Chapter 125

VALENTINA The morning sunlight illuminated the chamber, casting golden streaks across the space through the tall curtains. Andres was still asleep, his arm draped possessively over my waist, and I couldn’t help but let myself watch him for a moment. He looked so peaceful sleeping, nothing like how intense things were between us last night. I knew it, though. I could still feel yesterday—how he tensed when I said Alessio's name, the way he wouldn't let go. Something was up, and I was gonna find out what. Kira stirred, ‘You have to be careful, Val. That second prince… I don’t trust him.’ her whisper sliced through my thoughts. She's back from being isolated. ‘He’s just a guest, Kira.’ I whispered back. ‘Why does it matter so much to you?’ ‘It’s not just him,’ she hissed, ‘it’s the currents between them. Something’s off.’ I pushed the thought aside as Andres stirred, golden eyes opening slowly. “Good morning, kitten,” he murmured, his voice low, husky, and almost teasing, as if he already