Page 96 of Façade

“You never were an early riser.” A flicker of amusement briefly penetrated his stiff expression…before that too faded. “I shall accompany you.”

“You certainly will not.” Yet despite my aversion to the idea, it was difficult to ignore the way my treacherous heart lifted at his offer, as if it welcomed the abuse of being near the man who’d so thoroughly betrayed it.

He released a frustrated breath. “As much as I want to respect your wishes for distance, in this instance I feel compelled to intervene. It’s not safe for you to go gallivanting off by yourself.”

“The decision isn’t up to you.”

When my glare didn’t seem inclined to sway the man’s aggravating stubbornness I released a frustrated huff. “I’d hope that your now knowing I’m a princess would give you greater incentive in giving me my way, but unfortunately it appears I was quite mistaken.”

Teasing should have had no place midst my anger, even as I missed that aspect of our relationship, lost along with all the others.

He sighed. “Please, Evie. With the threats that remain against you, it’s unwise for you to travel with so little protection.”

Evie. The tenderness cradling the nickname proved dangerous, curling around my resolve and the anger I stubbornly tried to cling to. “Is your offer for my sake…or to remain close to my magic?” My look was one of challenge, one that deep down I knew was unfair since if he truly wanted to remain close to my magic, he wouldn’t have annulled the marriage or broken the vial he’d used to obtain it.

“No, I—“ He released a long breath. “I’m simply worried for you. Many dangers remain in Estoria. I don’t want you to be hurt.Please.”

How could I trust such words after such a painful betrayal? “The risks I may or may not encounter are not your concern.” In truth, I had no idea the potential dangers I faced beyond the prophecy about the assassin against my life that had forced the decoy to take my place.

“Evie.” My heart twinged at his earnest desperation. This wasn’t how I’d envisioned Ryland begging—those imaginings had always concerned my magic after he discovered I was the true princess, not his wishes to protect me on my return journey. Part of me yearned to accept his offer, anything to keep him near a little while longer…even as the thought of his presence sent a wave of fresh hurt.

Love was thoroughly confusing. Definitely not worth the trouble.

“I’m perfectly capable of traveling without your assistance. It’s not as if I’m traveling with only a single guard.” In addition to Silas, a few other guards accompanied him and guarded at a distance while he remained close.

I conjured up a handful of light, a spell I’d been practicing religiously ever since my weak powers had gradually returned. I held it almost tauntingly aloft, carefully monitoring his reaction for any hint of temptation…but he didn’t even glance at it, his gaze fixed solely on me.

“While magic would prove quite a capable weapon, thanks to my erroneous actions you’re currently too weak to wield it effectively. Even if I didn’t possess a desire to atone, I’m too ill at ease at the thought of you traveling in such circumstances. Whether or not my presence is welcome, I cannot in good conscience allow you to embark on such a treacherous journey on your own. If you’re insistent on returning to Estoria, please allow me to lend you the use of my own sword and guards in order to better protect you.”

Impatience tightened my jaw. Stubbornness was a rather inconvenient trait for us to share.

“Just allow me to take you as far as the castle,” he pleaded. “You have plenty of time to come up with a scheme to rid yourself of me once we reach it. I promise to respect your wishes for me to leave if that’s what you truly want.”

I wasn’t entirely surewhatI wanted. That was the biggest problem. I glanced towards Silas standing near the doorway in silent appeal. With his loathing for my former husband I fully anticipated him to come to my defense, even if it required him to lift his sword. Rather than promptly dismissing him, instead he carefully considered Ryland.

“Admittedly we could use the extra protection, Your Highness. While Estoria’s magic offers some protection to the royal family, it likely won’t be sufficient for the threats that remain against you. I don’t approve of your decision to return so hastily, so I must at least insist on accepting the guards he’s offering.” He gave the concession rather begrudgingly, reluctant acceptance of the man who’d so ill used me.

A swell of arguments burned on my tongue, but should there prove to be more dangers on our journey than I anticipated, I’d be foolish to reject Ryland’s offer; I’d be little use to my kingdom dead.

I drooped in defeat, my reluctant acquiescence, and nodded without fully realizing what I’d agreed to. “Fine,” I finally relented.

Ryland’s shoulders sank in relief but stiffened again at my guard’s hardened look. “I find it imperative to warn you of the consequences that will befall you should you venture near the princess.” He stroked the hilt of his sword with threatening fingers.

Ryland seemed unfazed by the firm warning. He simply nodded in acceptance before departing with a bow to make his own preparations. The moment he left, I turned my exasperation onto my guard. He held up his hands in defense.

“Forgive me for agreeing to an arrangement that will cause you undo emotional distress. Unfortunately, the added protection of his guards may prove necessary against any assassins we might encounter on our journey. Forgive me for forcing you to travel with a man you so vehemently dislike; I wouldn’t do it if it weren’t absolutely necessary.”

It wasn’t until he’d made such a claim that I realized that Ididn’tdislike my former husband, as much as he deserved it. Anger had buried my tender feelings, but it hadn’t quenched them completely. Until they were fully smothered, traveling so closely with him would only prove dangerous; I’d almost rather take my chances with an assassin, even as I acknowledged the impulsiveness of such an emotional reaction.

“I understand the necessity of his assistance,” I conceded. “But he’ll remain at the very back of the entourage, as far from me as possible. You will make it clear he’s not to approach or speak with me.”

Silas smirked with far too much satisfaction for a simple order. “It’ll be my pleasure, Your Highness.”

* * *

It only tookan hour to ready ourselves for the journey. We met Ryland’s entourage beneath the grey morning light near the stables, where Silas promptly delivered my message with an almost boyish eagerness. Ryland made no protest to my conditions, which made it a little less satisfying to demote a prince to the very back of our travel party. Despite this hiccup in my quest for revenge, so long as he stayed far away I could be content.

Ryland maintained his distance as we set out, though still close enough to stubbornly linger unwelcome in my thoughts. Our estrangement extended our already tedious journey, the unbearable silence making me miss him all the more, which in turn made my anger more difficult to cling to.

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