Page 81 of Heartbreak Prince

“More water incoming,” he warns me, then pours a deluge over my head.

I ponder the information he shared until he finishes rinsing my hair and hands me a towel. I blot the wet strands, trying and failing to read Vawn’s expression. “What are you thinking? Are you considering turning yourself in?”

He shakes his head. “No. But I must make an alliance with the Twin Lieges of Tularesk and secure their help to reclaim the kingdom. It must be done quickly, before this Exemplar fellow graduates from arrests to executions.”

“Our hosts, Lord and Lady Kaenan-—they’ll help us get across the border into Tularesk?”

“Yes, and from there the Tularens will escort us to the Celestial Seat where their rulers reside.”

“Then we should leave immediately.”

Vawn avoids my gaze, shutting off the water and drying the outside of the pitcher. “My departure is set for the day after tomorrow. Tonight the Lord and Lady are hosting a party with some of their close friends, including the northern nobles who are most loyal to the Crown. They believe it’s important for me to make an appearance. Our allies need to see me in person to confirm that I’m alive.”

“The threats and the wanted posters aren’t enough proof for them?” I snort. “A party like that is a huge security risk. I don’t like it.”

“I knew you wouldn’t. If it helps, the guests and I will all be masked. I will only unmask in the Kaenans’ private parlor to a few select people, key dignitaries and influential citizens of the region.”

Swearing under my breath, I wrap the towel around my head and stalk back into the bedroom. “Where are my clothes? I need to talk to this Lord and Lady so I can find out what sort of precautions will be in place. Are they checking for weapons at the door? Will they have measures to prevent glyph use? What about personal security for you? Obviously I’ll be there, but you should have more bodyguards than just me, especially now.”

“Syth, you can’t come to the party. You’re still healing.”

Severin is floating in front of the window, twirling slowly in the sunshine. He flicks a tassel at Vawn. “I told you she’d want to attend.”

“I’m going,” I confirm. “And somebody had better get me an outfit, or I will make one out of the bedsheets.”

“I don’t think a bedsheet gown would be particularly appropriate for a high society event in the Grey Province,” comments Severin.

“No shit,” mutters Vawn, raking a hand through his hair. “I will ask Lady Kaenan about a gown for you.”

“Something I can fight in.”

“No, Syth.” He punches the bathroom doorpost so sharply that I startle. “Don’t you understand? You almost died. You’re not to think about fighting anything for at least two weeks. If you attend this event at all, you will stand quietly beside me, and you will trust the guards of Anyssir Castle to do their jobs.”

“How do you know they’re loyal? There are traitors everywhere, it seems. And the bounty is high enough to tempt even the most dedicated of guards.”

“These people have served the Kaenans for years. They are treated well, paid well. Lady Kaenan is not only a noblewoman—she is also a midwife, like most of the women in her family. She and her sister have delivered all the babies not only in the castle, but in the villages nearby. And she carries healing glyphs. She gives of her own life when it’s necessary, to ensure that her mothers and infants survive the birth process. The people of this region adore her.”

“And you believe their adoration will transfer to you.”

“Yes, because I’m under the protection of her and her husband.”

I sigh, running my hand along the elaborately carved bedpost. “This Lady Kaenan sounds too good to be true.”

“She’s incredible.” The fervency of his tone plucks at my pride, and for a moment, I wish that I were a self-sacrificing midwife, a saint among women. But I’m a peep show dancer, an inexperienced bodyguard, a damaged girl with nothing to offer but her fierce determination to keep him alive, not because he’s the prince, but because he is Vawn. My client. My duty. Mine.

“This goddess of a noblewoman—she believes the party is a good idea?” I ask.

“She sent the invitations, and she is planning the entire thing, so… yes. I assume so,” Vawn replies.

“Organization does not equal endorsement,” comments Severin.

“Thank you for that.” Vawn shoots him a glare. “Isn’t about time for your nap, carpet?”

“No.” Severin continues his lazy twirling. Motes of dust spin around him, glinting in the rays of sunshine.

“Well… don’t talk to Syth,” Vawn orders him. “At least, not about… you know.”

“You’ll tell her then. Soon.”