Page 65 of The Queen’s Bodyguard

“But I guess that’s why they call it Lover’s Lagoon,” said Argos. “You could have sex in here and blend right in.”

“Ugh. Dread Sovereign, Argos.” Theora slapped his stomach, then checked to make sure she hadn’t broken a nail. “As if this whole excursion weren’t awkward enough.”

“I didn’t mean we would. It was the general you.”

“Speaking of which, we shouldn’t stay here for too long.” She stood quickly, adjusting her dress. A moment ago, she could have stayed out here with Argos forever. But that was before…before he had reminded her of the baser feelings he raised in her. “I don’t want Apollo to think anything indecent of me.”

“Yes, of course.” He rolled his eyes, leaning against the wall and removing his spectacles to frown at them. “We wouldn’t want anyone to think we’re actually a couple who wants to spend time together.”

Theora raised her eyebrows, taking the glasses from him. “If you would let me finish? Holding hands in public is one thing, but I don’t want people to think I do illicit activities on boats.”

“Says the woman who sat on my lap without hesitation.”

For a moment, Theora fumbled for words. “That’s different. This place is open to more than just our group. Anyone could judge us.”

Argos crossed his arms while Theora aggressively wiped at the lenses to distract from the situation. “You really need to make up your mind—are you fully committed to the act or not? I know you say you’re only friends, but you give Apollo far too much attention and power, and that’s not doing us any favors.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You treat him as a prospective husband when you should be interacting with him no more than you do the tram driver or the person who serves you drinks.”

“He’s not the tram driver. We grew up together.”

“And?” said Argos. “That hasn’t stopped him from congregating with honeyfluffs behind your back.”

“If you’re talking about his cologne, honey-based fragrances can easily be imported.”

“He’s the only one who didn’t attend the talks, and now he smells like he recently sat next to Vespulans. ‘Grew up together’ my ass, he’s clearly not someone we should trust.”

Theora let out a disbelieving laugh. “I don’t believe this. You’re so obviously threatened.”

He scoffed. “By Rose Boy?”

“By my future husband.” Theora bit back her voice as it rose loud enough to echo. She charged up to him, shoving her finger in his chest. “He is a gentleman, and a lovely friend, and you’re clearly threatened by how close a relationship I have with him.”

“Face it, Theora,” he said. “You have fifty noblemen after you—”

“An exaggeration.”

“—and you don’t want any of them. You don’t even want Apollo. You’re just settling for the easiest choice. The one who makes you look the most dignified.”

“That’s what a political marriage is, Argos,” she said with a sigh. “There’s nothing romantic about it. I like Apollo. I trust him, and enjoy his company, which is a lot more than many queens can say about their consorts.”

“Ah yes, I’m sure your loins were stirring just speaking that stale sentence.”

Theora scrunched her nose at him. “Fuck you.”

Argos smirked. “Wish we could.”

Theora’s face bloomed so hard, she felt faint. She turned away quickly, rushing away to hold the rail, to look out at the cavern…or at anything, it seemed, but him.

It was clear he’d been teasing, and yet…why did it affect her, as if his response were genuine?

Because you’re a proper Aranean queen who doesn’t tolerate nonsense…

Her stomach tightened.

…Because you wish he would.