I let out a long breath. “She said the kingdoms are stronger united.”
“United against what?”
“I don’t know, she wasn’t exactly forthcoming in her revelations.”
“The only threat we’re facing right now is Kylian. I don’t know how much worse it can get.”
“Yet she insisted that I have nothing to fear with him.” I groan, racking my brain. “It’s absurd. He’s a monster. We know what he’s capable of. So to answer your question—no. I guess I’m not taking her advice seriously.”
We fall silent again, walking until I get the sense that I’m being watched. My awareness ticks up, the hairs on the back of my neck rising.
I turn. That’s when I see them.
Golden soldiers. Behind us and more up ahead. And if they’re here, then Mal is probably not far behind.
“Zadyn—”
“I see them. Don’t panic and don’t touch your magic. Just keep walking.” He takes hold of my hand, twining our fingers.
The guards up ahead are stopping people on the street, holding up flyers. Flyers with our faces on them. I watch them roughly grab the arm of a brunette around my same height and build. She gasps, cowering and trembling until they realize she has the wrong face and eye color, and release her.
We need to get out of here. Now.
“You!” someone calls from behind us. I jump, but Zadyn doesn’t let me turn back, forcing me to keep up with his brisk, steady stride.
“They’re right behind us.” I glance at him in my periphery, panic gathering in my gut. “Zadyn.”
I don’t have time to breathe before he has me pinned up against the nearest building. My mouth parts as he grips my face with unwavering hands.
“I’m going to kiss you,” he warns.
I nod, stunned as he lowers his lips to mine, shielding me from view of the soldiers.
The kiss is slow and sweet, and he tastes like something familiar and lovely.
“Excuse me,” the guard booms from behind him. My heart does a nervous dive. I fight the urge to open my eyes, knowing the color will be a dead giveaway.
I rise onto my toes and snake my arms around Zadyn’s neck, pulling him closer, praying the guard gets the hint and moves along.
A throat clears, and I hear a metal gauntlet land on Zadyn’s shoulder.
“We’re busy here,” he mumbles against my lips.
His hands slide around my waist, pulling me flush against him. Something stirs in my stomach as his tongue slips into my mouth.
I really have to fight to keep my eyes closed now, surprised by the kiss.
“We’re looking for someone. A female. Dark hair, purple eyes. You seen anyone who looks like that?”
Zadyn shakes his head, keeping his mouth close to mine. “Hard to say—I haven’t really been looking. I’ve got my hands full at the moment.”
I fake giggle as Zadyn clamps a hand on my ass and squeezes. A surprised yelp escapes me as he kisses me again.
Sorry,he says into my mind.
It’s fine.
I decide to refrain from telling him I kind of liked it, worried that might be weird.
