So much for trust between allies.
Aya couldn’t really blame the king.
‘It’s an honor to have you with us, Prince.’ The attendant, a man with creamy skin and wiry chestnut hair who introduced himself as Ezekiel, gave a polite bow. Aya raised a brow at the title. ‘And you, Madam. His Majesty is thrilled about your stay with us. He sends his apologies, but his greeting will have to wait. He’s been pulled away to address a matter in the countryside but looks forward to seeing you at dinner this evening.’
‘Let’s not lie to our guests, Ezekiel,’ a smooth voice drawled. ‘The old man is likely hunting.’
A tall, lean man strolled toward them, his wide brown eyes sparkling with amusement. He was dressed casually in tan britches and a loose white shirt that showed off the brown skin of his toned chest. His dark brown curly hair wascropped close to his head, his cheekbones high, nose broad, his jaw square.
And the way he held himself, tall and proud …
Aidon. The Crown Prince of Trahir.
‘That, or he’s nursing his pride over this mess we’ve found ourselves in with our rogue tradesmen,’ the prince added lightly. ‘You know how wounded he gets.’ He stopped next to Ezekiel, the attendant bristling at his flippancy. Aidon’s eyes were bright with mischief as he gave a slight nod of his head to Aya and Will. ‘No offense meant, of course.’
‘Your Highness,’ Will responded, bowing. ‘It’s our hope to keep the mess to a minimum.’
Aidon grinned, stepping forward to clap him on the shoulder. ‘Don’t bother posturing, my friend. It’s good to see you. You look well.’ He turned to Aya, a brow raised as he looked her over. ‘I heard you were bringing a friend.’ He let out a low whistle. ‘Sothisis the Queen’s Eyes. You can understand why some might be …alarmedat your presence.’
He winked.
Ah. So the guardswerefor her.
‘You should be more alarmed if my presence is undetected, Your Highness,’ she replied as she bowed.
‘Touché.’ Aidon grinned, his hands finding his pockets. ‘Please, call me Aidon. I hear it’s your first time in Rinnia?’ Aya nodded, and his smile grew as he snapped his fingers. ‘Then we must take a tour. Arrange us a carriage, Ezekiel?’
‘Perhaps our guests would like to get settled first, Your Highness. I have yet to show them to their rooms.’
Aidon’s expression was hopeful. ‘Afterward?’
Will shrugged, the gesture easy and loose. ‘Unfortunately Aya’s luggage didn’t make it onto our ship. We planned to head into town to get her some clothes. We’d love for you to accompany us.’
It was strange to see Will like this – somewhat amiable – especially having watched him tense at every mention of Aidon on their journey here. But Aya could still see the signs of tension. The tightness of his jaw, the way his smile didn’t quite meet his eyes … the closer they’d gotten to Rinnia, the worse it had become.
But Aidon didn’t seem to notice or care. He merely rubbed his hands together as he said, ‘Excellent. I’ll meet you back here in an hour.’ And then he was off, a light whistle on his lips as he strolled from the main hall.
Ezekiel suppressed a sigh as he watched his prince go, before leading them to their rooms on the upper floors.
Aya’s was first. Ezekiel pushed open the white double doors to reveal a spacious, circular sitting room. A velvet magenta couch and two pale blue oversized armchairs sat on either side of a jagged glass table, its base sparkling with what looked like seashells. Large colorful cushions and rugs were tastefully scattered throughout the space, and on the far side of the room, sheer white curtains marked two open doors which led onto a large terrace that looked as if it hung over the sea.
‘The bedroom is through there.’ Ezekiel nodded to the doors on the left side of the room. ‘And the bathing room as well.’ He turned his attention to Will. ‘We have you situated a few doors down, Prince. If you care to follow me …’
Despite Aidon’s casual demeanor, they’d made sure to keep their rooms separated. Aya tucked that insight away as she stepped onto the faded terracotta tile of the terrace. The sandstone marble balustrade stretched the length of the suite, another set of doors leading into the bedroom. She had a completely unobstructed view of the sea.
Aya watched the waves crash into the cliffs below. The horizon stretched on endlessly, and as she scanned it, she’dnever felt so small. She hadn’t truly thought of how little of the world she’d seen; of how comfortable she’d become in the sharp peaks and valleys of the Malas.
Aya turned away from the sea, making her way into the bedroom. A large four-poster bed with a plush white comforter and navy pillows took up most of the room, a mirrored dresser nestled against the wall opposite. A tall marble-lined mirror stood in the corner nearest the balcony. To the left of the room was a door that led to the bathroom – a bright white chamber with an enormous tub, double vanity, and separate toilet chamber.
The queen’s palace always seemed grand, with its dark stone passages and cavernous halls, its fireplaces and stained-glass windows. But this … this made the palace feel quaint.
Aya went to one of the sinks, letting the cold water she splashed on her face calm her spinning head. She heard the click of her bedroom door, followed by footsteps padding toward her. Will appeared, leaning against the doorframe as he watched her in the mirror.
‘It’s a lot to take in,’ he murmured as she splashed her face again. Aya reached for a fluffy white towel, patting her face dry before meeting his gaze through the mirror. The easy smile was gone, as if he had taken off his courtier mask and slipped back into his usual calculating self. ‘The color and the noise. It can be overwhelming.’
She leaned a hip against the counter as she faced him, ignoring his attempt to settle her. ‘Aidon seems charming,’ she said lightly, folding her arms across her chest.
‘That’s the general consensus.’
