Page 122 of Heat of the Everflame

Trust your instincts, Luther had said.

He was definitely going to regret saying that.

“We would love a tour,” I said with a warm smile. “Add it to our bill.”

“Cousin,” Luther said darkly. “We should discuss this. Inprivate.”

“No need. I’m sure Zalaric will take good care of us.”

“Even so, it would be best to stay here until—”

“Then stay here,” I said, my tone sharpening. I threw him a hard glance. “But I intend to go. A few hours in the city, then we return to Lumnos.”

A compromise for a compromise, I thought tartly. Luther’s eyes widened for a split second, then narrowed, a faint crease on his brow.

I spun back around. “We’ll meet you after breakfast, Zalaric.”

He eyed us both with a fascinated glint, then moved to leave, waving a dismissive hand in Taran’s direction. “Try to find a shirt to wear tomorrow, Thomas.”

“It’s Tar—”

The bookshelf snapped into place, and Zalaric was gone.

Taran scowled. “Ireallydon’t like him.”

I grinned. “Ireallydo.”

“Traitor.”

I laughed and nudged him back into a chair to finish changing out his bandages. “You don’t have to come. It’s a risk I’m willing to take, but I won’t ask the same from any of you.”

“Like I’m going to trust you withhim,” he shot back. “Besides, watching you get yourself into trouble is my new favorite hobby.”

“There’s not going to be any trouble.” I smiled sweetly. “I’m going to be on my very best behavior, just like I promised Luther. In and out of the city, no complications.”

Taran snorted, and I poked him in the ribs.

“What about you, Alixe?” I asked.

“Well, actually...” Her eyes flitted apprehensively to Luther. “I would like to come. There’s something I’m working on in Lumnos, and this is the only place I can find what I need.”

“Perfect.” I beamed at Luther. “And you, my Prince? Will you be joining us?”

“No.”

My smile fell. Taran and Alixe stared at each other in shock.

“What I said,” I stammered, “I—I didn’t mean... it wasn’t that I don’t want you to come, I—”

“You three can handle it.” He grabbed his cloak and threw it over his shoulders. “It’s safer for one of us to stay back, in case the others are captured.”

“Luther—”

He started for the door. “There’s something I need to take care of while I still have my magic. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

I ran to follow him. “Come with us. I want you there.”

“It’s time to get used to having them at your side, not me.” He gave me a fleeting stare. “A compromise for a compromise, Your Majesty.”

---