Page 10 of The Promised Prince
“Well, I didn’t know when you were going to appear again since you snuck off this afternoon,” Drake said coolly, hardly greeting him with a glance. His shaggy brown hair fell over his forehead, and he whipped his head to the side to shake it away from his brown eyes. “Where have you been?”
“Sorry. I visited that pond we found by the border.” Trev leaned forward to survey the array of chicken and pork on Drake’s platter before selecting a chunk.
Drake finally looked up at him, exasperation on his face. “Trev, I am the head of your security. How can I protect you if I don’t even know where you are?”
“Protect me from what?” Trev looked around as he tore the piece of chicken between his fingers, the smaller bite ending up in his mouth. “Vassel is small, remote, and friendly to Albion.”
“It’smyjob to assess threats to your safety.”
“And what’s the risk level here in Vassel?”
Drake was stone-faced until a small smile cracked the surface. “Extremely low.”
Trev grinned, popping another piece of chicken into his mouth.
Drake softened. “Next time, just tell me where you’re going, okay? The king will have my head if anything happens to you on my watch.”
Trev nodded, knowing his friend was right. He should have told him where he was.
“Did you enjoy your swim?” Drake asked sardonically.
The girl’s face flickered through Trev’s mind. “It was interesting.”
Who was this Mangum guy?Trev decided he didn’t like him, whoever he was.
“I met a girl,” Trev said, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice.
Drake paused mid-bite. “And?”
“And, I don’t know.” Trev shrugged. “She was really fun.”
Drake was silent for a moment. “May I remind you that we’re meeting your fiancée in two days?”
“I know that,” Trev said with a touch of irritation.
“Then you’re also aware that it’s in poor taste to flirt with some New Hope country girl.”
“I never said we flirted.”
Drake leaned back and folded his arms over his chest. “It was implied.”
Trev rolled his eyes, hating the fact that Drake knew him so well.
“You haven’t noticed a girl in years,” Drake continued. “As your friend, I’m happy for you. But as your head of security, it’s my responsibility to tell you—”
“Drake,” Trev interrupted. “I know my duty. You don’t have to tell me anything.”
Drake’s stare was heavy. “You’re lucky you didn’t see the New Hope caravan when you were at the pond. The innkeeper said they’re staying at the farmhouse down in the valley.”
Trev took a breath. He hadn’t realized the New Hope royalty was so close. But of course they were. They were expected at the ruler’s palace in a few days. “I didn’t see anyone but the girl.”
Drake kept going. “And it’s a good thing since you were with a woman other than your fiancée.”
Trev sighed, regretting telling his friend about the girl. “It was nothing. I’ll never see her again, and I didn’t even get her name.”
Drake paused for a moment longer, then nodded. “As long as you understand that it’s far too late for a fling.”
“It wasn’t a fling.” Trev motioned to the waitress to bring another plate of food.
