Page 43 of Façade

“Uncooperative as ever. I suppose your true purpose for visiting me in the middle of the night will remain as mysterious as everything else about you.” Worry shrouded his expression as a possibility occurred to him. “Are you not feeling well?” His hand went to my brow as it had yesterday, yet somehow this touch felt infinitely more soothing. “No fever. Even so, if you’re not up for it, we can delay—”

He hastily snapped his mouth shut, but it was too late—I’d already deciphered the words he hadn’t spoken in the tense silence that followed: the time had come for him to sever our union.

“It’s today, isn’t it?” I asked.

An inner battle warred across his expression before he lowered his eyes with a nod. “The preparations are complete. If we leave this morning, it’ll be done in a few days’ time.”

I could think of only one destination with enough power to sever a magical union binding a royal: the magical monastery residing in the bordering mountains. “So it’s the monastery after all.”

He didn’t seem surprised I’d guessed his intentions. Aside from killing me, as a prince there was little else he could do to rid himself of an unwanted union. Magic was the sole solution to many a problem, though in the case of my own unexplained powers, it felt less like a solution and more of a predicament riddled with mystery.

“I was up late debating how to cajole you into coming with me, wondering if it’s even wise to embark on such a journey with you feeling unwell, while also knowing I can’t delay any longer.” He hesitated. “But if you’re still not feeling up to it…”

If he allowed thoughts of my comfort to sway him, then we’d never embark. Enduring several long days on horseback sounded like the most tedious torture I’d do anything to avoid, even as I also yearned to escape the palace, especially with my lingering fear from last night trapping me like a cage. But at least it was preferable to being executed for my lies, a fierce relief.

In truth, I had my own reasons for visiting the Magical Monastery: not only did I want to search the records for information about my true parentage, I needed to figure out the exact nature of these unexpected powers. Either magic in Estoria wasn’t reserved for royals, or despite my common background I was distantly related to royalty, or my powers had come from another source. Regardless of whichever scenario proved true, answers could only be found within those magical walls where others possessing magic resided. Only they could help me better understand my powers and how to control them, and grant me access to their birth records that could help me discover who I truly was and where I’d come from so that I no longer remained without an identity.

But there was considerable risk traveling with Ryland. Last evening’s strange burst of power had escaped beyond my control, and if he learned I possessed magic…would he exploitmeinstead? I’d allow him to do what he wished if it’d protect the true Estorian princess, but I’d prefer it not come to that.

Though accompanying him brought its own set of perils, there were also distinct advantages—after my attack I’d much rather journey under the protection of Ryland and his entourage than travel alone. After two attempts on my life, I had reason to fear another attack awaited me on the journey ahead. Not to mention the longer we remained at the palace, the higher the likelihood that the guards I’d instructed to keep the events of last night secret would become tempted to confide in my husband.

Yet he couldn’t know I had my own reasons for visiting the monastery, especially when it was my duty to make his life as difficult as I could manage. But last night’s attack had suppressed my usual fighting spirit, making me less enthused about forcing him to cajole me into cooperating than I might have otherwise.

“I have no reason to go with you.” I tried to fill my tone with my usual spunk but the words fell flat, earning me another frown.

“Something is wrong. Won’t you tell me?”

I shook my head. I had no reason to trust him, as he well knew. He sighed but didn’t press the matter.

“I have nothing to convince you to accompany me other than threats, kidnap, and force, but I’m reluctant to try any of those, considering I’m rather tired of feeling like a lout.” He looked almost as weary as I felt as his heavy-lidded gaze met mine. “Please don’t make me drag you to the monastery kicking and screaming, I beg you.”

Despite my own weariness from the trying events of the night and the promise of a long journey ahead, the shadow of a smile grazed my lips. “As entertaining as I’m sure that’d be for you, there will be no need to go to such lengths: I will accompany you.”

His relief at my acquiescence was marred by suspicion. He narrowed his gaze, and too late I realized I’d given in far too easily than I’d intended.

“I have my own plan,” I hastened to explain. “But I shan’t spoil the surprise. A challenge will make our journey much more interesting, wouldn’t you agree? The question that remains is: who will emerge conquerer?”

He considered that before offering a reluctant nod. “It appears a tentative bargain has been struck.” He straightened. “I’ve already given orders for your servants to prepare your things. We’ll leave within an hour.”

Though our interaction had concluded, he remained near me, as if he didn’t trust me to be alone in his room or, more likely, not to make my escape should he take his eyes off me but a moment, suspicions which had undoubtedly only deepened at my unexpected cooperation with his wishes. To my own surprise, I found I didn’t mind his company; last night must have unsettled me more than I thought.

Part of me wondered if I’d made a mistake in not putting up much of a fight, and if I’d later regret it after I’d shaken off the heavy tendrils of fear and felt more like myself—before remembering that it’d be in my best interest to cooperate in hopes that doing so would lower his guard; though I had my own reasons for visiting the monastery, if I found an opening to escape, Iwouldtake it.

This game between us had only just begun.

CHAPTER15

Silence filled the space between us, extending our already long journey and expediting my usual restlessness, causing minutes to feel like hours as the day stretched endlessly. I’d long since lost interest in the passing scenery and now did my best to avoid not just speaking to Ryland riding slightly ahead with several of his guards, but even looking at him. It was my punishment for his forcing me on a journey to annul our marriage so he could continue his plans of exploitation of my kingdom and people. If we spoke at all, we kept to the standard topics I’d endured for countless inconsequential interaction of the court; they were so engrained in me I could recite the expected pleasantries in my sleep.

There was another reason for the ever-present tension—I couldn’t stop thinking of the night before. I continuously took in deep breaths of the piney mountain air, grateful for each one. I rode closer to Ryland than I might otherwise have, keeping my attention riveted to our surroundings for any sign someone might be following.

There was no one. At one point I thought I detected someone in the distant trees, causing my breath to catch…but I never saw them again, leaving me to wonder whether the stalker’s presence had only been the workings of my overly exhausted imagination. Fear’s continuous presence made the already long journey extend endlessly.

After several tedious hours in which I idly wondered if one could actually die of boredom, Ryland suddenly yanked his horse to a stop, his gaze riveted to the undergrowth alongside the path.

“What—” I began, only to fall silent when his hand snapped up, a silent order to stop speaking. I scowled. Immediately a retort that he had no right to order me about burned my lips…but it vanished when I glimpsed the gravity filling his expression.

With agitated movements, he swung from the saddle and crouched before the foliage. The head guard followed. “What is it, Your Highness? Is it—” The two exchanged a somber look but said nothing more.

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