She starts when she sees us, a hand flying to her chest in surprise. She glances between us, over our dripping hair, our soaked clothes, my bare legs. I can see the suspicion and confusion growing in her wide brown eyes.
“Oh, hello,” she says in her silky voice. Jace bows gallantly, and I dip into a small curtsy.
“Princess.” Jace approaches her. “Going out for a ride?”
She warily shifts her gaze from me to him. “Yes, it’s such a beautiful day. I thought I would take advantage. Explore the trails. It seems you two have fallen into a bit of fun yourself.” She smiles politely, and I can see the effort behind it.
I approach her, dry clothes bundled in hand.
“I wouldn’t call it fun,” I say honestly. “The captain has been training me.”
Better to be honest than to have a suspicious princess on our hands.
Well, partially honest.
Jace’s eyes snap to me. I avoid his gaze, concentrating only on Sorscha. Her pouty pink lips form an “o” as I rush to explain.
“My father was a fierce warrior, or so I’m told. I never knew him, but I always wanted to learn to fight, to defend myself. The captain agreed to train me. I asked him not to tell anyone. I suppose I was embarrassed.” It frightens me how easily the lie slides off my tongue.
Sorscha’s eyes light up genuinely, her long lashes fluttering in relief. She breaks into a beatific smile and clasps my hand tightly.
“Cousin,” she says affectionately, “why be embarrassed about such a thing? I think it’s wonderful you want to honor your father that way.”
“Thank you,” I say. “Today’s lesson ended with me falling into a stream. I’m not much of a swimmer. The captain jumped in to pull me out.”
More lies. Easy, sleazy lies.
“Oh my.” Sorscha’s giggle is like a peal of bells. She nods to the clothes in my hands.“You should put those on before you enter the castle. Else, you’ll have every servant and nobleman ogling you.”
I voice a soft laugh and curtsy, pulling Hansel past Sorscha’s full riding skirt. My ears pick up the conversation behind me.
“I would escort you on your ride, but I fear I’ve been absent most of the day. I need to check in with the king. I’ll send someone to go with you. Max or Warryn,” Jace says apologetically.
“It’s no trouble, really. It’s rare I ever get any solitude,” she protests gently.
“I worry about you.” The words tumble from his mouth, coming out ungracefully. “You’re a princess. You should never go anywhere unaccompanied. Anything can happen.” His concern seems to appease her.
“Very well,” she says. “I will wait here. Captain.” She tips her head to him demurely. He lifts her hand to his lips.
“Enjoy your ride, Princess.”
He stalks forward to catch up to me, and we stay silent as we return the horses to their respective stalls. Closing the doors behind them, Jace turns to me.
“Well, that was awkward,” I huff.
He shakes his head. “Why would you tell her we’ve been training?”
“What was I supposed to say? Do you have any idea what that must have looked like to her? Coming back dripping wet, half-dressed?” I point out.
“I know how it must have looked,” he growls, and we both go silent for a moment.
“It’s better than sneaking around pretending we hardly know each other when we’ve spent every morning together for months. It looks worse for us to lie about it and then get caught like we just did.”
“You weren’t exactly forthcoming in your truths just now.” He leans against the stall and looks at me.
“I was thinking on my toes. You and the king want to keep this Dragon Rider thing a secret? Well, this is the trade-off. I’d rather not spark any more suspicion than necessary. Especially when it comes to the princess.” I turn and head toward the door.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” He catches up to me in one long stride.
