Page 135 of The Heir's Bargain

"Weeks?" I tugged him toward me, his eyes widening when he was only inches from my face. "When did she arrive?"

"A few hours ago."

"And I am only told of this now?"

Lance's mouth parted, his gaze bouncing to the others standing behind me as he stumbled over his words, "The commander said?—"

"The commander?" A mangled laugh escaped my lips. It was a sound that did not belong to the calm, cocky prince. However, I no longer cared about etiquette or pleasantries or reputations. All I cared about was my best friend. "I am the heir."

"No—no one wanted to bother you."

I took a step forward. "Bother me? I am her—" I choked on my words.

Her what? I asked myself.

I wasn't her suitor anymore. Not even a fake one.

She was still my best friend; I was sure of that. Yet that title didn’t come close to encompassing everything I felt for her at that moment and for the past couple of months.

"Jorian!" I shouted.

"Yes, Your Highness?" Jorian responded.

"Take me to her," I ordered.

"Fynneares."

My body went rigid at my mother's voice. I peeled my fingers from the coarse fabric of Lance's uniform—an act that took far more effort than I cared to admit.

When I turned around, my mouth fell open, but I couldn't speak. The anger pumping through me clouded my vision and thickened my tongue.

My mother took a step forward. "We need to talk."

The fury, while contained, had not subsided. It vibrated against my bones as the carriage jolted us around. Across from me, my mother sat with her hands folded in her lap, her gaze unwavering as she stared at me with an unspoken question on her lips.

"Mother, whatever it is, I'm sure it can wait. Dani is?—"

She lifted a brow. "Danisinia will be fine, son."

"How can you say that? She's unconscious!" My voice echoed within the small space, and the horses pulling the carriage neighed as the words poured outside.

"The Royal Seer has said so," she said, her voice calm.

I scoffed, throwing my hands up before digging them into my hair. "Because Yelsania's visions have been so accurate as of late."

"We have an hour ride ahead of us until we arrive at the Ferrios manor. I believe we have the time to chat. But by all means, if you wish to walk there instead of talk to me, feel free to leave." She pointed at the door. "Best to roll, yes? I am sure the guards would love to see you make an even bigger fool of yourself than you already have the past few weeks drinking your way across Pontia."

I tossed my head back and sank into the cushion.

"I thought as much." She shifted in her seat. "Now, I believe there is something you have been keeping from me."

I sat up. "What could I possibly be keeping from you, Mother? It seems you already know everything there is to know."

She sighed. "You have kept the truth about you and Danisinia a secret for far too long, have you not?"

"Dani and I?"

Her brow flicked up, but my mother said nothing else. She stared at me as if her mere gaze could pull the memories from my mind.

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