“Is she working at the Screaming Goat?” he asks.
“No, it was a place in the Point.” I clench my jaw the second the words leave my mouth. I should not know this much about Aurorium.
“She had a family connection.” I add, hoping it helps make it sound better.
I am in so much trouble.
“Red’s?” he asks.
I nod.
“That’s not a great place for a woman alone,” he says.
“Things in Pendralia aren’t much better for women than they are in Iskvaland, but at least she can work here. She rented a room. She doesn’t have to marry someone she doesn’t love.”
“Are you still talking about your friend?” he asks.
I stare at my feet, unable to meet his eyes.
“The prince has told me how much he enjoys your company,” he says. “How different you make him feel. How much he’s come to care for you. It might not be love, but there is worse.”
I don’t respond.
“Do you feel that toward him?” His tone is vulnerable.
“No.” I look up at him. “But I feel it for someone else, even though I know I shouldn’t.”
It’s low. Using the feelings I know he has for me to get out of this. If he hides this, like he hid it before, he’ll be keeping things from his own emperor to protect me. This isn’t how I should repay someone who’s saved my life. Twice.
“You shouldn’t say things like that.”
“I know.”
“You’re going to get us both killed.”
“I’m sorry.”
He runs a hand through his hair and walks away from me. He shakes his head. He’s frustrated. I know how he feels.
When he turns back to me, he looks calmer. “Things between Caiden and me are…complicated. Having feelings for his bride is…”
My whole body feels alive at his words. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t stop myself. “Feelings?”
“But we can’t,” he says. “You know that.”
“I understand.” I hate it, but I know how dangerous this is. And it’s not just Caiden. It’s the betrayal Brevan will feel when he finds out the truth.
“I promise you, I will not use the tunnel again,” I say.
“They’re destroying it tomorrow.” He glances into the bathroom and sees the dress. “I’ll make sure the dress is gone before they arrive. But I swear to the gods, Sabina, I can’t cover for you again.”
“You won’t have to,” I assure him.
“Go to the library. Stay there. Read something that isn’t going to get you in trouble. If anyone asks, you’ve been there since training. I’ll be there soon to escort you to your rooms.”
“Thank you,” I say. “I owe you.”
“Yes, you do. Several favors at this point.” He blows out a long breath.
