The fully enclosed carriage was made of thick wood, painted a rich aquamarine color, just a shade darker than the gem I’d seen at the workshop. The undercarriage had a curved bow dipping down in the center. Large spoked wheels elevated the ride high into the air, making the step land at the top of my knees.
There was a deluge of gold adornments attached to the entire structure, with an intricate wave pattern fully encompassing the top. Embedded gemstones twinkled as the afternoon rays struck them.
“Ready?” Ryder asked, guiding me forward.
He reached for the three books, but I quickly passed them to Fisher, who was standing nearby. The Prince assisted me up the step and helped me inside before joining me a moment later.
“Your books, Miss Audryn.” Fisher stepped up, bypassing Ryder and handing them to me. He’d held my secret once before; perhaps he would do it again.
“You were at the library today?” Ryder grabbed the top book and opened it to the center. “This is unexpected. I saw books in your room, but these are … different.”
“Vera said I could let my father borrow them for a couple of weeks, I hope that’s okay?” I hadn’t even thought to ask for his permission first.
He swapped out the second book and rested the first back on top of the stack. “I take no issue with the librarian’s decision,” he said, thumbing through the book. “Though I hadn’t realized your father reads tales. I’ve never understood a grown man wishing to spend his time wrapped up reading someone else’s made up stories.”
Returning the book to the top, he reached for the third. Before he could take the last and final book, I placed the pile on the bench next to me and slid his arm around my shoulder, letting myself tuck into him.
“Yes, well, I’m not sure I quite understand it either,” I said, not believing my own words. Perhaps if I had more leisure time, I might give his interests a try and see if I too enjoy the tales of another’s mind. Maybe I’d even read a worldwalking book.
It took us thirty minutes to reach the main area of the capital. Ten minutes later, we stopped in front of my home. Maybe it was less about seeing my father and more about Ryder meeting him, but nerves were getting the better of me. He’d met my friends on occasion, but never a potential partner.
Ryder pulled back the small drape of fabric covering the window. With such an elaborate mode of transportation, it wasn’t shocking to discover a handful of my neighbors hadgathered in the streets to gawk. I suddenly understood why he preferred not to leave the castle grounds unless required to do so.
The door swung open, revealing Fisher standing near the stairs. Ryder exited first, turning to assist me down while I pulled the books under my arm and against my side. He looked at the scrawling tattoo across my arm, and his jaw ticked.
“Thank you.” I smiled, straightening my skirt with my free hand.
“Your Highness,” one guard said loudly in our direction, “a word if you will.”
Ryder nodded before leaning in and placing a gentle kiss on top of my head. “Say hello to your father. I’ll be inside in a few minutes.”
The land was looking out for me because I’d been contemplating how I’d give my father the book from King Grave without Ryder realizing what it was. My father would have questions—I had questions. For starters, why would Grave give the book to Roark when the guard was obviously employed by the Suttons? It was a risky move.
Lifting my skirts, I walked up the steps leading to the porch. Only a few weeks had passed, but the home felt foreign. Turning back, I found Ryder’s gaze set against my back; his warm eyes melted my core. He dipped his chin and gestured me in before striding over to the guard.
Fisher took a position next to the front door. “I’ll be right here, let me know if you need anything.”
I debated on knocking, but decided against it. Pushing open the door to my living room, I found my father seated on the sofa with Jaspar sitting a cushion away. My eyes shot to the door, then to the men and back to the door. Before I could come up with a better plan, I closed the door and locked it.
“What areyoudoing here?” I gasped, worried Ryder might recognize Jaspar from the night of the ball.
“What are you doing here?” Jaspar’s eyes were wide. “Did you get kicked out? Is he dead? Do you have a name?”
“Ryder’s here,” I snapped back before turning to look out the window, “and he can’t see you.”
“Who?” My father’s brows pulled together.
“The prince! He’s outside and will be in here any minute!” My heart felt like it would beat out of my chest and splatter onto the table for all to see.
“Shit, okay.” Jaspar rose. “I’ll talk to you later, Kenelm.” He hurried to me and pulled me in for a quick hug. “Be safe.” He rushed through the living room and out the back door before I could respond.
Taking a seat next to my father, I leaned in for a hug. “I don’t even want to know why Jas was here.” I was sure there was an explanation for their impromptu meeting, but we didn’t have time.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded. “Things are well. What about you?” The conversation was more rushed than I had wanted. “How’s everything? Has Benton been taking care of the field?”
“He has. Everything continues to sell, and I’ve even been able to save a bit with the stipend I’ve received from the Suttons.”
