“So . . . we are all right, then?”
She gave him a bashful smile. “I do have one selfish request.” He waited while she worked up the nerve. “Paxton has agreed to stay back as part of the troops who will guard Aerity and me during the battle. I was hoping you could as well.”
His eyebrows drew together. “I’m sorry, Vix, but I’ve promised the Zandalee I will return to Dovedell and fight with them. I only came to see you—erm, all of you—before the battle.”
Fear jolted her. “Surely we can send another in your place.”
His eyes softened. “I must go. Our chances are good. Please don’t worry.”
She let out a shaky breath. How could she not worry?
“Is that you, Princess Vixie?”
Both of their heads turned toward the voice. A lean, sturdy Torestan lad with a fine face and royal uniform buttoned tohis neck came forward, flanked by five Torestan soldiers. Vixie studied him. He looked familiar. Then her mind lit up.
“Prince Hanriil of Toresta?”
The lad smiled. “It has been a long time.”
She tried to remember the last time she’d seen King Gavriil Cliftonia’s son. “Three years,” she said. “The updated Eurona pact signing.”
“Dreadful,” he said, and they both laughed.
From the corner of her eye she saw Tiern rock back on his heels with his hands behind his back, watching their interaction.
“Prince Hanriil, this is the hunter Tiern Seabolt. He joined the great hunt and had a hand in slaying the beast.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say . . .” Tiern mumbled but stopped and simply gave a respectful bow. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness.”
“And you, hunter,” the prince replied before shifting his full attention back to Vixie. “I was very sorry to learn of your parents’ fate, Princess.”
Vixie dropped her eyes and nodded as a sharp ache landed in her chest.
“They were the kindest rulers in all the lands,” he continued. “I always enjoyed our visits to Lochlanach, and I wish I were here under better circumstances.”
She finally looked at him, trying to stand tall.
“You resemble her very much, your mother,” he said, the reverence in his voice making her swallow a burn of moisture.“Remember how angry she was when they found us under the dock, collecting crabs and covered in mud?”
Vixie let out a laugh, wiping the corners of her eyes. “I only remember how much convincing it took you to go under that dock in the first place.” He’d been so lanky and overcautious. He’d certainly grown out of that awkwardness, though.
The prince grinned. “I was fifteen. Too old to be playing in mud.”
“But you had fun,” Vixie teased.
“I did.”
Tiern cleared his throat, and nodded his head toward officers who were beginning to gather and call everyone in for planning. Prince Hanriil peered over his shoulder before giving Vixie a tight look. “I’ve got to go.”
“Are you to fight?” Vixie asked.
“I am. My first battle. I have trained two years, despite my father’s wishes, and I am honored to be at your service.” He gave her a bow from the waist, which she returned.
“Seas be with you.” She prayed he would return to his father unharmed.
“And the winds with you.”
He left, and when Vixie looked back at Tiern his mouth was in a straight line and her tummy flipped.By the seas . . . is he jealous?
