“No. You’ll stay here. Make sure nothing happens to Sabina and that nobody knows why I’m gone. We already have enough unrest. I don’t want the nobles finding out that Duneport is getting involved in this.”
“I didn’t know we were at war with them,” I say quietly.
“We aren’t, and I’m hoping to keep it that way,” Caiden replies. “I need you not to tell your ladies.”
“I won’t,” I promise.
He leaves without a backward glance, all the legionnaires following him.
I’m sitting at the abandoned game while Brevan stands in the doorway.
I gesture toward the chessboard. “Want to take Caiden’s place?”
“Wouldn’t you rather go back to your ladies?” he asks.
“No.”
He enters slowly, then sits at the table. His dark hair is pulled away from his eyes, and he’s wearing his black leather armor. I wonder if it’s as uncomfortable as the corset I have on under my dress.
I move a piece, then look up at him. “Your turn.”
He takes his turn, and I can see just a hint of his gift mark extending beyond his sleeve. I know everyone with a god’s gift has a mark, but I’ve heard they’re usually small and kept hidden. I’ve never seen one in real life. I wonder what Brevan’s looks like.
“Giving up already?” He asks.
My cheeks heat. I have no business thinking about his gift marks. “Never.” I glance up at him. “Don’t rush me.”
After I go, he seems to take the game very seriously. He studies the board and is intentional with each action. Every time he leans forward, I try for a glimpse of that mark, but his sleeve covers it.
“You must hate being stuck with me.” I set a bishop on the square.
“I go where I’m needed,” he says.
“I can’t imagine it’s a good use of your skills. Making you sit here, where I’m already protected.” I glance at him. “I’ve heard about you. The things you can do.”
He lifts his brow. “You have?”
“Of course. The man who burns whole cities to the ground for his emperor.”
“We all have our role to play, don’t we, Princess?” He moves a knight.
“We do. But we still have choices.” I counter his play and he frowns.
“What do you know about choices? You’re here to marry a stranger because your kingdom demanded it of you.” He’s studying the board, his hand moving between pieces while he decides what to do next.
“I know what I’m doing,” I reply.
“Do you?” He looks up at me, eyebrow quirked.
“Yes.”
“You say you’ve heard of me, but have you heard about your betrothed? Do you know about him?”
“Of course I have,” I say defensively.
He takes his turn, his eyes never leaving mine.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think it was worth it,” I add.
