‘Lady Lyndal will be travelling to the merchant borough. Take a few extra men with you. The nobility can access the borough at any time, so better to take precautions.’ She turned back to Lyndal. ‘We still have a few weeks left to win them over.’
Lyndal released a breath. ‘Good to know.’ She lowered into a curtsy. ‘Your Majesty.’
Fayre bowed her head before following her son.
‘Did you know about this gift?’ Lyndal asked Astin once they were alone.
‘I did, yes.’
She began walking. ‘A simple “the king is gifting you a dead animal” would have been a nice heads-up.’
‘It’s not my place to ruin his romantic surprises.’
She looked up at him. ‘Would it be possible to get word to my sisters and mother that I’ll be in the square today?’
He nodded. ‘I’ll send someone to the house.’
When she looked back at the ground, she noticed their steps were perfectly in sync. Sometime over the previous few weeks, he had started shortening his stride, and she had started lengthening hers. Now their feet hit the earth in unison, and that made her chest feel light and her bones hum.
‘Watch where you’re walking, not down at your feet,’ Astin said.
She met his gaze. ‘A few weeks ago, you would have laughed hysterically if I had collided with something.’
‘You mean before I was responsible for your safety?’
They entered the castle side by side. Clearing her throat, Lyndal said, ‘You know, we haven’t really spoken properly since the fire. I hope you know how grateful I am to you. Not only for saving my life but for all the kindness you showed. You truly did go above and beyond duty.’
He was silent.
She glanced up at him. ‘Did you hear me?’
‘Yes.’
‘You’re supposed to say something nice back.’
‘You’re welcome.’ He did not look at her when he spoke.
Her brow furrowed. ‘Have I missed something here? Done something?’
Taking her hand suddenly, Astin pulled her into a doorway. She held her breath as he dipped his head to speak.
‘What exactly are you fishing for here?’ His voice was laced with irritation.
She stared up at him. ‘I was simply thanking you. You guard me as you would the king. I see it, and I appreciate it.’
He let go of her wrist. ‘You know, I don’t tend to cradle the king in my arms.’
She searched his eyes. ‘Why not? I’m certain he would like it.’
Astin raked a hand over his short hair, then brought his face closer to hers. She did not know whether he was going to reprimand her or kiss her. Of course he was not going to kiss her. So why did her lips part and her heart speed up?
‘The plan hasn’t changed, has it?’ he whispered. ‘You want the crown.’
He was so close she could feel his breath on her face. She leaned into the sensation, and he drew back, waiting for her answer.
‘What I want is to help the merchants,’ she said.
‘So you’ll marry the king.’
