Page 59 of Ruling the Green

“I wasn’t sure if the rumors were true. But not a peep.” His gaze cut across the room at a booming laugh from the king, making him stiffen. “It was lovely to formally meet you, Princess. If you’ll excuse me.”

As soon as he was gone, Jet fished the glass out of my hand and gave it to Vishen.

“You didn’t drink that, did you?” he asked, making me shake my head. “Good. Are you all right?”

I couldn’t speak to him, not in a room full of eyes watching me. So I lifted my arm, showing him the little purple mark on my arm.

Jet reached for my forearm, his touch gentle, and little sparks shot off at his touch.

“Did he… pinch you?” I nodded. Jet sighed. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have left you. He’s… something else. Did he say anything to you that is interesting?” I nodded. “Okay. Keep it fresh in your mind. We will talk about it after the feast.”

With that, the food was brought in.

I let everything else fall away but sharpening the memory of my interaction with Tove… and stuffing as much food in my mouth as I could without looking like a complete glutton in front of everyone’s eyes.

The sights and sounds around me were overwhelming, making my nerves feel frayed, and seeming to sap more energy than they should just sitting there. But it wasn’t long before a chill settled into my bones and aches started in all my muscles.

It was enough to make me put my piece of bread back down when my arm felt too heavy to hold, and fold my hands in my lap.

Jet’s gaze cut over, seeming to see something in my face, but knowing he wasn’t able to do anything about it right then.

Under the table, he grabbed my leg and squeezed. My hand went over his, holding onto him, grounding myself to him, reminding myself that this would be over soon.

Just when I wasn’t sure I could take it anymore, Cass said his goodbyes and was led away from the table by Tove and several of his soldiers.

Jet took it as his opportunity to excuse us as well, leaning in as he pulled out my chair to beg me to just be strong until we got to the stairs.

My bones felt as brittle as old wood, but I managed to stay upright out of the dining hall, down the hallway, and up the first set of steps.

When a soft cry escaped me as I started to fall, Jet was right there to sweep me into his arms.

There was no hesitation in hiding my face in his neck, breathing in his spicy scent, warming myself with his body heat.

“Almost there,” he promised as Nira ran ahead to unlock the door and get me a glass of my lake water.

Jet sat down on the bed with me still on his lap, cradling me with one arm and holding the glass to my lips with the other.

I gulped until it was gone, feeling it immediately start to soothe my aching muscles.

“Next time, we’ll remember to bring a flask,” Nira said. “We can discreetly hand you two drinks and keep Serin from crumbling.”

“This seemed fast,” Vishen observed.

“It was the stress,” Jet answered for me. “She’s from a lake.”

“That soup was different,” I said, getting a chuckle out of Jet.

“It was a stew.”

“What is stew?”

“It’s soup, but thicker, heartier.”

“I liked it.” I felt better, but I didn’t move from my position. “I didn’t like Tove.”

“Can’t fucking believe he pinched you.”

“He pinched you?” Nira yelled, getting shushed by Vishen, who looked out into the hall.