Bron noticed her nerves, because he asked, “Can we make this move faster?”
Mych gave him a curious glare. “Are you so bothered by our company?”
Bron opened his mouth, likely to make some inappropriate retort.
“I get nauseous easily,” Iskra jumped in before the two guards began to brawl.
“Next time, we’ll make sure to bring some mint leaves for you to chew on. I have a whole garden dedicated to herbs.”
Iskra smiled at Jasyn. He sat across from her, and she was careful not to tap her knees against his, but with the roughness of the road, it was a tricky feat.
He smiled back at her, and his skin practically glowed. She didn't know if it was his power or just the sun seeping through the window. Whichever it was, it didn’t make it easier for her to ignore his allure.
“We’re almost there,” Jasyn assured her, and she could practically cry at his kindness in the few days she had known him. Even if he didn’t have the qualities one would expect for a ruler, she had no doubts the people would love him. They just needed a chance to get to know him forhim.
Jasyn was right; the rest of the journey was quick. He helped her out of the carriage, and when their hands connected, she had to hide the sharp inhale of breath.
“I’ll bring you some flowers and water for the vase tonight,” Jasyn said nervously.
Iskra blinked but then remembered what she held. “Tonight?”
He nodded, biting his bottom lip. He was unsure, and she wasn’t making it easier on him.
Iskra watched as the sun sank, close to leaving for the night. Her heart raced. She needed to leave soon.
“Prince Jasyn, I had the most wonderful day, and it has left me tired. I feel like I need to rest. Does tomorrow work?”
He hesitated, as if hurt by the way she pushed back. Guilt clawed at her, but she had no choice. It was a reminder that no matter how much she pretended she was free, Kryth still had power over her.
“Of course, Lady Esi. You deserve to rest.”
She hatedthatname coming from his lips. She wanted it to behers, and she didn’t care if those thoughts were selfish, even if it was the most dangerous thing of all.
“Until then.” She curtsied, though the movement was awkward. She really needed to practice.
Bron practically yanked her away. Once there was enough distance between them and the prince and his guard, under his breath, Bron scolded her. “You’re playing with fire.”
Iskra could have bent back her head and laughed at the irony. He had no idea how well aware Iskra was of the situation.
Iskra shoved away a branch, and as she passed it, it swung back, right into Bron’s face. He grabbed her arm and forced her to face him. His dark eyes looked ready to pop out of his sockets.
“This game was started by the person you’re meant to protect,” she seethed as she poked his chest hard. She was doing Esi a favor. Whether Bron liked it was not Iskra’s problem. He could puff his chest out and actually talk with Esi if he was that concerned.
As if the words had beckoned her, the real Esi stumbled from the bushes.
“Oh, you’re here,” Esi said, her voice light and content. Iskra and Bron backed away from each other. “Is something wrong?”
“Nothing,” Iskra said.
“She’s falling for him,” Bron announced.
Iskra opened her mouth and shut it, her teeth clanging. She huffed in frustration.
“Here.” Iskra gave Esi the vase. “We made it this afternoon at a shop together. He was overwhelmed by crowds, so we rushed away. Also, his power—” Iskra stopped herself. For some reason, she didn’t want to reveal it to either of them, especially Bron. It felt like betraying Jasyn. But Esi should know…
“What about it?” Esi pushed as she turned the vase in her hands, investigating the colors and shape.
“He’s powerful,” Iskra managed to say. “I must go.”
