21. Maddison

Maddison

T he shower is bigger than my bedroom at my house and has more showerheads than I’d ever think one person could need. The water is so warm too and remains that way the entire time. It’s something I’m unused to so I end up staying in there for longer than I probably should.

By the time I climb out, my fingers are prune-y.

Once I dry off, I endeavor into Lily’s closet to find something to wear. I feel so uncomfortable sifting through her clothes, so I make it quick, settling on the least expensive-looking outfit I can find—a loose pair of pants made with the softest material I’ve ever felt and a long-sleeve shirt that matches. As I’m pulling them on, I glance around her room, trying to imagine what it was like growing up in a place like this.

But as I’m taking everything in, my gaze zeroes in on a specific item.

On top of a vanity is a massive gold-trimmed jewelry box with hooks on the top where necklaces are dangling. I move over to it and examine what’s captured my attention—a necklace shaped like a crown that almost resembles the one my aunt Ellie gave me. The only difference is that Lily’s is less scratched up and has a red diamond in it.

I turn it over and Lily’s name has been engraved into the metal. Mine might have had an engraving on it one point, but it’s too banged up now for it to be legible.

I’m so confused. How did my aunt get a necklace that resembles one that a royal owns?

Maybe she got it from a pawnshop? Still, it’d be expensive.

Perhaps it’s some sort of counterfeit?

I decide to ask River about it, but as I’m exiting the bedroom, I smack into Finn with so much force that I hit my head on his chin and his teeth clank together.

“Jesus,” Finn mutters, his tone laced with pain.

“Sorry,” I quickly apologize, noting he smells good now, like freshly fallen rain with a splash of cologne. I hate that I notice that, and also how pretty he is.. “I didn’t see you.”

“Clearly.” He’s rubbing his jaw as I step back from him. His blonde hair is damp from the shower he must’ve taken and he’s changed his clothes. “You good, though? You seemed in a hurry.”

“Actually, I was.” I point over my shoulder at Lily’s room. “Can I ask you a question about something I found in there?”

He nods, a crease forming between his brows. “Um, sure.”

He follows me to the jewelry box.

I touch the crown necklace. “Do you know where Lily got this?”

He slants forward to get a better look, giving me another good whiff of his wonderful scent. “Yeah, that's a coronation necklace. Royal girls are each given one when they’re introduced to society. There’s like this big ball and stuff. And I think the diamond color represents the family name, if I’m remembering correctly.” He pauses, assessing me. “Why?”

I shrug, even more perplexed. “Because I have one.”

I half expect him to be like so , but surprise flashes across his face. “What? How did you get it?”

“My aunt gave it to me when I was a kid,” I explain. “But mine has a black diamond.”

“Black… I don’t think I’ve ever seen a black one.”

“Hmm… Maybe mine’s just counterfeit then.” Because how else would my aunt have gotten it?

He nods, but a trace of uneasiness resides in his expression.

“What’re you thinking?” I wonder suspiciously.

“Nothing.” He shakes his nervousness away, suddenly appearing indifferent. “We should go check the cameras and see if the north-siders have left yet. I’d like to get back to the academy sooner rather than later.”

With that he walks away, leaving it at that.

But I’m not about to. Not with everything strange going on. I want answers, and I will get them, even if it means playing Finn’s royal game of truths and lies.