A young woman arrived with a tray of cups and a teapot, and a boy trailed behind her with mini sandwiches, quiches, and tartlets. They set the platters on the table, poured us some tea, then exited the room.
“Don’t judge me if I eat, like, all of those quiches.” My taste buds were already dancing with the anticipation of the eggy, cheesy goodness.
“I would never,” Sawyer said. “But only if you don’t judgemefor helping myself to your pastries.”
“Not at all.”
As we shared a smile, an ache spread through my chest. I so badly wanted to tell him we were related. No doubt he’d be excited. Instead of spilling the beans, I shoved a quiche into my mouth. Then another.
He ate half of his sandwich before setting the plate aside. “Forgive my prying, but something has me curious.”
I quickly swallowed my bite. “What’s up?”
“As you’re aware, I’m the one who assigned Finnian, Ban, and August to your travel party. You’re important to me, and I wanted guards I trust at your side.” Sawyer sat farther back in his chair and crossed an ankle over his knee. “Upon your return, Finnian told me about a redhaired man who also accompanied you to Exalos. One with shadow magic.”
“Oh.” Big mistake eating so much. I felt like I was about to dislodge it all from my stomach. But I reminded myself that this was Sawyer. He would never hurt me or anyone I loved. He even knew about Lake.
“He’s the thief, yes? The one who mistook you for me and captured you months ago?”
Fear prickled at my scalp, and I nodded. “But he’s not a threat anymore. He wasn’t even a threat back then. Not really. Rowan’s worked hard to do better. No more pickpocketing or Evan-napping. So you don’t need to arrest him or anything, I promise. He’s—”
“I have no intention on arresting him,” Sawyer interjected, offering me a reassuring smile. “I wished to express my gratitude.”
Confusion smacked me in the face. “Gratitude? For what?”
“Information came to light of soldiers from Haran infiltrating the knights’ ranks, hiding within the Third Order.Some also infiltrated positions within the castle. Several maids and kitchen staff.”
“They were in the castle too?” I asked, horrified by the thought. “Was anyone hurt?”
“By the grace of the gods, no. One attempted to tamper with my food but was caught by August. Sir Noah then found an assassin hiding in my bedchamber.”
“Oh my god. I’m glad you’re okay.”
“I was quite fortunate,” Sawyer said. “Extra precautions were taken once we learned of the infiltration. And it’s to my understanding that Rowan is responsible for that enlightenment.”
“Yeah.” I relaxed. “He told Maddox about it before we left for Exalos.”
“His intel allowed us to act before Haran could cause further harm. I may not be here otherwise. The kingdom is in his debt. As am I.”
Shadow magic was seen in an unfavorable light by most people. Rowan had been outcast because of it. And here Sawyer was speaking of him like he was a hero.
My chest warmed. “He’s been mistreated his whole life, but he’s not bad at all. If only people would give him a chance.”
“Ah, I see. It seems he has stolen something else.” The prince smiled. “Your heart.”
“What makes you say that?”
“Your eyes.” He looked down at Kuya. “They soften when you speak of your men. Which tells me Rowan is dear to you now as well.”
“He is.” And by the way he looked at Kuya, I knew someone dear to him too.
“I’m happy for you, Evan.” He glided his thumb across the rim of his cup, shifting his gaze to the fire. “If only we all could be with the one we love.”
“I assume wedding bells are still in your near future?”
“Much nearer than I’d like.” Pain laced in his eyes. “A royal ball will be held soon to officially announce my engagement to Lady Alina. A grand affair, with lords and ladies traveling from all over the realm to attend. From what I’m told, the wedding will shortly follow.”
“Why the rush? The focus should be on Haran right now, not a wedding.”
