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“It’s why I’m king.” He offered a cocky grin.
“Not for long if you go on this insane mission.”
“Only insane if it doesn’t work. I take it you’ve decided to join us?”
I shook my head. “I can’t believe I’m agreeing, but I won’t let my friends go without at least trying to help.”
“Would it help if I said I have every intention of us returning victorious?”
I wrinkled my nose. “Did you have another dream?”
He popped a tangy piece of fruit into my mouth, and as I chewed, he leaned close to whisper, “Would you like me to dream of us having a future together?”
I moved away from him, discomfited by his presence. “Don’t be foolish. If we do by some chance survive this insanity, you’ll return to find yourself a proper bride, and I’ll—”
“You’re not returning to the gradeena.” He sounded quite firm on that score.
“I need to work if I want to house and feed myself.”
“We’ll discuss this later.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, because the goddess forbid I have a say in my own life,” I replied snarkily.
“I don’t think this fruit is enough. You’re still grumpy.”
“I just don’t like you thinking you can tell me what to do.”
“Ah yes, because you’re used to being in charge. In control of everyone. How strange it must be to come across someone who isn’t swayed by your magic.”
“My potions keep me safe.”
“You weren’t safe the other night.” A quiet reminder.
“I’m still not convinced the dragons came after me on purpose.”
“Calling me a liar?”
I wanted to, it would be easier, but I sighed. “No. But this idea of going after some nebulous dream—”
“The First Jewel exists.”
“And hasn’t been heard of in…how long?” I waved a hand. “Not in the past few generations at the least.”
“By my research, I’d say a few hundred years.”
I hadn’t expected an answer. “So we’re looking for ruins?”
“I don’t know for sure. I think the First Jewel might have been hidden on purpose.”
“How do you hide a massive city and keep it secret?”
He shrugged. “Guess we’ll find out.”
“Anything else I should know?”
“Ask me anything.”
Anything? I pursed my lips. “Why have you never married?”
