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“That’s not an answer.”

“He didn’t hurt me,” I said, impatient. “We need to return to the compound.”

“No, we don’t.”

I clenched my jaw, my temper close to spilling over. Although Keil didn’t deserve all my anger, he certainly deserved a portion of it.

He’d tried to sacrifice himself for me, despite my protests. He’d agreed to let Goren train me, though I didn’t need training. He’d made himself my jailor for the next two weeks. And now, he was keeping me from returning to the compound. To the compass.

“Fine. We will not.” I pounded the ceiling. “Stop the carriage!”

But we continued rushing forward, the curtain tassels thumping. I pounded again.

“It won’t stop until we reach the estate,” Keil said, his glare still lowered. “Did you lie to Arun outright?”

“Is this an interrogation, Your Highness? Or have you truly slipped into your role as my warden so easily?”

“Arun knows when people are lying. He sees it in their body language, their expressions.”

I jolted, now understanding how Arun had realized who I was. Because he’d recognized the veins of my lies and had followed them to the heart of the truth.

“It’s how he knew I hadn’t struck Erik myself,” Keil continued. “If Arun thinks you lied—about anything—he won’t stop pushing until he gets answers.”

Though I was still shuddering at the thought of such a dangerous talent, my voice was stony as I said, “Have you spent so long thinking of me as a Wholeborn that you’ve forgotten I am a Wielder? I can handle myself.”

“You don’t understand. Arun is the Minister of Intelligence.”

“I already know—”

“He’s a torturer, Alissa,” Keil snapped, finally straightening to look at me. My words died at the intensity in his eyes—at the shadows that the haze of daylight couldn’t chase away. There was anger there . . . and fear. “When I knew he’d taken you, I thought . . .” He exhaled shakily. “That’s why I insisted on hosting you. Because Arun would’ve used his position as an excuse to hurt you.” He shook his head, hurt flashing in his eyes. “Did you truly think I wanted to keep you prisoner?”

“It wouldn’t be the first time.”

Keil flinched, and I regretted the words. I didn’t want to wound him.

But I did need to understand.

“You say Arun can sense a lie,” I said, still firm but with less bite. “Yet you promised that I wouldn’t leave your grounds.”

“No, Alissa.” Keil held my gaze, unwavering. “I didn’t.”

I went to protest when Rheya’s words drifted back to me. I don’t want her leaving your grounds.

And Keil’s immediate, steady response: I understand.

I deflated in realization. Keil hadn’t actually agreed to her request.

He leaned toward me now, his presence seeming to take up the entire carriage. “I did not today, nor have I ever, wished to bind you to my side against your will.”

I swallowed hard, the tide of my anger threatening to withdraw. “I didn’t need you to protect me from Arun.”

“I could say the same to you.”

It was my turn to flinch. Because he’d heard Arun in the throne room. He knew I’d only barreled into danger tonight because I’d been trying to get to him.

“Arun made it sound as though—”

“It doesn’t matter how he made it sound,” Keil said evenly. “Rheya wouldn’t have hurt me. And even if you thought she would, you shouldn’t be risking your life for me. Ever.”