Page 71 of A Dagger in the Ivy

In my head, I’m screaming at myself. What am I doing here? Why couldn’t I wait to confront him? Have I completely lost my mind?

Torbin’s brow scrunches together as he turns to face me. “Celeste?”

“Torbin, I’m so sorry to intrude. I was out for a ride with Thora, and I happened to spot you.” My eyes flit around to his friends. There’s no sign of Osrem, which strikes me as peculiar. “Looks like your hunt was successful.”

“It’s dangerous for you to be here.” His smile is gone and his tone is serious.

I cross my arms. “Oh? Was it dangerous for Osrem?”

“What?”

“I saw him out here speaking with you, and I don’t think he’s got any experience hunting or dealing with anything dangerous.” I hold his gaze, the soldier in me refusing to back down.

“You would find it unwise to spy on me.”

I can only blink at his cold tone.

The shadows in his face change as if he only now sees me. His icy gaze softens, and he presses his lips together firmly before attempting a smile. The smile falters, though, and I am left with a sour taste in my mouth.

“My apologies, Celeste. I am only concerned for your safety.” He stretches his arms out at his sides. “Osrem had some news he found prudent to deliver to me urgently. Nothing for you to be concerned about. It’s a trivial matter, really.”

I hold back from telling him what I heard. The fact is I didn’t hear the entire conversation, and though I have a strange feeling in my stomach, I don’t have all the information, so it wouldn’t be right to accuse him of anything. “I see.”

“What did you say you’re you doing out here?” He laughs and shakes his head, placing a hand on my arm.

“Is it wrong of me to seek you out?” I don’t know if my words are pushing him, but I watch him carefully to see how he reacts.

“You are right. I apologize again for my abruptness.”

I study him. His shoulders lower and his brows draw together slightly. He seems sincere. Perhaps there is something going on that’s got him on edge. Something he doesn’t want to talk about. I can understand that. I haven’t told him anything about my night wanderings or my fear of going mad because my powers haven’t manifested. “Torbin, if there’s something bothering you, you can talk to me.”

He regards me for a few long seconds, and an awkward silence hangs between us.

His gaze drops to the ground for a moment before he looks back at me. “It’s nothing. Let’s forget about this squabble and I promise to make it up to you.”

I glance around at his friends, who are all staring and waiting. “That’s not necessary.”

“I insist.”

I finally offer him a smile. “All right.”

“But it’s going to have to wait until I return.”

“‘Return’?”

“We’re leaving early for the hunt. The midnight buck.” He flashes his charming smile at me. “That’s what Osrem was talking to me about. There’s a wolf moon coming up, and the rumor is that stag sightings are more prominent then. I wouldn’t want to miss my chance.”

“I see.” I glance at his friends, none of whom object to what he’s saying. Not that they would. He’s the prince. “How soon will you go?”

He stands tall, as if he’s suddenly filled with confidence. “My men and I leave this evening.”

“So soon.” It’s not a question; it’s more of a complaint. Except for the night we all drank together, I feel like Torbin and I haven’t had much time alone. We see each other every morning at breakfast, but those moments are brief and never private. Despite it being an arranged marriage, I want to make an effort to get to know him better.

“Yes,” he replies. “It’s an inconvenience, I know. But after my triumphant return, you will be my main priority.”

I force myself to be pleasant. “Then I wish you luck, my prince.”

CHapter

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