Coming out of his thoughts, Jaren probed his fingers around the bridge of his nose. He’d lost count of how many times he’d had it broken during his younger years, but this had been the first time in a while. Just another reason to hate his time on this damn continent.
Taking several deep breaths, he settled himself before reaching up to straighten it. The pain was intense but over quickly, making his eyes water and fresh blood seep out. He grimaced as he focused some of his power to heal enough to prevent any bruising and used his cloak to wipe his face.
Jaren couldn’t blame her for taking advantage of his momentary lapse. She’d instantly taken note of his shock and made the most of it. He was honestly impressed with how quick her response had been, but dammit if he didn’t hate having his fucking nose broken.
Deciding he’d better head out before the streets filled, he stood and brushed the dirt off his trousers the best he could before freezing abruptly. Slowly, as if he could deny the truth by refusing to visually acknowledge it, he looked down at the sheath at his waist.
The empty sheath.
She’d moved so fast; his brain had somehow irritatingly failed to notice she’d used his own dagger to strike him unconscious.
His eyes darted around the alley in the futile hope she’d thrown it before running off. He clenched his fists when his search came up empty and bit back the roar building within his chest.
He’d thought her smart until now. If she thought she could steal from him—steal that from him—and live, she was going to be painfully disappointed. She should’ve killed him when she had the chance.
Fuck. She could have easily killed him while he’d laid there like a helpless lump. He tucked the information away. It spoke volumes about both her character and general lack of self-preservation. Jaren highly doubted she’d ever had to take someone’s life. He’d use her innocence to his advantage.
Her scent still lingering in his nose, he set off out of the alley. He’d track her down, and this time he’d know what to expect. He sure as shit wouldn’t be caught off guard again, and she’d regret ever daring to approach him.
That dagger was the only remnant he had left of his aitanta, his soul bond. He’d get it back. What he did with it once he caught her, he hadn’t yet decided.
He couldn’t keep the cruel grin from his face as he pulled his hood over his head. She’d started this game, but he didn’t think she’d like how he played it.
Chapter 10
VERA
It was only a few hours past noon when they approached the outskirts of Matherin. Their dreadful early starts and long nights having worked in their favor.
Vera was used to being up before the sun to train, but between her aching body and lack of decent sleep, she felt halfway dead in the ground. She was so ready to be off the damn horse. As she thought it, she swore Umber snorted in agreement.
She’d spent the first day riding next to Trey, and she couldn’t remember ever having laughed so much that she swore her diaphragm hurt. Actually, she knew she hadn’t. Elric wasn’t exactly known for his humor.
But this morning when she sensed someone ride up next to her, she’d been disappointed to see it was Elric. He hadn’t said much to her since that night at the inn, and she was fairly certain it was because he was trying to prevent himself from throttling her.
He hadn’t been talkative, just a comment here or there about things they were passing. He’d asked how she was feeling, and she’d answered honestly, everything hurts and I’m dying, but he’d only nodded like it was exactly what she deserved.
She’d tried to urge Umber forward to move away from him, but he’d only matched her stride. Narrowing her eyes, she tried to figure out his scheme. It wasn’t until she’d finally spotted Trey, looking back at them and shrugging, that she’d put two and two together that Elric was purposefully preventing her from spending another day with Trey.
After an hour or so of trying—and failing—to leave him behind or get a rise out of him, she succumbed to defeat. He cared for her in his own frustrating way, and she knew he was just trying to keep her from emotionally hurting herself more than necessary.
She accepted the fact she wouldn’t see Trey again after today, accepted that the tentative friendship they’d created wasn’t long-term, but she’d still foolishly hoped to have one last day of pretending.
So, she’d spent the remainder of their trip in quiet submission, replying when Elric spoke to her and eating when prompted. She understood where he was coming from, but she couldn’t help but feel slightly resentful for it.
It wasn’t until the capital began to take shape in the distance that all thoughts of Trey and Elric vanished. Her body went rigid, and she suddenly felt like turning and bolting in the other direction. Somehow she knew, without a doubt, once they entered Matherin, her life would never be the same. She might never be the same.
They’d just finished stabling their mounts when Prince Eithan approached them. He acknowledged her with a polite nod before speaking to Elric.
“I sent a messenger to his majesty upon our arrival. As long as he isn’t tied up with his advisors, he should be expecting us. I trust Vera can handle your belongings?”
She felt her knees go weak, and she had the sudden, impulsive urge to hug him. She wouldn’t have to join them. Thank the gods, she was going to take the longest bath in the history of baths.
“Your highness, I would like Vera to accompany us to the palace.”
She whipped her head around, eyes wide and mouth hanging open. Why was Elric suddenly so intent on throwing her to the wolves?
Prince Eithan’s eyebrows raised slightly. “Lesta, I understood your desire to bring her on this trip, as pointless of a trip as it turned out to be, but this is to be a conversation about matters of security. It would hardly be appropriate for her to be present.”
He darted a glance at her and winced at the blatant insinuation that she was unfit for such conversations.
“I apologize, your highness, but I must insist. His majesty will want to speak with her.” The prince opened his mouth, but Elric continued, “I’d wager my position on it.”
The prince took her in again, his gaze contemplative, before looking back to Elric.
“Let’s hope your intuition is right Weapon’s Master.”
∞∞∞
They made it to the palace gates in record time. Vera practically jogging to keep up with their long strides. It was amazing to witness the kind of daily life the prince lived. People bowed and gates groaned open. Even his cloak was taken without him so much as raising a finger.
She tried to control her head when they entered, but she’d never seen so many servants or been so close to such finery. Her head swiveled like an owl, taking everything in and logging it away to remember forever.
If this was going to be the last thing she saw before the emperor inevitably imprisoned her for life, at least it was shiny and impressive.