She nodded, a crease forming in her brow as she started toward the hall, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Teddy wanted to ask her what had happened, but there were far too many ears inside the castle. He needed to wait until they were out of the city.
In the wild, they could finally speak freely.
They walked through the castle hallways and out into the sweltering midday heat.
“If we leave within the hour, we can make it to the temple before it gets dark,” he said.
“I just need to change into riding clothes,” Stella said. “My bag is already packed.”
When they cleared the castle courtyard, she picked up her pace, as if she could sense him gearing up to apologize.
“Stella, I’m?—”
“He came this morning, so fortunately my vigil didn’t last long,” she said, walking faster.
Gods, Teddy felt like such an asshole, but he was relieved Arden had finally done the bare minimum.
“Good that he could finally make the time.” The words slipped out, a remnant of the truth tea’s effects.
Stella spun on him so fast he almost ran right into her. “Oh fuckoff, Teddy. Not everyone can be a paragon of princely devotion by completely ignoring their partner’s unhappiness.”
Her words were like a slap across the face.
She crossed her arms and continued. “He brought flowers and apologized for taking so long. In fact, the reason he was delayed was because his betrothal had been called off. He wanted to make our courtship official.”
“But that would put an even bigger target on your back.”
“I know. That’s what I told him.”
Teddy wanted to think the best of his old friend, but Arden was making it hard. Jalen had always been closer to the prince of Olney since they were closer in age, but Teddy had still grown up seeing him every summer his whole life for the Godsball, the Solstice Festival, and the Gauntlet Games. He never would have expected Arden to be capable of such thoughtlessness.
“So we’re keeping it quiet for now, but once the Games are over, we will make it official,” Stella said.
“Does that mean he’s not courting Grace?” He was torn between anger that Arden had Grace’s attention and was rebuking her and relief for the same reason. He wanted Grace to be happy, but it would be so hard to watch her be with a lifelong friend.
Stella pushed her pace faster, as if trying to outrun his question. Teddy jogged to catch up, his head still throbbing along with his pulse.
They turned down the long, shady lane that led to the McKay Estate. The morning was unbearably hot. Sweat dripped down Teddy’s back as he hurried along behind Stella. At least there was abreeze blowing in off the sea, carrying the scent of salt and summer florals.
Stella stopped short as her family home came into sight.
Fionn Silver was leaning against the garden gate.
Teddy shepherded Stella behind him. “What the fuck is he doing here?”
Stella shoved him aside and kept walking. “He’s not here to kill me, you idiot. Not before I’ve paid him what he’s due and not if he wants to win the competition.”
The mercenary smiled warmly as they approached. Teddy scowled back at him. No hired sword should have a smile that straight or skin that unflawed. Though Fionn’s nose had clearly been broken a few times, it gave him a sort of roguish charm to go along with his otherwise remarkably symmetrical face.
“Hey there, princess. I’m calling in my favor,” Fionn said.
“What favor?” Teddy asked at the same time Stella said, “It’s not a good time.”
Fionn offered a humble shrug and sympathetic smile. “I’m afraid it can’t wait. You’re not welching on our deal, are you, princess?”
The use of the pet name twice in as many sentences made Teddy roll his eyes.
Stella sighed and looked toward the back of her house. “It has to happen right now?”
