“Thank you, Sebastian.” I can use this time to discover more about the prince and his ideas for Karm. “I’d love to visit the artisan shops. Mayhap take in the artwork of the painters.”
“Done.” He takes a step toward the podium, then turns back to me. “Stay close to Devlan and the guards.” His eyes linger on me a moment longer before he turns and walks onto the stage.
As the crowd moves in to get a better view of the platform, a woman is pushed forward. She tumbles, and one of her hands protects her swollen belly, shielding it from the edge of the platform, while the other lands on Sebastian’s booted foot.
My chest barbs with fear as two members of the Force shove past the crowd toward her. They raise their hands to apprehend her, and I step forward, but Devlan latches onto my arm.
Sebastian holds his hand up to his knights, then looks down at the pregnant woman. My breath halts, my skin prickles, my mind flashes to the arcade as Sebastian ordered the Force to torture Mr. Levine.
Reaching down, Sebastian grasps the woman’s hand, the one shakily cupping his boot, and helps her to stand. His Force stops mid-capture, their V-batons outstretched. My eyes take in the scene as Sebastian smiles at her, then raises a hand, welcoming the cheers of the crowd.
I eye Devlan, my brows raised. His features reflect my shock at seeing the prince help a commoner before we return our gazes to the stage.
Sebastian raises his hands as the applause grows. “Citizens of Karm,” he begins. “Thank you for joining me to welcome in a new season of the tournament.” The crowd hollers, their applause echoing off the buildings. Sebastian’s charisma even makes me want to cheer. He’s a natural at being in front of people and giving them exactly what they want.
As he continues his speech on the tournament, I scan the crowd. How many Rebels are here, if any? Devlan catches my eye. “No need to fear, princess,” he says in a low voice. “I will protect you from the bad men.” His lips twitch on the verge of a smile.
I look back to Sebastian, covering my own knowing smile. I suppose I’m one of the “bad men” now. However, Sebastian truly worries for my safety. This thought sobers me. To him, the Rebels are the enemy, and he endeavors to protect me from them. He has no idea one of them is his most trusted knight, and another his betrothed. I now wonder if the man I saw hung in the square was a Rebel and not a simple thief. Maybe this silent war hasn’t been so silent, only the citizens have been fully kept in the dark.
When Sebastian concludes his speech, the crack of applause jolts me back into the now. I clap as he exits the podium and his Force surrounds him. Devlan and his knights escort me toward the cobbled street in pursuit of the prince.
Behind me, the crowd attempts to push past the line of knights blocking the entrance of Commerce Street. Sebastian waits for me near an artisan’s shop.
“How was I?” A proud smile curves his lips.
“It was perfect.” And it was. He was truly born and raised to be a leader.
“It was only my second speech. The first, of course, being the transmission where I chose my lovely princess.” He winks. “The citizens are not used to having royalty address them, as the king so rarely gives speeches. But I think giving them more of this will be a good thing.”
As he talks, I smile, trying to keep my thoughts centered on my mission. Finally, I say, “I’d actually never seen any of the king’s transmissions before our betrothal. But I imagine the citizens will enjoy having their new king so respondent to them.”
He cranes an eyebrow. I’m sure my action that day in the arcade makes sense to him now. “You’ve never seen any of his transmissions. You amaze me.” He’s rendered speechless for a moment. Then he says, “Zara.” He stops walking and faces me. “After the wedding, and after I become king shortly thereafter, I want to hear your ideas.” A solemn look crosses his face.
“My lord?” I’m confused as to what ideas I’ve ever mentioned until I recall all that I told him in the garden. Optimism fills me, hoping this is his meaning.
“I have theories myself. Things I want to see changed in Karm. And I want us to make this realm a truly fantastic place. Where citizens are happy, not living in fear.” His voice is hushed, Devlan and I the only ones near enough to hear. “I want to bring Karm into a new era—for me to become a legend, for my name to live long past me.”
I’m stunned. It was my wish that day at the meadow that Sebastian woul
d be a kind ruler and would change Karm. That we’d no longer simply abide by the laws for fear of the Force. I look to the ground, unable to form words. He can’t know. No, not speaking like this. Surely he can’t be aware of what Hart has done, is doing.
He lifts my face. “I’ve said something to worry you.” He tilts his head. “I thought this would please you. I’m doing it for the citizens as much as for you.”
I suck in a deep breath. “It does please me, Sebastian.” I smile genuinely. “More than you know.” And it’s true. It’s my proof his heart is not yet hardened like King Hart’s. He won’t agree to rule as his father does. My chest loosens with relief.
He releases my face and takes my hand, guiding me toward a storefront. I peek over my shoulder, a smile stretching my face, and spot Devlan lingering behind. A dark expression shadows his features. His eyes are etched in hard creases. I’m confused as to why he’s not overjoyed that he may not have to betray his former best friend, that there’s a chance for Sebastian to take our side and help us stop the Virus and take down the barrier.
I study Devlan’s rigid features a moment longer as his eyes seek something other than me. What happened between him and Sebastian?
As we approach the artisan’s shop of paintings and crafts, something tugs at my dress. I look sideways, and a man with deep-set wrinkles and hollow eyes grabs my arm.
My heart crashes again my chest.
“Guards!” Sebastian calls.
The man’s dark-rimmed eyes widen, and his mouth trembles open. “They’re coming for you.”
Dread envelopes my core and I shakily yank at my dress, nudging the crazed man off as the Force snatches him up.