Page 50 of The Prince's Curse

He spared another glance for Haldric, noting the tension around the prince’s eyes, the slight hunch to his shoulders. Was he embarrassed by Benjin, perhaps worried at how Katalin might react to his presence?

“What’s it like, being able to channel runeflame?” Katalin asked, startling him. She gave an apologetic grimace. “Sorry. I don’t know if that’s too personal a question. It’s just, to me it all sounds so terribly exciting. I have no magic myself, though when I was a girl, I used to threaten to run away and join the Order if my mother wasn’t nicer to me.”

Benjin chuckled, ruffling a hand through his matted curls. “To be honest, I barely remember what it’s likenotto channel runeflame. I discovered a gift for it when I was little and have never looked back. Although, I still have a lot to learn.” He jerked a finger toward Haldric. “The prince here has been tutoring me in his spare time.”

He’d thought Haldric would appreciate the gesture. Who didn’t find generosity attractive in a potential partner?

But when Katalin turned to him, the prince merely gave a half-shrug. “It’s nothing really—some basic rune practice at the Grand Magus’ request.”

Nothing?The dismissal irked Benjin, though he tried not to let it show. Had their lessons really meant so little to Haldric?

Unfazed by Haldric’s lackadaisical response, Katalin offered Benjin a smile. “In that case, would it be too forward of me to request a demonstration? I’d ask Haldric, but I didn’t want to put my betrothed on the spot so soon.”

Benjin caught Haldric’s wince, even if he didn’t understand its cause. Katalin’s tone made it clear she was joking. When Haldric didn’t protest, however, Benjin shrugged. “Sure.”

Concentrating, he summoned runeflame to his fingertips. The blue and silver fire cast an ethereal glow over the nearby hedges. He performed a few of the basic cantrips they’d been practicing, using an Alteration to color one of the bushes a dark violet akin to the Grand Magus’ eyes, followed by an Evocation to levitate a flower and rest it behind Katalin’s ear.

She clapped in delight. Haldric watched the show, his face closed off and expressionless. After a week of seeing him so open and relaxed on the road, Benjin had almost forgotten what that looked like.

For the grand finale, Benjin had intended to pull out his trusty fire puppets. But when he went to begin the weave, Haldric darted forward, clamping a harsh hand around his wrist.

“I think that’s enough of a demonstration for now,” the prince said, an odd note to his voice. “We wouldn’t want to accidentally set the garden ablaze.”

Katalin beamed at Benjin. “That was positively splendid! If we have time at dinner, perhaps I can convince you to show me some more before you depart.”

“Of course,” Benjin managed, his smile strained. He shot a quick glare toward Haldric and yanked his wrist free.

What in the name of the Goddess had gotten into the prince? It was as if he’d retreated back into himself, donning that cold mask he’d worn when they’d first met.

He waited for Haldric to apologize or at least look regretful for how he’d acted. Instead, Haldric averted his gaze, staring at the ground with a grimace. Benjin didn’t miss the curious glance Katalin cast between them, though if the prince’s behavior bothered her, she was too diplomatic to say so.

Instead, she offered Benjin another warm smile. “I was in the middle of giving Haldric a tour of the grounds when we bumped into you. You’re welcome to join us if you like.” She leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “I’ve played hide and seek in these gardens enough times to know all the best nooks and crannies.”

Benjin grinned at her. “Tempting.”

It was hard not to like Katalin. She was unlike any noble he’d ever met, devoid of the usual pretensions and airs. Though it discomforted him to admit it, he couldn’t help but think she’d make a good match for Haldric.

He was about to accept her offer when he glanced over at Haldric and found that the prince’s entire body had gone rigid, his closed-off expression nearly hostile. Hurt curled through Benjin, his smile fading as he forced a stiff bow.

“Thank you for the offer, but I’m afraid I have some matters I should attend to before dinner. Besides,” he said, his eyes hardening as he briefly locked gazes with Haldric. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

Benjin caught Haldric’s wince as he turned away and strode back toward his quarters. If the prince wanted to be left alone, then so be it. Benjin had better things to do than waste his time on someone who wanted nothing to do with him.

eighteen

Haldric

Haldric had no ideawhat had come over him when they’d run into Benjin. Seeing the apprentice like that must’ve just caught him by surprise, leaving him feeling even more out of sorts than he already did.

Thankfully, Katalin didn’t call him on his poor behavior. Despite his lingering broodiness, the rest of the afternoon passed pleasantly enough. Katalin made for great company so long as he didn’t dwell too much on the real reason for his visit.

The gardens were spectacular. Knowing they were only possible through magic erased none of their charm or beauty. The interior of the Galax estate proved equally impressive, if for different reasons. Though nowhere near as garish as the bright colors and decorations favored by the Sanjarkan merchants, the marble and gold still put the more austere trappings of the palace in Revesole to shame.

Seeing the sort of wealth even a minor noble house in Khordan possessed only served to highlight the importance ofhis mission here. Such an ally could prove vital over the coming years, halting and perhaps even reversing his kingdom’s gradual decline.

And the sole cost was his heart. Was that too great a price to pay for Ilthabard’s future?

Yet, as the day wore on into evening and Katalin left to go freshen up for dinner, it was Benjin who plagued his thoughts. He’d struggled to get the accursed apprentice out of his head all afternoon. Seeing Benjin and Katalin together had made him feel almost…possessive.

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