Page 28 of A Wayward Movement

“I’m afraid I’m not here to buy, however,” Xavier continued smoothly. “I was hoping this young lady could assist with our investigation, but she’s very diligent, and assures me she’s not able to step away from her duties.”

“Nonsense, Alina,” the man said, shocked. “Of course you may consider yourself released if His Highness wishes to speak with you.”

Alina bit her lip, her brow furrowing as she looked from the artisan to a blandly smiling Xavier. Was she really as reluctant as all that? But her next words, murmured to the other man, took Xavier by surprise.

“I beg your pardon, sir, but I’d rather take the work.”

“I’ll still pay you for a half day, Alina. Don’t keep the prince waiting.”

The artisan’s words were even quieter than Alina’s, but Xavier caught them. He pretended not to, however, feigning interest in the next stall over. Inside, he felt sobered. He’d told himself he wanted his questions answered, but he wasn’t enjoying the knowledge. It was hard to comprehend that the loss of half a day’s wages was such a blow to the girl to whom he’d once promised the world.

Alina emerged from behind the stall, looking a little self-conscious as she glanced over the many people watching them.

“You have some further questions for me?” she asked him, her smile gone.

“Yes.” It suddenly occurred to Xavier that people might think she was under suspicion, and he made his tone friendly. “We’re hoping you can help us with the investigation. I’ll explain.”

He gestured for her to precede him down the busy row of stalls. She did so, and space cleared instantly before them. Xavier waited until they were out of the markets completely to speak again.

“I don’t know the town. You choose a direction. Somewhere less crowded.”

Alina asked no questions, just walking swiftly away from the markets. Xavier followed her, noting that his guards were staying closer to him than usual. That wasn’t what he wanted for this particular interview.

“Is something amiss?” he asked one calmly.

“This girl has skill with magic craft, Your Highness, is that correct?” the guard answered.

Xavier nodded, then took his meaning. “She’s not a threat to me,” he said with a touch of impatience.

“With respect, Your Highness, it’s our duty to assess that for ourselves,” the other guard chimed in.

Xavier frowned between them. “And you can do that duty from a more respectable distance.”

He turned to find that Alina had stopped, looking confused as she took in the trio.

“Where have you brought us?” Xavier asked, glancing around. They hadn’t left the town, but it was much quieter, and instead of a house, the fence beside which they’d stopped bordered a garden.

“People have vegetable plots in this part of town,” Alina said. “It’s a pleasant place to walk.” She tucked her hands into the folds of her skirts. “Do you really have further questions for me?”

Amusement swept over him at her choice of words. “So, so many.”

“About the investigation,” she clarified hastily.

Xavier glanced at his guards, his expression full of silent meaning. Their faces were stoic as they discreetly moved a little further back. He’d thought he was subtle, but looking back at Alina, he realized she’d caught the exchange.

“My guards think you’re going to attack me with your magical abilities,” he said cheerfully.

She made a noise in her throat. “Then my skills have been exaggerated.” She seemed to realize her omission and added quickly, “And also I have no desire to attack you, of course.”

“I’m so relieved,” Xavier told her politely.

“You said you had questions about the investigation?” she prompted him, apparently not in the mood for pleasantries.

“Just one, but we’ll get to that.” He reached out and plucked a passion fruit from a vine that was curling around the fence. He held it out to her, eyebrows raised.

Alina gave her head a small shake. “That belongs to someone, you know. It’s not a public garden.”

“I’m sure they won’t miss just one,” Xavier said, drawing it back at her continued refusal. His eyes were on her face as he tossed the lopsided fruit into the air and caught it. “You said your family wasn’t wealthy before your parents died. But when I knew you, your father was possibly the most successful merchant in the kingdom. What happened?”