Kieran has told me all along that all he wants is for one of the Ashcrofts to take the mining problem seriously, to believe he’s working to fix this country’s injustices, and even I’ve discounted him.
No longer. I want nothing more than to be a queen who values all her people—bluebloods and redbloods alike. This is my chance to prove to Kieran that I care.
I lift my skirts, my delicate slippers flashing as I run toward Kieran’s coach. The air is warm, far too warm for running, but I smile as the breeze rushes through my bound hair. Running to Kieran Greenblufffeels like the most reckless thing I’ve ever done. But perhaps I’ve lived long enough without taking chances.
Kieran opens the door, a satisfied smile curving his lips. “Princess,” he says, pulling me in and signaling the coachman to drive.
31
Kieran
“Kieran, stop the coach. Let’s talk for a moment,” Gen says, her tone measured, as if she’s trying to be reasonable without losing her temper. From her expression, I can tell she didn’t expect me to direct the carriage away from Fairbright.
“No, I don’t think I will. You were the one who ran toward me, after all.”
I still can’t quite believe it. When I first saw her, she avoided my gaze—as usual. Denying our connection has been her plan all along.
She shakes her head in frustration, her loose curls bouncing. “I ran to tell you I want you to stay, so we can make arrangements for me to travel to the mines—not for you to kidnap me.”
I chuckle, leaning back in my seat, trying to hide the way my heart barrels against my ribs. Gen ran to me. She left Leland and choseme. My nineteen-year-old self used to dream of this—of her choosing me over the crown, over her duty, over her mother’s expectations.
As the carriage rattles through the bustling streets of Crawford, I say, “Princess, I had no intention of staying. I have business to attend to in the north. In fact, this little turn of events is perfect. I’ve been telling the queen we need a representative to inspect the mines, but she hasn’t taken my request seriously.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “I want to join you—that’s what I was coming to suggest. But I have nothing packed, and it’s supposed to be dangerous! I need to speak with my mother.”
I shrug. “If it’s too dangerous for you, then why do you allow your citizens to work there?”
Her lips purse. For a long moment she says nothing. Finally, in a softer tone, she replies, “Kieran, please take me back. I’d be happy to go north with you, but not like this. I didn’t mean to imply that I was above anyone who works in those mines. I want to help, truly—but not like this. Let me make plans and coordinate a proper tour.”
I shake my head. “Come with me now. Forget the plans. Show me you actually want to improve Naseria.”
“My mother will be furious. She’s already going to be apoplectic when she finds out the engagement is off. She’s going to think I ran away with you!”
The engagement is off?
I suspected as much when I saw her running toward me, but hearing the words from her lips sends a rush through my veins. She didn’t go through with it, whether by her choice or not.
“Well,” I tease, “you did run toward me, so it could accurately be considered running away.”
She groans, burying her face in her hands. It’s the same gesture she used to make whenever I pushed her too far. Back then, it was usually when my plans for us crossed one of the countless boundaries of propriety that ruled her every waking moment.
“Surely Prince Leland can explain this in a way that doesn’t look like an absolute disaster.” She exhales, lifting her head with a weary sigh. “Why did I behave so impulsively?”
The carriage rattles as we take the northerly highway toward the mines. The rolling hills beyond Crawford open before us in a verdant mosaic of farmland and open pasture.
“You’ve never done well with impulsive decisions, have you, Princess?”
She closes her eyes, leaning back and letting her hand fall so close to mine I can almost feel the silk. “Don’t tease me, you horrid man.”
I chuckle, wrapping my hand around hers. “It’s true, isn’t it? Remember when we were ten and decided to go swimming in the lake? It was your idea, if I recall. Astoria tried to talk you into asking permission first, but you insisted as the future queen, you could make your own decisions.”
She squeezes my hand and lets out a small laugh. “I ruined my silk gown, but my lady’s maid didn’t tell Mother. I felt guilty for weeks for being dishonest.”
I stroke her gloved hand in mine, the weight of her engagement ring pressing between us. “There’s never been a more serious child—always thinking of expectations and following orders.”
“I don’t think I would have had any fun at all if it weren’t for you and Gabe. You were my everything, Kieran.”
She looks at me with a softness I’ve only caught glimpses of since I returned to her. But this time it lingers, her deep sapphire eyes studying me like I’m a puzzle she can’t quite solve.
