hesitate and that made my pulse spike.

“What did he say to you?” Caspian asked, his voice quieter now, but no less intense.

I swallowed.

This was it.

I could lie, deflect, or push back, but my fingers curled slightly against his grip.

“Enough,” I said carefully. “Enough to know you’re not telling me everything.”

His eyes narrowed just slightly, but before he could respond, Octavian let out a soft chuckle behind him.

“You should ask him,” he said lightly, “why he recognized you so quickly.”

The words sliced through the room..My heart stuttered and Caspian went completely still. Slowly, he turned his head toward his brother. Whatever passed between them in that look, I didn’t understand it. But if the tension radiating off both of them meant anything, then it couldn't be anything good.

Octavian only smiled, then he stepped back, adjusting his cufflinks like none of this mattered.

“I’ll leave you two to it,” he added, almost lazily. “And I guess congratulations are in order. It was nice conversing with you, Daisy.”

And just like that, he walked out. The minute the door clicked shut behind him, silence fell again but I didn't wait for it to settle before I turned back to Caspian, my chest tight

“What was that all about?’ I asked immediately. “What did he mean?”

As expected, I didn't get an answer, but I didn't let that stop me.

“Why did you recognize me?” I pressed. “Why did you come back for me?”

His gaze dropped to me slowly, like he was deciding how much to say, or how much to hide.

“You’re asking questions you’re not ready for,” he finally answered, after what felt like forever.

“Try me,” I shot back, even though my voice wavered

“Because,” he said quietly, “you don’t belong where you think you do.”

The words sent a chill down my spine.

“What does that even mean?” I demanded, but he didn’t answer. Of course he didn’t.

Frustration bubbled up, sharp and sudden.

“This….” I gestured between us, the room, everything. “This is insane. You show up, you claim me like I’m part of some deal, and now I’m supposed to just… what? Marry you tonight?”

“Yes.” His expression didn’t change.

“You’re moving too fast,” I continued, words tumbling out now. “We don’t know each other. We had one night. One. You don’t get to just decide….”

I didn't get the chance to finish before he moved. I didn’t even realize he had stepped closer until his hand slid to my waist, pulling me just enough to cut off the space between us.

“What..” My breath hitched. “Caspian…”

“No.” The word was quiet and final. Before I could say anything else, he leaned down.

His lips brushed the side of my throat it wasn't rough nor rushed, but just enough to send shivers down my spine and my entire body went still.

“You don’t understand,” he murmured against my skin, his voice low enough that it felt like it sank into my bones.

“I would rather die,”A shiver ran through me as he continued softly, “than let you go.”

My breath caught and my thoughts scattered as his hand tightened slightly at my waist.

“So go,” he added, pulling back just enough to look at me, his golden eyes burning with something I couldn’t name. “Prepare.”

I couldn’t speak, couldn’t move, because the way he was looking at me, it wasn’t just possession. It wasn’t just power, it was something far more dangerous.

“I wouldn’t want my bride to be late,” he finished.

And just like that, I realized, this wasn’t a negotiation. It never had been.