Teryn pursed his lips to keep them from quirking into a grin. “If you don’t want to marry her, then why are you here?”
“My father wants me to marry the princess for Selay’s trade with the Southern Islands. However, if I can get us Aromir wool, Father will be satisfied.”
“Why me? Why not offer an alliance to Prince Helios?”
Lex’s lips pulled into a grimace. “Have you met him? He looks like he strangles puppies for fun. And that’s after he’s finished drinking the blood of virgins and kindly grandmothers.”
Again, Teryn had to force himself not to grin. His own impression of the brutish prince hadn’t been much different. He lifted his chin and posed his next question. “How exactly do you propose to help me?”
“By forfeiting to you, obviously.”
Teryn expected more to follow, but only silence stretched on. “Wait…are you saying you have no plans to physically aid me in any way?”
Another perplexed look from Lex. “Of course not. I’ll stay here, you’ll go frolic through the woods in the name of love, and when you return with the princess’ gifts, you’ll brag about what fierce competition I was.”
“Is that so?”
“It’s a solid plan.”
“I don’t see the benefit to me.”
“Less competition,” Lex said with a shrug. “Better odds.”
“I automatically have better odds because you just revealed to me you have no intention of winning.”
“Damn. Fine, I’ll come with you. I’ll help you…kill magical creatures and such.” He said the last part with a flourish of his hand. “Then we’ll return with the gifts, and you’ll spout on and on about my hunting prowess and how you beat me by only the narrowest margin. We’ll dine, we’ll dance, we’ll celebrate your nuptials, and you’ll grant the Kingdom of Tomas access to your trade arrangement with Brushwold.”
“I’lltryto include your kingdom in the agreement,” Teryn amended, “and if I can’t, I’ll arrange a special discount on the purchase of Aromir wool. And that’sonlyif I win.”
Lex’s mouth fell open. “Only if you win? That’s hardly fair.”
“Take it or leave it.” Teryn honestly wasn’t sure which option he’d prefer. While aid would be welcome, especially since Mareleau’s terms forbade her three champions from hiring help or bringing guards, was Lex going to bethathelpful? Helpful enough to put his kingdom’s greatest asset on the line?
If I win, he reminded himself,Menah won’t have to rely so heavily on said asset.
Lex shook his head as if the whole arrangement were a personal affront. “Fine.” With a resigned smile, he extended his hand and took a step toward Teryn?—
And halted as a steel blade blocked his path. The sword was held by Prince Helios.
Lex stumbledback from the sword, its edge glistening beneath the moonlight. Prince Helios didn’t pursue him. Instead, he grunted, “Dead.” He whirled toward Teryn, whose hand was already flying to his hip. It came away empty. Teryn cursed under his breath. Why hadn’t he thought to arm himself before meeting a stranger in a shadowed garden? “Dead,” Helios said again, pointing his blade at Teryn’s heart.
“Very cute,” Lex said in a mocking tone. “We’re all good and dead. Mind telling us what in the name of the seven gods you’re doing here?”
Teryn took a cue from Lex and tried to pretend he wasn’t at all intimidated. He forced himself into a casual posture, eying Helios through slitted lids.
Prince Helios sheathed his sword and stared stone-faced at them. “I’m here to join your alliance,” he said in a gruff voice.
Lex’s face went conspicuously pale. “What alliance?” he uttered too fast.
“The one you invited Prince Teryn to join but not me.”
Lex’s gaze shifted furtively from Teryn to Helios. “I…don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“At eight this evening, you sent a servant with a message for Prince Teryn. At a quarter to midnight, you left your room and entered the garden. At ten until midnight, Prince Teryn entered the garden. And here you are.”
Lex’s eyes bulged. “How do you know all that?”
“The servant you paid a single goldsovato deliver your message only required twosovasto tell me exactly where the message had been sent. The chambermaid who brought your dinner this evening, Lexington, only required fivesovasto watch your room for the remainder of the evening. Meanwhile, one of the hall servants watched Prince Teryn’s room for the cost of six.”
