Page 87 of A Thieving Curse

Gareth’s eyes clouded. “Thank you.”

Raelyn’s throat went dry. Henry was covering himself in case it was Alex.

The king stood. “You look tired, Princess Raelyn. I will give you a moment to meet your betrothed, and then you may retire. It is a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to welcoming you as my daughter.” He paused and put a hand on Tristan’s shoulder, murmuring something before leaving.

Raelyn curtsied as Henry passed and somehow didn’t shiver. Prescott bowed and asked Gareth to exit the room with him, but Gareth refused.

“I see no reason for Raelyn and the prince to be alone,” Gareth said. “And I’m not leaving her after I just got her back.”

Prescott frowned but left without arguing, for which Raelyn was immensely grateful. She faced her future husband, unsure what to do.

Tristan’s throat bobbed. He opened his mouth, closed it again, and bowed. “I am pleased to finally meet you, Princess Raelyn.” His voice was pleasant enough, even and low, but nothing like the silkiness of Alexander’s tenor.Stop it, Rae.

“I am honored to meet you as well, Your Highness.” She curtsied again. Already the return to stiff formality was stifling.

Tristan smiled. “Please. My lord is fine. Or Prince Tristan, if necessary.”

Raelyn covered her surprise. She had forgotten that Rethali wives often called their husbandsmy lord.“Of course, my lord.” Her heart sank as her thoughts wandered back to Alexander.“Everyone calls me Alex.”

“You are far lovelier than I imagined,” Tristan said as he held her gaze with unexpected fervency. He finally blinked. “But I am horrified to hear what happened to you.” He glanced at Gareth. “I wish I had listened to your brother.”

“Sure.” Gareth snorted. “Who’s the fool now?”

“I was wrong.” Tristan cleared his throat. “But the chances of finding you after a week were—well…”

“I understand.” Raelyn couldn’t blame Tristan, really, but knowing her betrothed hadn’t evenhopedshe might be alive still stung. Even though she probably had no right to expect a stranger to care.

“I’m pleased you survived and found your way here, though.” Tristan lifted her chin with his forefinger. Her breath hitched. He scanned her face, lingering for a moment on her lips. Heat crawled over her scalp. “You are strong and brave to have survived so long on your own, and especially to have made your escape and traveled so far.” He dropped his hand. “Please accept my apologies for not rescuing you.”

“You wouldn’t have even known where to look,” she blurted, feeling guilty about taking credit she didn’t deserve. At least he seemed nice enough.Maybe Tristan isn’t like Henry.

Tristan took her hand in his. “I’m going to slay the monster that tormented you.” He looked genuinely upset. “I hate the idea of a dragon who captures innocent maidens and threatens to eat them in my kingdom. My father wants it dead. And as your husband, it is my duty to avenge you. I swear, I will right the wrong I did you by not searching for you, my lady.”

Raelyn’s heart beat in her chest like a startled bird. She gripped his hand, desperately trying to determine how to dissuade him. “But… I survived. I don’t need avenged.”

“I agree with Prince Tristan,” Gareth interrupted. “I want to cut this dragon’s heart out.”

Panic clawed up her throat.

“Can you give us a description of the area?” Tristan asked. He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. “I know it may be difficult to talk about, but anything you can remember could help us hunt the beast down and kill it.”

No, no, no.She shuddered. “I… I don’t know.”

“Oh, Princess.” Tristan guided her into his arms, and she stiffened, aware of every inch of his body against hers. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. You don’t need to talk about it right now.”

“I only…” She wished he’d let go. “I don’t know what any of the peaks are called or where anything is on a map.”

Tristan pulled back. “It’s all right. I understand.”

“Could you lead us there, Rae?” Gareth asked. “Are there landmarks you might recognize?”

Tristan raised his brows. “Would you be comfortable doing that? Maybe if you saw the dragon dead, you would look less afraid.”

I’m not afraid of the dragon.But maybe if she convinced them she was, they would think twice about facing it. She rubbed her arm and looked down at the crimson carpet. Crimson like blood. “Maybe. I don’t know.”

“You don’t have to go,” Tristan said. “I’ll put a hunting party together. We’ll scour the mountains from Gonah Way as far as we have to until we find the dragon who took you.”

“And cut out its heart,” Gareth growled. Raelyn didn’t like seeing him like this. So vengeful and angry. “Something as big as a dragon can’t hide forever.”

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