“I’d like that,” Amryn told her, surprised to realize she meant it.
She moved aside so Carver could bid his mother goodnight. While they spoke softly, she followed the others outside.
Amryn was nearly to the bottom of the short staircase when she felt the unmistakable weight of eyes on her. She glanced around. Light spilled from the townhouse’s windows and the open door, but she couldn’t see much of anything in the darkened yard or street. More than that, she couldn’tfeelanything. No emotions that told her someone was there. Yet, the sense that she was being watched was unshakeable.
Impulsively, she latched onto the power of the bloodstone and used it to dispel the emotions of those around her, letting them fade so she could sharpen her focus on the shadows. Nothing malicious brushed against her, but . . . Someone was there. She knew it, even if she couldn’t quite define how. And all she felt from that presence was a stirring of . . . curiosity? It was so faint, it was nearly impossible to identify.
“Amryn?”
She startled, breaking the fragile link she’d formed with that thin tendril of emotion.
Carver’s father stood at the base of the stairs, concern in his shadowed eyes. “Is something wrong?” he asked.
She forced a smile. “No. Sorry, I think I’m more tired than I realized.”
Cregon studied her carefully, and she sensed he didn’t fully believe her.
Then Carver was there. He exchanged a final goodbye with his father before they moved for the carriage.
As Amryn climbed inside, she tried to ignore the prickling unease that remained.
Chapter 36
Carver
Carverwouldneveradmitit to Elowen, but he was looking forward to taking Amryn into Zagrev today. He wanted the excuse to take a break from his meetings and spend time with her. Especially after seeing how much she’d enjoyed the visit to his family’s townhome yesterday.
Because they’d returned to the palace so late last night, they hadn’t been able to revisit their interrupted conversation. He knew something continued to bother Amryn, and he intended to figure it out. Just as he intended to slip away during her dress fitting so he could hunt down a custom jeweler. He was excited by the prospect of finally acting on a plan he’d been working out.
Carver smiled as he helped Amryn into the carriage, but that changed as soon as Ivan Baranov climbed into the carriage with them. While Carver was grateful Ivan seemed determined to protect Amryn, he didn’t really want to spend the day with him.
Elowen must have caught his frown. “I invited him,” she mouthed, her eyes meeting his in silent challenge.
Too soon, he realizedwhythe Wolf had been invited.
Elowen sat next to Ivan, chuckling too brightly at something he’d said. The Sibeten man’s mouth curved in a rare smile, his eyes bright as he stared at Carver’s younger sister.
Carver’s eyes narrowed. Oh,Saints, no. He would be putting a stop to that. Immediately.
Before he could open his mouth, Amryn touched his arm. It was a testament to how far gone he was for his wife that even that slight contact made his heart beat faster.
The look she gave him was soft with understanding, yet pointedly clear:Don’t say a word.
His look was just as pointed:You can’t seriously expect me not to say anything about this.
Her lips twitched before she whispered, “Later.”
Oh, he and Baranov woulddefinitelybe exchanging words later.
Their progress into the heart of the city soon slowed, the carriage moving at a crawl because the streets were so full. Zagrev was a large city, but it seemed every person within the city limits was in the shopping district today. Elowen quickly grew impatient with their sluggish pace. Since Piera Denvoux’s shop was only a few streets over, she suggested they walk the rest of the way.
Ford and Ivan exited first. Ford’s eyes were on the milling crowd, so it was Ivan who took Elowen’s hand to help her down.Of course.Carver did not appreciate the way Ivan couldn’t seem to tear his gaze from Elowen’s thankful smile. As if he’d never seen anything more fascinating or wonderful.
Carver nearly said something right then. Ivan was too old, too severe, and too lethal for his little sister.
Amryn’s eyes glittered with amusement, but she gave him a subtle head shake as he helped her down from the carriage.
His eyes narrowed. “How long have you known about this?”
