I glance at Lady Charlotte, and her expression is equally stony. Clearly a coordinated effort here.
My eyes shift back to the princess. Even in a cloak, with velvet gloves,she seems to be holding back a shiver. I could draw her into my arms and make her warm immediately, but I think she really would put a hairpin in my eye.
I’ve run out of patience, so my voice goes sharper than I intend. “My soldiers barely slept last night. They spent most of the day searching forme. Thanks to your Hunter’s warnings about poison, no one has eaten, either. But forspite, you’re going to make me order one of them to stand in the cold and guard your carriage—”
Behind me, the bickering soldiers shut upquick.
“I’m not making you doanything,” the princess snaps. Her gaze returns to the wall, a clear refusal to move. I’m tempted to drag her out.
I lower my voice. “Hate me if you like, Princess. But my men don’t deserve to—”
“Please close the door, Your Majesty.”
Rage swells in my chest, but I slam the carriage door closed and turn away. I don’t care that it seems petty and juvenile.
Behind me, she turns the latch that locks it.
Fuck.
The others are watching me with guarded expressions. They’ve pulled their packs and weapons for the night, but it’s clear that every single one of them was listening to that exchange, and they’re bracing for my orders. Wondering which one of them is going to have to be cold and hungry because Princess Marjoriana is being a royal—
I cut off those thoughts before they can fully form. But if she expects to be my queen, she’s not exactly endearing herself to the army. Maybe that’s not surprising. I doubtshehas ever gone hungry.
I glance behind them at the inn. Smoke curls from the chimney, and the smell of cooked food is strong from here.
I let out a breath and fetch my quiver and bow from where they’re tethered behind my saddle. Then I strap on the quiver, hang the bow over my shoulder, and put my back against the carriage. “I’ll take first watch,” I say to them. “Go. Eat. Arrange for rooms. Whatever is available.”
None of them move.
Sev sighs, then hangs his own quiver over his shoulder. He stepsaway to come stand against the carriage beside me. “We’lltake first watch,” he says. “Go.” When they still don’t move, he adds, “That is anorder.”
They turn to obey, with the exception of Garrett, who approaches me and Sev. He glances at the other carriage. “What about Stripes?”
I try to imagine Asher’s reaction if he hears them call him that—and I fail. “He’s injured and chained to the seat,” I say. “He hasn’t made a sound. I don’t think he’ll cause any trouble.”
But as I say the words, the latch behind us clicks open. The princess appears in the doorway.
Her eyes are cold when they meet mine. “I did not fully consider your men,” she says icily. “I should have.” Her eyes flick to Garrett, who’s stopped, probably ready to listen to another argument. “Forgive me,” she says.
His eyes widen, just a bit, and I can tell she’s surprised him. He gives her a nod. “Yes, Your Highness.”
“Charlotte and I will join you.” She moves forward, ignoring the hand I offer, climbing down from the carriage herself. Her lady follows closely behind, and she ignores me just as effectively.
As they move past, the princess stops and looks at Sev. “Captain Zale. You will escort us.”
Sev inhales sharply, and his eyes snap to mine. I’m sure he expects me to be annoyed, and I am, but I’m mostly just tired. “Go ahead,” I say.
He clamps his mouth shut and offers his arm. “Your Highness?”
Jory rests her hand on his elbow, and I clench my jaw.
“Your king has told me that he plays the role of a soldier,” she says to him, as if I’m not standing right there. “So as to not make himself a target.”
“I am notplaying a role,” I grit out.
Garrett is still watching this exchange, and his eyebrows go up.
She doesn’t even look at me. “I will do the same, Captain. You will call me Jory. Charlotte and I will be ladies of the court, sent to prepare for the princess’s arrival in Incendar.” She pauses. “And you will tell your king that my acquiescence now is no indication that I trust him or his deceitful actions. I am looking after his loyal soldiers, nothim.”
