Sebastian points toward the middle of the training grounds. “What you saw before was merely our training equipment. This will be the biggest tournament we’ve ever held. The king has appointed me in charge of overseeing the whole thing this season.” He smiles, his face full of pride. “I’m going to make it the grandest tournament Karm has ever witnessed.”
“It looks like it’s going to be amazing already,” I say. “I’m sure the king will be proud.”
His smile drops. Damn. I’ve said the wrong thing. I have to tread lightly around this subject. After what he revealed to me at the meadow, I know it’s a sensitive one. I clear my throat. “You’re going to be very busy with preparations today, I assume.”
His golden eyes study me. “You’re dancing around something.” He grins and plants his foot on the step, resting his forearms on his leg. “What are you wishing to do, Zara? I now know you well enough to know when you’re probing.”
Heat splashes my cheeks. “Well done.” I smile at him and step back, as he’s now at my eyelevel and is leaning in too close. “I’m wishing to continue my riding lessons. But without them mentioned to Madity. She’d become too upset if she knew.”
“And I’m going to agree with her on this.” He regards me with a stern look. “I think you need more rest.”
I bite down on my lip. I need to be away from Court to discuss things with Devlan. He made that clear. However, I don’t want Sebastian wondering why this is so important to me. I nod. “Yes. All right. I’ll wait.”
“I know riding gives you a reprieve from Court life.” He stands straight, placing one hand on his scabbard. “I’m going into town on the morrow. So if you will rest for now, I’d like for you to join me.”
A couple of days ago, hearing I’m to leave Court would’ve lifted my spirits. Now, waiting two days to speak with Devlan in privacy will drive me mad. “I would like that,” I say, gripping my gown behind my back.
Sebastian smiles and brings his communicator out from inside his trouser pocket. “Devlan,” he says into the device. It crackles.
“Your Highness.” My heart thumps against my breastbone as Devlan’s voice fills the air.
“Please meet the princess near the garden. Make sure Madity’s aware she’s resting for the day.” A beat. “Marital preparations can be postponed until she’s well.” Devlan acknowledges his orders, and Sebastian pockets the communicator.
I curtsy before Sebastian. “I look forward to our day together on the morrow.”
He grasps my hand, halting my getaway, and places a soft kiss on the back of it. “As do I.”
After I make my way to the garden, I glance around, taking in the colors. The brightness of the bushes, trees, and flowers are bolder, richer in the afternoon light, making the garden feel surreal. The fountain glints as the water cascades over in a shimmering rainbow.
“Princess Zara,” Devlan says, and I snap my head to the side. He looks the same as always: black tunic with blue vest, sword at his right side, dark hair feathering his eyes and ears. However, today there’s a cautiousness in his pale blue eyes as he approaches me. An unspoken question. “I trust you’re feeling better.”
“Yes.” I maneuver myself onto a stone bench to face him. “But not well enough for a ride, apparently.”
His lips quirk into a half-grin. “Nay. I would think not.”
He looks away, and I notice a small bruise near his temple, next to his eye. A small pang of regret hits my chest. I hope no one has questioned him about how he got it. I mentally note to apologize to him later—when we’re alone—for having kicked his face.
His hand cups the pommel of his sword and he leans to the side, resting his weight on one leg. His eyes travel to the apple tree, then to me. “Is it time for your walk?’
I nod in understanding.
My stomach flutters widely as I walk ahead of him toward the lake. I want to ask so many things it feels as if something is crawling under my skin. Having to contain all my emotions is crazy; I want to scream. Finally, we reach the lake, and I slump to the grass.
Devlan stands to my side, his form casting a shadow over me. “After supper, tell Sebastian you’re feeling unwell. Wait an hour. Then meet me outside on your balcony.”
I open my mouth to ask how he’ll be on my balcony, but he raises his hand. He glances at the tree branches again. “I hope you got enough rest today, princess.” His lips tug into a crooked smile. “Tonight, you’ll need it.”
* * *
Supper was agony. Trying to pay attention to conversation, smile, and act attentively while my body hummed with anticipation was sheer torture. Even now as I pace my room, I have no idea what I’m in for. But if I wait one more second, I’m going to combust.
Glancing at my clock, I huff. Five minutes. That’s long enough. It’s five minutes till Devlan told me to meet him on the balcony. I step to the door, then step away. Maybe there’s a specific time for a reason. Mayhap he’s scheduled the Eyes to pan the other side of the castle at precisely that time. I wring my hands.
I wish he’d been clearer. Here I am, taking huge risks, and I’m the one in the dark. I pace again.
At exactly nine o’clock, I swing the doors open, and Devlan hops over the edge of the balcony. I cover my mouth to keep from yelping. He presses his finger over his lips, then reaches out and takes my hand. He’s dressed in all black. I’m wearing the same hunter-green gown I wore to supper. Damn. I didn’t think to change.
He wraps a cord around my waist and latches it to one around his. Then he lifts my arms and wraps them around his neck. His breath fans my face, my bangs, my cheeks as he pulls me close to his body. My heart hammers so hard I know he can feel it pounding against his chest.