“Ruby?”
Whipping around, I see Kasimir propped up on one elbow, dragging a hand through his mussed waves.
Even half-asleep, he’s enough to take my breath away, but I swallow down any traitorous memories of last night. I can’t stay here, but I also can’t tell him I’m leaving. After what happened between us, I’m certain he’ll have me chained to his headboard before I can take two steps towards the palace.
“I’m just fetching something to eat.” It hurts to lie, but I have to be strong. “I’ll be right back.”
Kaz smiles lazily then flops down onto his pillows. “Don’t be too long,” he says, closing his eyes. “And make sure that gown is off when you come back to bed. Or I’ll slice the back of it too.”
I laugh, but then I stop myself to clear my throat.
This ends now. Kasimir is dangerous – even if it’s the kind of danger that makes me want to strip off my gown and crawl right back into bed with him.
With one last look at my sleeping assassin, I creep out the door and pull it shut behind me.
It doesn’t take long to find my boots and my cloak. After tucking the dagger Kaz gave me into my bodice, I sneak downstairs. I thought about leaving it behind, but honestly, I could do with the extra protection. Especially since Orion is probably still lurking around the palace – although not for much longer if I can help it.
I’ve already decided I’m going to speak to Father the moment I get home.
Soon, I’m pushing open the front door and stepping outside. But I don’t get very far before I’m met with a burly black wall.
Bertie stands in front of me, scowling as he points his finger back at the front door. When I don’t move, he shoves me backwards.
“No, you don’t understand, I have to leave!” I try to get past him, but the huge man just blocks my path. He continues to shove me, grunting and jerking his chin towards the door.
“I can’t stay here,” I tell him. “Please! You have to let me go.”
“Let her pass, Bertie.” Another voice calls from over my shoulder. I turn to see Meera, with her arms folded, leaning against the doorframe.
Bertie grunts, his scowl deepening.
“I don’t care what the boss told you to do,” Meera scoffs. “I’m not about to sit and watch you keep an innocent girl prisoner. You do realise she’s a princess, right? Guards will come looking for her.”
“Sorry, but you’re keeping me prisoner?” I cut in. Anger boils up inside me, and I almost march back upstairs to Kasimir’s room to tell him exactly what I think of that.
“Just let her go, Bertie,” Meera yells at the scowling man. “You really wanna get caught up in all this?”
Bertie shoots a look towards Kaz’s bedchamber.
“I’ll deal with him.” She pushes me forward and yanks the door shut behind her. “And I’ll walk her back to the palace so she’s safe.And sohedoesn’t murder us both.” She says that last part under her breath, but I still hear her.
With a sigh, Bertie raises his hands in mock surrender and finally lets us pass.
I’m out of breath by the time Meera marches us down the near-deserted main street. A few of the drunks who didn’t make ithome last night grumble at us from where they’ve collapsed on the dark road. But Meera keeps her head down and her hands inside her pockets, while I keep my cloak wrapped tight around my chest.
“Thank you for helping back there,” I say as we near the end of the road. “If it weren’t for you, I’d?—”
“Don’t talk to me right now.” She brushes me off with a grunt.
“I just wanted to thank you.”
“Well, don’t. I didn’t do this for you.” Pausing her steps, she spins to face me. There’s fury darkening her features, but after a moment, her shoulders droop and she shakes her head. “Listen,” she sighs. “I don’t hate you, Ami. And I know this is on Kaz as much as it is on you, but whatever happened between the two of you last night, I hope it was worth the risk.”
My heart stills. She knows. How could she know?
“And I hope it was enough to get it all out of your systems. For good.” Her heavy glare returns. “Kaz’s life is already dangerous enough without getting caught up with the royal family, and you. Well, look around you, doll.” She throws up her hands, gesturing at the street. “This is hardly the right place for a lady to be, let alone a princess.”
Embarrassment creeps over my cheeks. Before I can reply, I’m cut off by Meera’s huff as she reaches into her pocket.
