Page 88 of A Thieving Curse

“You will accompany me, then, Prince Gareth?” Tristan asked stiffly.

“You won’t slay my sister’s monster without me.”

He is my monster!Raelyn wanted to shout.He’s mine, and you can’t hurt him!But they wouldn’t find him, right?

Tristan nodded, his jaw tight. “Was it high in the mountains? Or in a valley?”

“I don’t…I wasn’t…” She shook her head. “It’s all a blur. I think…a valley.” Would they believe that lie? Would it be enough to protect Alex?

Gareth put his arm around her shoulders. “You’re in shock. It’s all right.”

Tristan clasped his hands behind him, looking somber. “Hopefully the confusion is just nerves, not due to an enchantment.” His mouth pulled to the side. “If it is, though, I imagine killing the dragon would end it.”

“If I were a dragon, I’d make my lair on a tall mountain.” Gareth rubbed her shoulder. “We should start with high peaks within a few days’ ride of the pass. There’s a village between…” He considered for a moment. “I think it was between Mount Liran and Mount Klainar, that had rumors of dragon sightings.” Her pulse hammered as he mentioned Mount Klainar.

“We can start with those.” Tristan squinted. “I think I can pull together enough men to leave by noon tomorrow.”

Tomorrow?Raelyn swayed and Gareth tightened his grip on her shoulder. She was going to be sick. “I…think I need to retire, my lord.”

Tristan’s countenance softened. “I’m sorry, my lady.” He offered her his arm. “Prescott mentioned you’re in a guest room in the north hall of the second floor. Allow me to escort you.”

Raelyn hesitated, then stepped out of the safety of Gareth’s arm and slipped her hand into the crook of Tristan’s elbow. Tristan placed his other hand over her fingers and drew her in close to his side.You’re marrying him.Don’t pull away.

“I’ll be right behind you.” Gareth crossed his arms.

They walked down a couple hallways in silence. She needed to talk them out of going.

“Prince Tristan,” she said slowly. “If you leave tomorrow, when will we wed?”

“As soon as I’m back and your enemy vanquished.” He patted her fingers. “I failed you when I didn’t go looking for you. I won’t fail you now.”

She blanched. “The dragon is…terrifying. I fear for your safety.”

Tristan stopped and looked down at her with sympathy. He brushed his fingers across her cheek. Gareth huffed, but Tristan ignored him. His skin felt cool compared to Alex’s. “You needn’t worry. I am skilled with a sword, a deadly opponent. I’ll take only the best knights and hunters with me. The dragon will quake with fear, not I.”

“But—”

“I will sleep better with the beast dead.” He kissed her forehead. The feel of his lips made her ache for Alex. “And I’m certain you will, as well.”

Alex, I’m sorry.You were right to fear this.She blinked away pricking tears.

“Oh, my lady.” Tristan cupped the side of her face in his hand. She inhaled sharply but managed not to shy away. “I’ll come back. So will Prince Gareth. One princess-stealing dragon in the mountains isn’t anything we can’t handle. All right?”

Alex’s voice sounded in her head.“Kidnapping? I think this would be princess-napping.”The fond memory stoked her resolve, reminding her why she couldn’t stand by, trembling like a helpless damsel.

“I’ll go with you.” She removed Tristan’s hand from her face and held it. Maybe she could try to send them in the wrong direction or find a way to warn Alexander. “I refuse to wait here worrying. I’ll try to help you find it. I might recognize something.”

“Are you certain?” Tristan frowned.

“Please.” Raelyn turned to Gareth. “I spent over a month wondering if you were dead. I can’t do that again.”

Pain flickered over Gareth’s face. “I know what you mean. I’d feel better knowing exactly where you are, too.”

“All right.” Tristan kissed her forehead again. She wished he wouldn’t.

Raelyn wished she didn’t know he would kiss her lips before long. She wished she could focus on the fact he was attractive and kind, if overly formal and physical, and like him. She wished she could stop thinking about Alexander’s smooth voice and face that was perfect despite the little clusters of scales. She wished she hadn’t mentioned a dragon.

But most of all, she wished she had kissed Alexander goodbye.

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