That was supposed to beherconnection. Stella wanted to scream at him, or Desiree, or just in general. But she knew he was right. Her mother had been in love with someone else before she ended up with her father. They had always said that their early struggles made the joy of the rest of their lives that much sweeter. If they went through a war and so many trials, Stella could weather a courtship that would probably amount to nothing.
She dropped her head back and blew out a breath. How could she really be mad at him when she had the same fear? How could she hold him accountable for her own lack of faith? Great love stories required immense trust.
“I worried the same thing,” she said softly. “I trust you.”
Arden straightened, looking immensely relieved. “But this is why I also wanted to announce that we are courting. Because you are important to me and I want everyone to know. This is just a bump inthe road and I’m relieved that you understand this is just something I have to see through so I can know for sure.” He looked down at his hands. “Have you spent time with Teddy?”
Stella laughed and the tension unclenched in her chest. “Only when he was being a drunken ass last night.”
Arden grinned. “You’re kidding. I’ve never seen him drink more than a whiskey an evening.”
“Well, I suspect he was having the same conversation we’re having and is less adaptable to changes in his plans. You know how he is. We’re going back to the temple to ask Desiree to break the bond. It’s too dangerous during the Games. So at least you won’t have to worry about my commitment to you.”
Arden looked down at his hands. “That’s wise. Do you think she’ll do it?”
Stella shrugged. She wanted to ask him if he’d considered doing the same, but she was afraid of his answer. It wasn’t as if it was the same kind of impediment to Arden and Grace going about their normal lives as it was to Stella and Teddy, who were competing in a deadly contest.
Arden studied her for a moment. “How are you, really? I know you heal quickly, but you had me pretty worried.”
Stella thought of the star-shaped scar on her side. She wasn’t ready to tell him that she’d been permanently marked by the contest yet, but he must have read it in her face.
Arden’s eyes narrowed. “Are you still hurt?” When she said nothing, he stood and went to the window. He stared out at the garden, his hand rubbing the back of his neck.
“Just a flesh wound. A scar is not a big deal.”
“Of course it is. How would you feel if someone scarred me?”
She’d been so worried he would miss the freckle constellation he used to write his name on her side that she hadn’t thought of the guilt she’d feel if the roles were reversed and he was so badly wounded that he’d forever bear the scar.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t tell you how to feel, and I keep saying thewrong thing,” Arden said. He glanced out the window. One of his guards was in the garden, beckoning for him to go. “Damn. I’ve already been gone too long.” He pulled Stella into a hug.
It wasn’t appropriate, but it felt so good to be held and her parents wouldn’t object after all she’d been through yesterday. She tucked her face into his neck and breathed in the familiar salt air and fresh laundry scent of him.
“I love you,” he whispered. “You’re going to win the Games and get your favor. I just know it.” He pulled back and met her gaze. “I know you said we can’t announce our courtship until after the Games, but since you need to come in to answer some questions about last night for the guards, do you want to walk back to the inquiry with me?”
Stella wanted to, but she shook her head. “Probably better that I don’t.”
He nodded and stepped away. “Stay safe, Stella.” He turned to leave.
“Arden?” she called when he reached the doorway. “What’s my favorite flower?”
He turned, his gaze flitting from the roses on the couch to her. “Do you not like the roses?”
Stella paused, torn between telling the truth and doing what she had always done—telling him what would put him at ease.
He walked back to meet her, and she caved.
“Of course. I love roses.”
He frowned like he’d caught her in the lie, but when she said nothing, he bent to kiss her hand. “I’m lucky to have you. You always go with the flow.”
Stella used to like when he said that. She’d taken the ease between them and the way their lives just fit together as a good thing. Before, it had made her feel frictionless and easy-going, but now it made her feel a touch foolish.
She watched Arden and his guards leave through the garden gate and waited a full ten minutes before she snuck out the same way and crossed town to Olney Castle. It was best not to tell her parents. Thelast thing she needed was them marching into the castle alongside her and riling everyone up. She would just pop in, be interrogated, and be back home before they were the wiser.
Her father’s stress level could be measured by how many flowers he carved in a week and he’d already given her two daisies since the binding ceremony. She didn’t need to add any more stress to his plate.
The guards at the castle gates let her in and, as soon as she stepped into the courtyard, she was escorted inside and into a sitting room on the ground floor. It faced the queen’s gardens and Stella stood there watching the morning light shine brilliantly off the vibrant summer florals.
