It felt so real…
Well, the one at the blessing ceremony seemed real, too, but hehadto kiss me then. At Katharine’s, it felt like he kissed me because hewantedto—because heneededto. But what do I know? Despite all of the conversations I’ve had at the Beak with all manner of men, I don’t have anyfirsthandknowledge of romantic relationships. Though my gut tells me that Dietan has feelings for me, I’m having a hard time trusting that intuition.
I tug my rucksack higher on my shoulder. How far would that kiss have gone if Katharine hadn’t interrupted us? I try not to wonder, but it’s all I can think about. Heat rises in my cheeks, and this time it’s not from the desert.
What will happen when this journey is over?
If we both live, that is.
When we get our first look at the shining city, I feel more like a peasant than ever.
The city of Engel is made almost entirely of gold. Under the bright light of the desert sun, everything—from the towers to the streets—shines tenfold. Walking up to the front gates would make anyone feel insignificant. Especially someone like me who has never seen this much gold in my life.
When the solid gold doors open, I hesitate. Dietan glances over his shoulder at me. For a fleeting moment, I glimpse the concern in his expression before he resumes his royal facade for the emissary’s benefit.
All I want to do is run in the other direction.
Katharine warned us that anyone who sets foot within these gates never leaves. If I enter this city, I might never see my sisters or father again. Even if Dietan succeeds in solving his problem,Imay never be allowed to leave.
Dietan is a prince. He is trained to maneuver through the intricacies of court politics. He belongs with people of power, and there is an entire government ready to swing into action to negotiate his release. I’m nothing, no one, compared to him. I’m not even his bride.
I’m just part of a lie.
I hold myself tightly as I follow Dietan and the emissary, willing my knees not to give out.
Goddess, why can’t I just go home—and take Dietan with me?
That’s where he belongs. In Evandale. At the Raven’s Beak tavern, with a mug of ale and a plate of my biscuits. He looked so happy there. We’d have a good laugh together. I’d call him names and order him around. He’d laugh and help me clean up, learn to do the dishes.
We’d be happy.
We could find another way to remove the Rings in his back. I’m sure there’s something his father’s advisors missed.
“Dietan,” I whisper.
The emissary continues walking as Dietan stops and turns to me. “Yeah?”
Let’s leave this place. I don’t have a good feeling about this. We’ll find another way to fix you. I think we’re going to die in here.
But I can’t.
But I don’t say any of that. What was I thinking? He chose to be here. He’s a prince. He can’t live at the Raven’s Beak. War has arrived in his kingdom, and his father needs the Rings of Fate.
I must not be thinking straight because of the heat.
Ahead, the emissary has stopped, waiting for us.
I meet Dietan’s blue-green eyes, and my breath escapes me. This man has given me so many chances to back out. He’s even tried to force me to leave, yet here I am. Ican’tleave. Not without him. Asking him to leave when we are so close to his goal would be unfair.
The weight of kingdoms rests on those broad shoulders.
“Nothing,” I say, shaking my head.
“Are you sure?” he whispers back.
No, I’m not sure, but we’ve come this far, and we can’t turn back now. This is why we’re here: to remove the Rings, to change the course of the war, to return to Loegria and save everyone in Albion.
Dietan waits patiently, standing tall and confident and regal, like the prince he is. “Come on,” he says, trying to reassure me with a nod, and I attempt a smile, but it feels tight and unconvincing, as if I’m pulling the corners of my lips up with my fingers.
