Страница 39 из 86
He flinched like I’d cursed, but that’s what it was. Another bargain. Another sacrifice so that I might receive a kindness.
“And besides, you can’t go with me. The empress is here. And your very pretty fiancée and those ridiculous contracts—”
A deep, remorseful crease wrinkled his brow. “I said I’d be scarce before the wedding.”
He had. I couldn’t help but wonder why he’d said it—how he’d known. “Still,” I argued, trying to keep my hair from blowing wild in the sea breeze, “they’ll feel slighted—”
“I’ll gift the princess some jewels. Set off some fireworks in the bay for her.”
I scoffed. “Of course. What woman wouldn’t be distracted by sparkly things—”
“Do you want me to go with you or not?”
“Yes,” I snapped.
“Then I’m going.” He was so still, staring at me just as he had when he’d quieted my tears before Ligea’s statue.
“Fine.” Even angry, I sounded too breathless, too caught off guard.
He dipped his chin. Swallowed hard. “Fine.” He turned from me and started toward the palace, but before he did so, I noted the flustered stain of color on his sharp cheekbones. The way his breath sped. Little glimpses of feeling that he didn’t—or couldn’t—control. He stopped, looked back at me, and spoke in a scraping voice. “If you wish to remain in the garden, you may. I’ll still go with you.”
Words wouldn’t come. Just a deep bloom of gratitude. I stepped onto the path that led toward the palace and gave an appreciative nod. “We should hurry back,” I said. “Duty calls.”