“What were you and Thane arguing about last night?” I ask Algar in a low voice. Thane is several paces ahead, closer to Rynthea, who is shaking her head at something Kelrean is chortling about.
Exhaling, Algar digs into his pocket and pulls out a strip of dried fruit. He offers it to Zephra, who eagerly takes it with both her little paws and nibbles on it.
“I asked him why the attack in Kamtaur happened and if he was involved with the sorcerer who got away. He said he wasn’t involved with him, so I pushed for more answers because I know he’s lying about something regarding those people. There wouldn’t have been so many of them coming to kill him if he hadn’t done something serious.”
I nod, remembering Thane’s mention of stealing one of Seferin’s crystals. I also remember him requesting that I keep our conversation about the tome, Seferin, and Maliek between us, but Algar already knows about the tome. I just needhimto keep quiet about it now.
“I talked to him about that a little more last night, too,” I tell him in a lower voice. “He doesn’t want anyone else knowing about the tome. Apparently, I wasn’t even supposed to tell you.”
Algar frowns a bit. “Why not?”
“He thinks you’re a blabbermouth.”
Algar rolls his eyes. “Yeah, all right. As if I’m out here shouting everyone’s secrets to the gods.”
“Just promise to keep the tome thing between us, okay?” I plead. “It might be the safest thing to do—for all of us.”
“Fine.” Algar releases a deep sigh, concentrating on Thane’s back. “I suppose me being a blabbermouth annoyed him last night and that’s why he grabbed my shirt and told me to fuck off in spectacular Thane fashion.” He shrugs as if he doesn’t care, but I can tell he does—that Thane hurt his feelings. I lock on Thane, too, who is now looking over his shoulder at me and Algar. He turns away, but I notice him slowing his stride.
“Just remember what I said last night, yeah?” Algar steps over a rock. “About being careful with him. I wouldn’t lower my guard too much if I were you. Thane has never attached himself toanyone, and I doubt he’ll start now.” With a half-hearted smile, he walks faster to catch up with Rynthea.
Thane meets me at my side. I take a peek at him. It’s always so hard to decipher his expression with that mask covering half his face.
“I’m amazed,” he finally says.
“What are you talking about?”
“To not see any regret in your eyes.” His moisturized, tight curls gleam under the sun. He must’ve taken a bath and worked some kind of hair butter into his tresses.
I clear my throat, fighting the urge to imagine him having a bath…
Naked and wet.
Sculpted.
Delicious.
I dig into my satchel for another honey-lemon candy, seeking distraction.
“There’s no regret because I don’t care,” I tell him. “It happened, and now it’s in the past.”
“Still lying to yourself, I see.”
I put my attention ahead as I pop the candy into my mouth.
“The prince didn’t make it to your room.” It’s a statement—not a question.
“And how would you know that?”
“Because he’s still looking at you like he wants to devour you. He probably would, too, seeing as he’s half beast and all.”
“First of all, he’s ashifter. They’re not the same as beastials. Second, jealousy doesn’t suit you.”
I swear he’s giving his signature smirk behind that mask.
“There’s nothing for me to be jealous of. I know whose dick you want, and it certainly isn’t the prince’s.”
“Gods,” I groan. I really hope Kelrean’s hearing isn’t as keen as Rynthea’s. “You’re so full of yourself.”
