“Well, that’s not ominous at all.” Daegan shoots Raef a look.
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll try my best. I’ve read—”
“No.” Daegan cuts me off with a sharp tone. “There’s no reading about the theoretical practice. You need to be out there physically training when we’re not searching for the relics. Will your father’s army let you join in for some training? Learn something from skilled water elementals…”
“Well… I don’t know about that, but Adrian said—” I stop myself. For some reason, talking about Adrian in front of my new allies feels uncomfortable.
Something flashes in Daegan’s eyes at that moment. Most likely because he still hates all my people, and Adrian holds a particularly high position, so he probably hates him even more. I’m not the exception… just a temporary, reluctant partner.
Plus, Adrian was heavily involved in trying to have Daegan put away for murder. That could certainly add to his ire.
I clear my throat, unable to think of what to say next.
“Never mind,” I finally mumble. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Daegan nods, then looks to the wide-open field ahead.
“You’re both avoiding my question, by the way,” I say, filling the quiet.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Raef retorts.
Liar.
“Did you shift and breathe fire or not?” I ask Daegan, my gaze boring into the side of his face.
He doesn’t look at me at first. Then, slowly, he side-eyes me.
“No,” he says flatly. But then, by some miracle, a corner of his perfect full lips tugs up. Just a little.
I avert my gaze and we ride in silence until we reach the outer limits of the town, ignoring whatever feeling pulled in my gut at the sight of the tiniest little smirk from a dragon shifter who’s threatened my life at least two times.
When we reach the metal gates built into the icy walls of the castle grounds, chaos ensues.
Chapter 19
“She’s back!” A guard on the shorter side is running toward the gate, calling out as we cross the bridge and enter the grounds. A few more guards come running over.
“Princess! The king has been worried.”
“I’m fine. You can tell him I’ve returned, safe and unscathed.”
“Miss, we were told to bring you to him at once if you’re found.”
“That’s hardly necessary,” I say.
“Please, Miss,” the first guard, a male with a thin yellow mustache pleads.
“Okay, fine. Is he in his study?”
“Yes, Miss.”
“I know the way,” I tell the guard, turning from him. I don’t give them time to respond as I ride fast for the stables. I hear two horses following, but I don’t look back or speak to my companions.
After I dismount my horse and grab my things, I finally turn to face them. “Meet tomorrow afternoon at the library,” I tell them before heading to the castle. I don’t catch their responses as I turn away and bound up the hill.
No one apprehends me on my walk through the halls, but I hear faint chatter in my father’s study as I approach it. The door is open.
When I turn the corner and step inside, I’m met with both my father’s gaze… and Adrian’s.
