My smile falls. “It’s not just her health. It’s… everything. I wish she’d wake up so I could talk to her. And I’m frustrated with this impending marriage. It isn’t fair. The bloody marriage, the rebellion, the unrest in our neighboring nations, the treaties, alliances, enemies…” I draw in a breath. “I know I’ve been training for this my whole life, but it’s overwhelming in the midst of my mother practically knocking on Lugda’s door.”
“You’re under a lot of pressure,” Tiernan agrees.
I’m surprised that he doesn’t respond with something stricter, like reminding me that I’m the heir to the throne and I should’ve known that the responsibility of the nation could fall on my shoulders at any moment.
I scoff. “Pressure is one way to put it. It’s more like I’m being held underwater and I’m doing my best not to draw in my last breath. The Council is breathing down my neck, expecting me to be well-versed in being the queen already, but at the same time treating me like I’m a damn child.”
“I believe there’s one person in the castle who can relate to the pressures of such a deadline and an authority figure looming over her.”
I stop walking and fix him with a glower. “You can’t possibly be comparingmypredicament to Durvla’s task. She’sluckyto be here. I’m helpingher, if anything. She doesn’t have to work for her food, or her clothing, or the roof over her head. And she certainly doesn’t have to meet suitors and prepare to choose her… husband.” I nearly choke on the last word.
“No,” Tiernan says quietly as I start walking again. “But maybe she liked her life before she was taken away from it. I’m just saying that you may want to remember how you feel about these pressures because I’m sure Garrick is feeling it too. She’s doing quite well given the short deadline.”
“And given that you’re sneaking her off to the riding grounds for lessons.”
He tenses at my side. Only our footsteps echoing in the corridor fill the void for a moment before he says, “My apologies, Princess. I’d hoped it would help her feel more at home here in Paramount. I did not mean to undermine you.”
I chortle. “You don’t even try to lie.”
“You say that like it’s an insult.”
I halt my steps and Tiernan follows suit. “Tell me something. Say you had someone else you cared deeply for—hypothetically speaking—would you break the rules for them?”
He hesitates for a moment and then says with disappointing predictability, “The rules exist for the greater good.”
I roll my eyes. “That is a disgusting answer. No wonder you don’t have a lover.”
His jaw twitches slightly, but ever the controlled warrior, he doesn’t take the bait.
“Would you break the rules for me?”
“The rules protect you; there’s no need to break them.”
I groan. “Why must you be so constantly diplomatic? Break a rule every now and then. Drop the formalities. Flirt a little. Durvla is attractive.”
He blinks.
“Oh, come on. Those brown doe eyes, the curly hair, the flawless complexion.” For Rhianu’s sake she’s from the Grounds and she has not a blemish in sight.
Is that amusement on his face? He’s holding back laughter as he asks, “Doe eyes?”
“You know… those big, innocent eyes. Innocent and maybe a little scared.”
“She was taken from her home; it would be strange if she wasn’t scared.”
“Oh, for fu—come along.” I huff and tug on his sleeve. He’s impossible.
I’d heard about the horseback riding lessons from Ellynne. It intrigues me. His reasoning is sweet. Could it be that uptight Tiernan Kilkenny actuallycaresabout someone who he doesn’t have a duty to protect?
Heat hollows out the pit of my stomach. Gods… is that jealousy?
I must grimace because Tiernan slows his pace. “Are you alright?”
“Never better.”
CHAPTER 25
Durvla
