She considered remaining mute on her plans, but she gave him a curt nod.
“Then let me aid your efforts in rescuing the captured unicorns there. That’s all I ask. With my help—Lex’s too, if he’s willing—we could free the creatures, maybe without nearly as much bloodshed. If you find our aid useful, perhaps we can help you further, should you choose.”
“Why? Why would you help me?”
“I owe you a debt. You treated Lex’s arm. You must allow me to repay you.”
“I don’t want you to repay me.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m a prince. Chivalry is my guiding compass.”
She snorted a dark laugh. “It didn’t seem like it when you aimed a spear at me.”
“You tried to stab me first—” He shook his head. “That’s beside the point.”
“No, Your Highness,” she said, tone mocking. “I don’t care about your chivalry or your moral compass.”
“Then care about what I could help you accomplish. Faster. Easier.”
She eyed him through slitted lids. Suspicion prickled the back of her neck. “You’re hiding something. What aren’t you telling me?”
His eyes widened for a fraction of a second before he steeled his expression. When he spoke, his words were slow. Careful. “Now that I know what I know, I can’t finish the Heart’s Hunt. But perhaps I can do something worthwhile while I’m here.”
She shook her head, not buying any of that. “What’s in it for you? You may not have won your silly Hunt, but neither did anyone else. You could simply go home and claim your bride’s hand—”
“I have a duty to my kingdom,” he said, tone firm, “to do the right thing.” He punctuated the last two words. With a deep inhale, she let herself feel his emotions. She sensed only truth.
“And you think helping me free some unicorns is theright thing?”
He hesitated before answering, but when he did, he was resolute. “Yes.”
She heard soft steps coming up alongside the horses. Valorre. Berol ruffled her feathers at his appearance, edging farther down Teryn’s saddle.
You could let him help you, he said.
She cast him a dark glare.You can’t be serious.
It’s dangerous doing this on your own.
I never heard you complain before, she silently conveyed.You’re the one who dragged me into this, you know.
If you recall, I asked both you and your friend.
Her heart clenched at his reference to Maiya. But Valorre was right. He had implored them both to help, and Cora had sought the aid of the entire commune, only to be denied by Roije. She’d already fantasized about how much easier her mission would be if she’d had the Forest People to help. But the commune had skilled magic users, trackers, and hunters. Teryn and Lex were just…princes.
She returned her attention to Teryn. “How do I even know you’d be a help and not a hindrance? I saved your life from the Beast tonight.”
He quirked a brow. “Technically, you saved the caged unicorn’s life. The Beast only went for Helios, and I don’t recall you intervening on his behalf.”
“The creature wounded your friend and I bandaged him up.”
He shrugged. “Still, wouldn't it help to have more than just you protecting Valorre? Your arrows wounded the Beast, but the monster didn’t fall. I’m skilled with a spear, while Lex…” He trailed off, some of his confidence faltering. “Lex can wield a sword. You saw how he killed one of those hunters.”
She rolled her eyes. “And nearly curled up in the fetal position after.”
He sighed. “Give us a chance. Let us redeem ourselves. Let us do some good after everything we nearly destroyed.”
Her gaze slid to Valorre.I still think it’s a good idea, he said.I like him. He’s very tall.
