We stepped outside and were promptly greeted by the chillin the air. Unused to the cold, my body shivered involuntarily. I was glad for my extra layers and cloak, as well as the warm body on my arm. The fact that he was good looking was no hardship either.
“Apologies, Your Highness. I didn’t realize it would be so easy to wound the future king of Solvardunn.”
“She’s as brutal as she is beautiful,” he said, cocking his head to the side to study me.
“Some might call it brash to say such things to the future king,” I said, biting back a smile. I knew he enjoyed my teasing.
“No,” he said, stopping in his tracks. “Please don’t ever tiptoe around me. Only tell me the truth—I’d like to know what’s on your mind.” He quirked an eyebrow expectantly.
I could have rolled my eyes at his naivety. People always said they wanted the truth but so rarely could they face it when it was given freely. Complete honesty at all times was an idealistic fantasy. In practice, it would only cause more harm than good. Absolute transparency could be a betrayal, and there were some truths that should never see the light of day. In my experience, being completely truthful was rarely beneficial to me. I was of the belief that, in most cases, little lies were far better for all parties involved.
I kept my tone airy as I asked, “And if it’s not flattering to His Highness?”
“Then I ask that you tell me so I can convince you otherwise,” he said with a cocky grin.
I had to admit, I found his self-assuredness extremely attractive. “As you wish. Only the truth,” I lied.
He looked pleased as we approached the gardens. Autumn really suited the grounds and complimented the castle’s rustic ambiance. Rowan and crabapple trees were ablaze with shades of ochre, rust and vermilion. Flagstones carved out a winding pathway among wooden arches, trees, herbs, and flowerbedswith blooms I couldn’t name. The herbs, on the other hand, I instantly recognized as lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage and mint. Doran grew these, and more, in the greenhouse.
“Good. We can start with you telling me one true thing about yourself,” he said with a sly smile.
“That’s hardly fair,” I replied, shaking my head. “Unless you’re prepared to exchange that information for a truth of your own.”
He tapped his chin, contemplating. “Agreed.”
“Alright,” I said, thinking of something innocuous to share. “Growing up, my tutor made me press flowers into a journal as part of our nature studies. I secretly enjoyed it and still do it to this day. I wish I had it with me for our turn around the gardens.”
“A new journal can easily be arranged for you, but we’re not going for a turn around the gardens. And that truth doesn’t count.”
“We’re not?” I couldn’t conceal my confusion.
“No.”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” His answer was accompanied by a playful glint in his eyes.
A slight arch of my brow accompanied my narrowed gaze. I suspected I knew where we were headed.
With a chuckle, he said, “It’s a place I like to visit for some peace and quiet. I think you’ll like it too.”
Tarben steered us past a wooden bench, towards the flagstone pathways between the hedges. “It’s a large castle, aren’t there many places for solitude?” I asked as we made our way into the maze.
“Not as many as you’d think. No matter where I hide, someone tracks me down.”
“You don’t actuallyhide.” I couldn’t suppress the laugh that escaped my lips. Growing up, I had gained a reputation for hidingfor hours at a time. Especially during my needlework lessons.
“What? You don’t believe me?” His eyes twinkled.
“Oh, I believe you—I’m picturing you nestled between hampers of laundry.”
“I’ve tried the laundry hamper trick before,” he confessed with a smirk. “It didn’t work out as planned.”
“I’m not surprised. So, this place you’re taking me, is it a secret?”
“No, not a secret. At least not amongst those who live in the castle. But it’s far enough out of the way to steal a few precious minutes to myself before my responsibilities inevitably catch up with me.”
His tone was light, but I knew from experience that he must feel overwhelmed and frustrated, isolated and trapped. Being heir to a kingdom tended to have that effect on a person at times. I understood his need to get away more than he would ever know. Still, I said nothing as we ventured deeper into the maze.
