Page 113 of A Thieving Curse

Gareth snorted.

Tristan pivoted toward him. “Excuse me?”

“Well, of the two of you, which one respected my sister, left her alone when she denied him, saved her life twice, hasn’t hurt another person, and generally isn’t a blackguard?” He shrugged. “Alexanderlovesher.”

Tristan didn’t move. When he spoke, his voice was tense. “Befriending the beast, are you?”

“We didn’t have much to do other than talk all day,” Gareth retorted. He’d come to understand a lot while they’d walked, both from everything Alexander and his friends told him, and seeing how deeply they cared for each other. And from seeing the adoration in Alexander’s eyes and hearing the tenderness in his voice when he spoke about Raelyn.

Tristan stood. “What you fail to grasp, Prince Gareth, is that a true prince can allow no weakness, no mercy, cannot let emotion crumble their control. Believe the monster’s lies if you want. I am not so foolish.” He turned, then paused. “But despite your aspersions, I assure you, Raelyn is safe with me.” He strode back into camp.

“Was he this insufferable as a child?” Gareth asked.

“He was headed that way. And I never liked Henry, even as a boy. Tristan turning out similarly isn’t surprising. Like I said, it’s why I didn’t want Raelyn marrying him.” Alexander looked across the camp. “I hope she’s all right.”

38

THE NEXT MORNING, Tristan placed Raelyn on his horse and kissed her temple in front of Alexander, making her skin crawl. Alex looked more defeated than angry. At least he had adjusted to his balance, but blood stained his bare feet. Meredith looked ready to fall over, Jasper’s back was more bowed than usual, and Peter didn’t appear much better. Gareth fixated on the ground.

“Let me walk with them,” Raelyn said as she observed her brother’s downcast face.

“All right.” Tristan reined in his horse. Gareth finally looked up, his forehead wrinkling.

For a moment, surprise tied her tongue. “Thank you.”

“On one condition.”

Of course.She hoped he only asked for the truth again. If she had to, she would lie.

“Walking with them has a cost. You’ll be in the monster’s proximity. I told you what would happen if you went near him.”

Raelyn blanched. “Never mind.”

“No, no.” Tristan dismounted and lifted her down. “You wanted to walk.”

“I want to be with my brother,” she said weakly. “This is about Gareth.”

“Leave her alone.” Gareth’s tone bore a bitter edge. “Stop tormenting her.”

Alex ground his teeth like he was trying very hard not to say something as Tristan drew his dagger and approached him.

“No!” Raelyn stepped between him and Alex and held up her bound hands. “Please, this isn’t necessary.”

Tristan hesitated, then moved her aside. “How about this? I’ll even tie you to your pet monster.” Alex made a low, angry noise. “After I cut him.”

“I hate you,” Raelyn hissed. Immediately she realized her mistake.“If you disrespect me…”Her teeth chattered. “I—I didn’t mean it, my lord. I don’t. Please.”

“Give me a reason not to hurt him.” Tristan’s eyes met hers, unrelenting but also desperate. As if under his anger, he was begging her to change his mind.

Raelyn eyed the wicked point of his dagger, her palms sweating.

“So be it.” Tristan looked over her head. “Hold her.” Hands circled her arms.

“No!” Raelyn pulled against the knight’s grip. “Stop!”

Tristan stepped toward Alex. “Which did you like more, Princess Raelyn? The horns or the tail?” Alex turned bright red.

“Despicable churl!” Gareth dove at Tristan, but the rope on his neck choked him and he stumbled back. Agony at her inability to help her brother and Alex dragged her heart down.

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