Page 56 of A Dagger in the Ivy

I turn to my Royal Ward. “Thank you, Sir Holden, but it seems I won’t be needing your services after all.”

“The king—”

“He said you were to escort me to my squad. But my squad is here.” I gesture to Mylo and Aila, who are pointing in my direction. “So consider myself escorted.”

Sir Holden regards my squadmates before facing me and inclining his head. “Yes, Your Highness. If you’re sure.”

“I am. Thank you.” I give him a wave, feeling a bit playful now that my friends are here.

Once he turns to walk away, I quicken my steps toward the gate. “They’re with me,” I call out to the guard as I approach.

Aila’s face lights up when she sees me, and Mylo squares his shoulders, giving a cocky I-told-you-so smirk to the gate guard.

As soon as I’m through the gate, Mylo lifts me up as if I weigh nothing and props me to sit on one of his shoulders. He spins me once, and I don’t even complain about how it makes me dizzy, because I’m simply so happy to see my friends.

“Okay, let’s not exert ourselves too much.” I tap his shoulder, and he sets me back on the ground. “What are you doing here? I thought I was supposed to meet you at Brooke Bend.”

“Your uncle thought we should take precautions.” Aila points with her thumb at Mylo and herself. “Sent us out to collect you and ensure your safety.”

“He does know that I’ve slaughtered a herd of carnoraxis on my own, right?”

“He cares about you.” Aila shrugs. “You’re the only family he’s got left.”

I ignore the clenching of my heart, gesturing for them to follow me through the gate. “Let’s get your horses watered.”

Mylo grabs the horses’ reins and falls into step behind me and Aila.

“This place is breathtaking.” Aila looks up at the citadel as we walk. “How are you handling it? Your uncle said you have to put on your princess face and dress the part. That must be killing you.”

“It’s mostly tolerable. I thought I’d hate the lessons they’re making me take, but the magister is actually decent, and some of the topics are surprisingly interesting.”

We follow the path to the stables, when a stablehand tends to Mylo’s and Aila’s horses. Jasper, a young, shaggy-haired stablehand who is in charge of Thora, hands me her reins.

“How’s she been?” I ask Jasper.

“She gets a bit restless, so I walk her around some.”

“That’s kind of you, Jasper.”

“It’s no trouble at all. She’s a real beauty.” He gives me a nod beforewalking over to help the others.

“You ready, girl?” I run a hand gently over the side of Thora’s smooth neck. Her black hair shines in the sunlight.

Behind me, clopping sounds become louder, and I turn to see Dante approaching on a dark-brown steed. He slows as he gets nearer, then dismounts. I try not to show my unease as he regards me.

Jasper rushes over and tends to Dante’s horse as Dante takes slow, languid steps toward me. My body stiffens a bit, but I hope he doesn’t notice. When his gaze travels up and down the length of me, I realize this is the first time he’s seen me in my uniform. His attention drifts to my friends, and his lips press together as he gives them a nod.

“I see you’re taking advantage of Ivystone’s hospitality. Already entertaining visitors?”

“We’re leaving as soon as the horses are ready.” I straighten my shoulders. “Besides, this is as much my home as it is yours, from what I’ve been told.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I understand your father acquired a manor for you at Lake Peony.”

“I’m amused that you’re keeping tabs on me, but what of it?”

“One might assume that if the king purchased a place for you to live away from the castle, it could be implied that that’s the place he actually wants you to be.”

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