“Promise?” I asked quietly.
“I promise.” He gave me the softest of smiles. “I’ll have a guard escort you back to your bedchamber.”
I waved a dismissive hand. “There’s no need, I know the way.”
“There is a need when a murder occurred on these grounds only two nights ago.” His tone told me there was no point in arguing.
I was hardly pleased at the idea of being trailed by guards again, but I supposed I could allow it, just this once. “Fine.”
“But before you leave,” —he pulled me tightly into his body— “I must insist on saying a proper goodbye.” He brushed a strand of hair behind my shoulders, studying me as though he was committing my every feature to memory. Then he kissed me softly, as if he had all the time in the world. Despite my lingering annoyance, I leaned into his kiss, savoring his taste, his scent.
Finally, we parted, and, eyes still shut, Tarben let out a long groan.
“Was it that terrible?” I joked weakly.
“The opposite. It makes it very, very difficult to leave.”
“You don’t have to go; surely you could send someone else to oversee this? Your general?” I said, in a last-ditch effort.
“The general is already stationed there. My presence sends a clear message to the rebels, and anyone else who seeks to bring harm to my people. Besides, I will not sit back while my men put their lives at risk.”
“Why do you have to be so noble?” I grumbled.
He took my hand and led me outside the door, where two guards were stationed. “See that Miss Alara makes it safely to her chamber,” he instructed one of them.
We stared at each other. I told myself this would not be the last time I saw him. He said he’d only be gone for a few days.
I brushed my lips against the stubble of his cheek. “Hurry back,” I said into his ear.
Just as I was about to turn and leave, he drew me to him and brushed my mouth with his, one final time. When he spoke, his tone was serious. “You’ll be safe here at the castle, with the guards. Swear to me you won’t leave the grounds without them?”
“I swear,” I responded, not sure if I could deny him anything in that moment.
Seemingly satisfied, he bent down and whispered in my ear, “Then I swear I will hurry back to you, darling.”
My heart jumped at his words, but I said nothing in return.
With one final embrace, he let me go.
Accompanied by the guard, I made my way back to the guest wing, all the while wondering why it had been so difficult to say goodbye.
Tonight may not have ended how I’d hoped, but it was mostly a success. Tarben had been on the verge of confessinghis love, I was certain of it. The border was only half a day’s ride away. And he would be back before full moon. He had to be.
What was more concerning was my body’s bizarre reaction to Tarben’s nearness, to his words, to the way he looked at me, how he’d called medarling... and why did I feel genuinely disappointed at the thought of not seeing him for the next few days?
Maybe it was a good thing to get some distance from him. Clearly, I was enjoying his company a little too much. Was it because I knew it couldn’t last? Was it easier to get caught up in the romance knowing it had a non-negotiable end date? Or was it because, realistically, it could never work between us? I’d never been one to resist what I was told I couldn’t have.
Either way, I would use my free time to track down the murderer. It would be much easier to accomplish without any distractions. Once I identified them, I would hand them over to the Royal Guard to deal with, Tarben would be out of danger, and my conscience would be clear.
When Tarben returned from the border, he would profess his love for me, the curse would be broken, and I would be free. Free and a savior in my people’s eyes. I would return to Vantillios with a hero’s welcome. I could finally, finally explore Amaros. My grandmother would have to allow me to accompany her on official royal visits, after all I’d done for our kingdom. Maybe I could even negotiate visits to foreign courts without her. I’d heard the king of Pryrinth was very handsome, and his court was the most glamorous in the world.
Yes, my life would be so much better. And Tarben? Well, he’d be bereft at first. But he would eventually meet a nice girl to help him heal. He’d go on to marry and live a happy, but ultimately short, mortal life.
The thought made my stomach harden like dry clay.
I reached the door to my bedchamber. The guard gave me a silent nod, then retreated back down the corridor.
Ready to collapse into bed, I swung open the door and nearly jumped out of my skin.
