“Where are you going?” Prince Gareth asks, frowning as he glances down at my bag.
“Running away?” Prince Lucien questions, but he doesn’t sound as pleased about the idea as I would have thought.
I sigh, grasping the strap of my bag and telling myself not to be a dick to them, even though they deserve it. “I’m going to gather herbs in the forest.”
Prince Alaric looks confused as he sweeps a hand through his short brown hair. “Herbs in the forest?”
“Yup.”
“Explain,” Prince Gareth barks.
Rolling my eyes, I turn to go.
A hand closes around my arm. I look back, and it’s Prince Lucien. “He asked you a question.”
“Why does it matter?” I challenge.
“Our father told us to keep an eye on you after the attack by the Hollowborns. They’ve clearly taken an interest in you… for some reason,” Prince Lucien responds, seeming irritated that I’m questioning him.
“And you clearly take your jobrealseriously.”
I try to jerk my arm free from him, but his grip only tightens.
Realizing that I’m either going to have to beat the shit out of all three of them and hope my grandfather taught me how to fight well enough to take all three on at once or answer, I go with the easier option. “Remember? I’m a healer. I’m used to having a collection of herbs for healing. I don’t have that here, so I’m going to find some.”
“Alone in the woods?” Prince Gareth asks, not sounding happy.
I try not to roll my eyes again. “Have you any idea how much of my life I’ve spent exploring the woods on my own? I can take care of myself.”
The three exchange a look, which is the most connected I’ve ever seen them. It’s like some silent understanding is passing between them. As nice as it might be to see this connection at another time, I feel like it means trouble for me.
Prince Gareth turns back to me. “We’re coming with you.”
The other two nod.
“The fuck you are!”
“Our father gave us specific orders–” Prince Alaric begins.
Prince Lucien cuts him off. “The whole court, no, the whole city, fuck, the wholecountryis talking about you bringing about peace between us and the Hollowborns. Ever since our father read the history books and spread the word at the ball, you’ve become some kind of symbol of hope. Personally, I think it’s all bullshit, but people won’t be happy if our little symbol of hope ends up dead in the woods.”
“Yet, scaring me off from becoming a dragon rider and giving you my dragon is perfectly acceptable?”
“Yes,” Prince Alaric says, almost surprised. “A woman not being cut out to be a rider is acceptable. You dying is not. Once you realize your place, you can always stay in the court and continue being the symbol of hope our people need.”
“How sweet.”
“You’re not going alone, so let’s be done with this,” Prince Gareth says grumpily.
“What if I pinky promise I won’t die?”
Prince Lucien’s mouth twitches. “No go.”
“How about you tell us what you want, and we have the servants bring it for you?” Prince Alaric asks, and I’m sure he thinks he’s being helpful.
“Is that what you guys do when you want something?” I ask, surprised.
“Of course,” Prince Alaric says, followed by a small smile. “I mean, a dragon rider’s time is too important for things like this.”
