“Activities?” He raises an eyebrow.
Embers of warmth settle in my chest as I envision the activities I have engaged in with Cenric.
Will he really do more later? Or will he push me away again?
“You know, like...walking. And...breathing.” I cringe internally.
Amusement glints in Praxis’ eyes. “Well, I suppose those are important activities.”
I fidget with the wooden fox in my bag as my thoughts shift back to Cenric and his insistence on the staged conversation in Morwen’s tent. Then, his sudden interest in following Ava.
The truth hits me like a slap of icy rain to the face. Cenric must think Ava is a spy.
I glance at Praxis, wondering if he’s in on this little scheme. His expression gives nothing away.
I shift my attention to the crackling fire. The wood pops and hisses, sending sparks spiraling up into the darkening sky. It’s almost mesmerizing enough to distract me from the knot of worry in my gut.
As dusk settles around us, painting the world in shades of purple and blue, I wonder what’s happening with Cenric and Ava. Is he interrogating her? Accusing her of being a spy?
I glance at Praxis, who’s been whittling away at a piece of wood for a while. He seems entirely too calm. Then again, maybe he’s better at hiding his emotions than I am. Or perhaps he’s simply mastered the art of not caring. I should ask him for lessons.
The sky darkens further, stars beginning to peek out. I count them and give each one a ridiculous name. There’s Shiny, and next to him is Lord Twinkle.
It’s a riveting game, really. Almost as exciting as watching grass grow or water boil.
But as the night wears on, my thoughts keep circling back to Cenric and Ava. What if she really is a spy? What will Cenric do?
As I’m contemplating what I should name the next star, I look up to find Cenric standing there, his face carved from stone. If he were any more rigid, I’d worry he’d topple over in a strong breeze.
Whatever happened with Ava, it clearly hasn’t improved his mood.
Without a word, he jerks his head toward our tent. I stand, brush off my surcoat, and offer Praxis a weak smile. He returns it with a sympathetic shrug.
As I walk next to Cenric, the silence hovers so thick I could probably use it as a cloak. I desperately want to ask about Ava, but the set of Cenric’s shoulders screams,don’t even think about it.
So instead, I let my imagination run wild. Did Ava confess to being a master spy? Or maybe she’s a princess in disguise. Oh, or perhaps she’s—
My internal monologue cuts off as we reach the tent.
Cenric holds the flap open, and I duck inside.
Chapter
Fifty-Nine
CENRIC
I enter Everly’s tent,my mind still spinning from having caught Ava in the act of leaving a coded message for the rebels. I can’t believe I trusted her, let her into my camp, near my warriors, and close to Everly.
After I allowed Ava to leave the message, I placed her in a tent with guards, then questioned her, but she revealed little.
“Are you going to kill Ava?” Everly asks, her voice so soft that I barely hear her.
“I don’t know yet.”
Everly’s mouth tightens as she stares down at her feet for several beats. “I like her.”
“She’s a spy,” I say, my voice colder than I intended.
