Page 21 of The Promised Prince
Oh, why do I always say the first thing that comes to my mind?
Trev laughed, the sound soft and deep. “I’ll let you know if I have any complaints.”
Renna’s stomach turned over itself, and her breathing became heavy. Slowly, he leaned down and touched the tip of his nose to hers. She closed her eyes, anticipating his lips’ soft touch when the unexpected drone of an engine interrupted them.
Renna jumped, and her sudden movement left Trev’s lips to clumsily brush against her lower cheek. Or maybe it was her neck—she wasn’t even sure. Flames of red embarrassment crept up her face at the awkward almost-kiss, but they flamed even hotter when she turned to see Mangum emerge from the trees on a PT and skid to a stop behind them. He jumped off the motorized bike and came toward them angrily.
How much had Mangum seen?
He stopped a few paces away, his brows pulled together in a stern frown. “Renna, your mother sent me to find you. The caravan is leaving within the hour.”
“It’s my fault,” Trev said, stepping forward confidently. “We lost track of time.”
Mangum’s eyes narrowed on Trev. “I could’ve guessed who was to blame.”
Renna cringed. Did Mangum have to play the role of father right this very second?
“Glad we’re on the same page.” Trev smiled, and she marveled at his ability to remain calm under Mangum’s glare.
“We’re leaving,” Mangum said to Renna in a clipped tone, his eyes never wavering from Trev.
Renna was all too happy to oblige, unable to bear her mortification for another second. “Will I see you at the palace?” She nervously looked between Mangum and Trev. She hated that they had to have their goodbyes in front of him.
Trev winked at her. “You won’t be able to miss me.”
And with that, Trev climbed on his PT, started the engine, and drove off into the trees.
6
Renna
Renna sat on the PT behind Mangum; his stiff posture was proof enough that he was upset with her. She thought about keeping her mouth shut for the entire ride, but she couldn’t. She needed to ask Mangum a favor before it was too late.
“Mangum?” Renna spoke into the side of his helmet. “Can we stop at my father’s grave real quick?” Mangum was usually so serious that Renna wasn’t entirely sure what he thought about her. She guessed that he liked her, at least a little bit. Why else would he have put up with her pranks for so long? She hoped that he would do her this one favor today.
“Your mother will be upset,” he said against the wind.
“Please, Mangum.” Her hands pulled tightly at the sides of his shirt. “It’s on the way.”
His body relaxed. “Fine. But just for a moment.”
Renna smiled, hugging him to her chest.
The meadow came into view around the corner, and Renna could hardly wait for the PT to slow to a stop before she jumped off. She ran across the secluded glade to her father’s graveside.
“We’re leaving,” she whispered under her breath, not wanting Mangum to hear. “I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye, but I promise I’ll come back. I’ll find a way to come back.” Renna bent down, grazing her fingers over the headstone. “I love you, Dad. I’ll always be your little girl.”
She hesitated for a moment before running back to the waiting PT.
“Okay, we can go now,” Renna said, wrapping her arms around Mangum. As they drove along, she studied Mangum’s hair coming out the back of his helmet. The brown strands were heavily streaked with gray.
As they came down the hill, guards folded up tents and carried them to the waiting transporters. Everyone’s heads flipped to Renna when they heard the personal transporter. Mangum parked and helped her to the ground. Her hair was still damp, and so was her dress where her undergarments had soaked through, plus all the dried mud remained. Renna sighed as Mangum escorted her past the men, knowing she was giving the guards quite the show.
“I must notify the queen of your activities.” Mangum’s voice was solemn as he opened the back door for her.
Renna was careful to avoid eye contact; she couldn’t bear to see the disappointment in his kind eyes. “It’s really not necessary,” she said, hoping he would reconsider.
“I wish it wasn’t, but I work for your mother.” Mangum nodded then left to go report to the queen.
