Page 17 of A Wayward Movement

She snuck a look back to see the prince gesturing to a young man in the livery of a royal servant.

“See me back to the inn, there’s a good fellow. I hear there are bad people about who like to prey on green travelers like myself.”

Alina slipped through the door into the kitchen, feeling like she’d escaped the noose by a hair. She didn’t know what to make of the prince. His behavior wasn’t what she’d expected. But one thing she did know—she couldn’t take another evening like that one.

“You all good, Alina?” The tavern’s owner had emerged from his office, frowning at her. “Olivia’s just told me there was some incident with the prince and one of the refinery workers.”

“I’m fine,” Alina said quickly. “It was nothing. The prince’s group have left now.” She drew a breath. “I’m afraid I can’t work any more shifts for a while.”

“How long?” he asked, his frown deepening.

How long did an investigation take?

“I don’t know,” Alina said.

He gave her a searching look, his voice gruff again. “Are you sure? There’s plenty as wants the work, lass. I can’t promise it’ll be there for you when you want it back again.”

“I understand,” Alina assured him. “I don’t have any expectations. There are just other demands on me at present.”

Mainly the demand of her pride that she avoid the prince seeing her serving in a tavern, but there was no need to be specific with her employer.

“All right,” he said. “Good luck to you, Alina.”

“Thank you.” Alina had a feeling she was going to need it.

Chapter

Four

“Good morning, Alina.”

Alina smiled at Mrs. Pincer as she emerged into the shop. “Good morning.”

Stifling a yawn, she scanned the small space. Shifts at the tavern kept her up much later than she would otherwise choose, and it was always hard to rise the next morning. She brightened as she spotted the golden head she’d been seeking.

“Lilah.” She moved to her friend’s side. “Is everything all right? You and Benji must have been very quiet this morning not to wake me!”

“Of course,” said Lilah, stacking rolls of fabric. “You were out so late, and I thought you didn’t have to be anywhere this morning. I was hoping you’d sleep much later than this.”

“Never mind me,” Alina said. “Is Benji working at the farm again?”

“He is,” Lilah confirmed, and Alina relaxed marginally. It made her anxious not to know where either of the twins were, but especially Benji, given the target on those skilled in magic.

“Have you heard the news, Alina?” The question came from Mrs. Pincer, and Lilah hastened to return her focus to her task.

“News?” Alina repeated.

“The crown has sent a group to investigate the disappearances,” Mrs. Pincer said. “And it’s led by the crown prince himself!”

“Oh, that news,” said Alina. “Yes, I did hear. Or rather, saw. The group was at the tavern last night.”

“You saw them?” Lilah’s eyes lit with interest. “What’s the prince like? Is he as handsome as rumors say?”

“He, uh…”

Alina floundered for only a moment before realizing how foolish she was being to let her history with the prince affect her so much. Lilah knew nothing of it, and for all she knew, the prince didn’t even remember it himself. There was no reason she couldn’t approach the question—approach this whole situation—like someone seeing the royal for the first time.

“Yes,” she said decidedly. “He’s very handsome. And he has a likable air. He didn’t stand on ceremony, and he was dressed attractively but not at all formally. The people in his group all responded warmly to him, and he was very charming with the servers.”