“You mean when he was trying to use me as a human shield to hide from Isembert? It was like a rhinoceros standing behind a lamppost.”
“I do not know what this rhinoceros is, but that is not what I saw. I would have believed you two planned to leave together, up to one of the inn’s rooms.”
I roll my eyes. “So we can play a game of who can bury their dagger deepest into the other? Please, that was all a cover. He likes sweet and innocent mortals, something I am not.” I lost anything that resembled innocence years ago.
“Good, because I would have to kill him otherwise.”
I laugh, even as I revel in what he’s revealing. “Is the king of Islor jealous?”
“Do not be absurd.” But his lazy smirk says he knows he is.
“Should we talk about what I saw? How was that beer in your lap, by the way?”
“Effective.” He chuckles. “A nice touch. I am glad you are using your skills for mature and laudable purposes.”
I give his chest a playful pinch. “I think I made up for it later.”
“I would have to agree.” His smile falls with a hard swallow. “I fear that what we are seeing here is only a taste of what is ahead for Islor. If that is the case, I will need you beside me and ready to fight, every step of the way.”
I smooth a hand over his heart, my palm absorbing the warmth. “You already have me by your side. You know that. And if Gesine is right, maybe we can end this curse together, before there’s too much more fighting.” Maybe I can still unravel everything Princess Romeria has done to Zander, his family, and his people. Or at least mend it.
I press my lips against his, stealing a tender kiss that he matches. But when I pull away, his brow is tight. “What’s wrong?”
He hesitates. “I am not certain that I want her to be right.”
“Why not?” Realization slips along my spine like a cold trickle of water. “What aren’t you telling me?”
His eyes meet mine and I see an apology there. “Gesine thinks the only way to end this blood curse may be to open the nymphaeum door.”