“I just do.”
Wow, I’m totally winning this argument.
“Are you injured? Or sick?” Damien asked.
“That’s something I would discuss with aHealer, which you are not.”
“This isn’t me invading your privacy, Princess. If I request a Healer, they need some idea of what’s wrong to know which supplies to bring.”
Ah. That’s a good point.
Evelyn tried to speak but couldn’t get the words out.
Damien’s expression softened as he watched her struggle. “Please tell me if you are hurt.”
“I’m not.”
“But you won’t tell me what’s wrong?”
She shook her head and hugged her arms around herself.
“I can take you to the army hospital,” Damien offered.
I don’t think I have much of a choice here.
“Evelyn?” he prompted. “Do you want to go?”
She nodded. Damien took a tentative step closer.
“You look terrified, Princess,” he whispered. “That’s why Rory came to me.”
Evelyn stared at the floor and bit down on her tongue.
“I can respect that you don’t want to talk about whatever is happening right now,” Damien continued, “but I don’t know how to get you out of the palace without raising the alarm while you look like you’re having a panic attack.”
She took a deep breath and met his gaze. “Stand up straight and smile?”
“You do listen to me!” He grinned. “Can you pretend to be a princess for a couple hours?”
“I can try. It would be a lot easier if I were a princess.”
“Ha! Wouldn’t that solve all of our problems?” Damien kissed her forehead. “Come on.”
Rory and Simon were waiting in the hall, but Damien waved them off. “You two can relax for a while. The princess will stay with me.”
The guards bowed and left. Damien and Evelyn walked downstairs and were nearly at the front door when they heard King Tristan’s voice.
“Where are you off to?” the king asked curiously.
“We’re going to the city,” Damien explained. “Evelyn wants to pick out a wedding present for Alexander.”
“Just be careful.”
“I will keep her safe, Your Majesty,” Damien said with a bow.
They left for the stables.
“How are you so good at lying?” Evelyn asked.
