WHEN Emperor Kallixto’s fever finally subsided, Thalia found her gaze lingering upon his striking features. From the sweep of his long lashes to the proud line of his nose, her eyes eventually fell upon the curve of his lips — full and deceptively soft. Her throat tightened, forcing her to swallow, and unconsciously she bit her own lip. Startled by the thought, Thalia quickly averted her eyes, letting them settle on the entirety of his face instead. In repose, the fearsome tyrant seemed transformed; he slept with the innocence of a child, as though the curse had only brushed against him in the late hours of the night.
“I am truly grateful to you, Lady Thalia,” Princess Stella said, inclining her head in gratitude.
Startled, Thalia immediately rose from her chair to stop her.
“Princess,
