I wanted to yell at him. Cyrus cocked a brow at me like he had impressed himself somehow.
“Wait a moment,” I said, but no one waited.
Evergreen shook his head and picked up the Prince’s discarded sword. He rolled his neck as he headed back into the stables.
Sam patted my shoulder for it. “Don’t mind him, he’s sore he almost lost. I’ll return shortly, my love,” he said. Then he was gone.
I collected my hands.
“I see you and the Prince are getting on well,” said Elías.
“Are you very serious?” I chose.
“Always,” he returned. His eyes traveled toward the open barn.
“Suddenly, you trust me alone with men?” I asked.
“I’m only following your instruction, Your Highness,” he said.
“Bloody hell,” I muttered.
“Language.”
“I can’t believe this,” I said. “You’ve ruined my plot.”
“No, I’ve created a better opportunity,” he said. He pointed to the stables. “I’m far too busy for a stroll, remember? I need to walk away now, and in my absence, you’ll pursue Mr. Evergreen. See?”
I looked at him. “You won’t stand here until the Prince returns, to tell me to behave?” I asked.
“No.”
“No?” I asked.
“No. But I’ll be right around the corner here should you need me. Scream loudly.”
“S-Scream loudly?” I asked.
He shrugged and then took a step back as I watched, before turning and walking away.
I had expected him to follow Cyrus into the stalls himself, to glare at or bully him, but he didn’t, and that bothered me. It left me feeling a weird sort of emptiness, like my gloomy mentor had abandoned his ever-watchful, annoyingly painful effort to shield me from rakes over a little fight.
“Eli?” I asked, but he was out of earshot.
I stood for as long as I could, but failed what must have been his test, hurrying into the barn.
“Mr. Evergreen!” I called, but when I found him, he wouldn’t slow down and coursed through the room, incredibly fast. “Mr. Evergreen?” I asked a second time.
He leaned the wooden swords against the wall and collected a bag from off the ground. When I appeared behind him, he sighed loudly.
“Is there something I can help you with, Princess?” he asked.
“You won’t come with us?” I asked.
“I have much to do,” he said.
“I see,” I said, nodding. “I see. I see. Alright,” I started, annoyed. “Then I was correct to trust my worries, as you’ll have it. Farewell then, Mr. Evergreen.”I whirled back around, stomping toward the door.
“Enjoy your afternoon,” he said.
