“Okay.” I looped my arm through his and steered him in that direction. “Nice day, huh?”
Ban grunted and guided me to the bench, then stood beside me.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“My apologies for the delay.” Sawyer approached from the path near the center fountain. “Kuya ate so much he gave himself a tummy ache. Briar administered a tonic and let him nap in the medical ward.”
“I’m glad he’s okay.” I scooted over on the bench to make room.
“The weather’s quite lovely, isn’t it? Much too nice to stay cooped up inside the castle.” Sawyer sat beside me. “But I can’t help but be saddened by it as well. Each moment brings me closer to… well, leaving my home.”
Finnian and Sir Noah hovered near a bed of yellow and purple flowers. Ban seemed to hesitate before leaving my side and joining them. A weird pressure nudged my core, and I caught the faintest scent of rain.
Was it supposed to storm today? I looked up at the clear blue sky. No clouds in sight. Probably just my imagination.
“Can I ask a question?” I faced Sawyer. His earlier statement mulled around in my head.
“You can ask me anything.”
“What will happen to Kuya when you marry Lady Alina and move to Voltas? Will he go with you?”
The edges of his eyes grew taut. “My father thinks it unwise to bring him with me. He says I need to focus on my duties as a husband and to toss aside any distractions that will keep me from being successful in those duties.” His bottom lip trembled. “Such as being in love with someone other than my bride to be.”
It was the first time he’d admitted to loving Kuya romantically. I’d already been like ninety-five percent sure, but having it confirmed almost made me cry. Because they couldn’t be together. Not in the way they both wanted.
Throat tight, I toyed with a loose strand on the bottom of my tunic. “With how your brother views demi-humans, I don’t think it’s safe for Kuya to stay in the castle without you.”
“Kuya wouldn’t stay in the castle.” Sawyer exhaled and focused on the flowerbed closest to him. “He’ll be forced to leave and find a home outside these grounds. That breaks my heart, Evan. He…” Tears gleamed in his eyes. “He doesn’t like being alone. It frightens him.”
“He won’t be alone.” I grabbed his hand. “Kuya can live with me. All the naps he wants and all the strawberry cupcakes he can eat.”
We’d make space for him. Lake and Briar had suggested building on to the cottage someday, adding patio seating but also extending the dining room, reading parlor, and adding an extra room upstairs. With Callum moving in with us, those plans would probably go into effect soon.
“You have my gratitude.” Sawyer clutched my hand and nodded, a tear falling free. “I pray I won’t be forced to leave him behind, but it brings me some peace knowing he’ll be with you should that happen.”
Sir Noah frowned as he surveyed the garden. He didn’t have to say a word for me to know it upset him too—Sawyer being sad. It wasn’t just his duty as a knight that kept him loyal. He truly cared for his prince.
“Enough of these tears.” Sawyer wiped at his eyes and offered me a watery smile. “Shall we take a walk?”
“Sure.” My answering smile probably looked just as watery.
Sir Noah and the guards followed us. When I glanced back at them, Finnian flashed one of his charming smiles that no doubt made all the girls swoon. August too, maybe. The bearded guard was rough around the edges, but I felt a connection between them. Like a love-hate relationship.
“What’s that?” I nodded to Sawyer’s necklace. I’d only noticed it when the sun shone on the gem, making it twinkle.
“A protection stone.” He lifted his hand to it. “Briar crafted it for me. Ban then turned it into a necklace so I could carry it easier.”
Looked like the type that crumbled after one use, but as the knights had proven several times now, once was enough. It could mean the difference between life or death.
“Nice job, Ban,” I told the guard. “It’s pretty.”
He grunted in response and averted his gaze, cheeks darkening.
We strolled through the garden, taking the outer path that provided a more scenic route. More private, as well. I couldn’t blame him. I’d lose my mind being cooped up in the castle with everyone and their brother constantly fawning over me. Trees rose around us, and the leaves rustled in the wind. I peered up at them as we stopped on the path.
Were Maddox and Callum patrolling the forest right now? What about Rowan? Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t see it coming. The attack.
It happened in the blink of an eye.
