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He tilted his head. “What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing,” I said, forcing a laugh. “It was a joke.”
“Oh.” He frowned. “Look, I understand if you’re afraid to tell me the truth, but you already admitted you wanted to leave the city, and yet, here I am, speaking with you instead of reporting you. Your hesitation is reasonable, given the fact that I am a nobleman, but I hope you’ve begun to see that you can trust me.”
I looked around. Citizens passed by in the rain, hurrying to get home before curfew. Too close for comfort.
“Can I?” I asked. “I don’t even know your last name. How can I trust you when you’re still half a stranger?”
“It’s just that I—my family . . .” he trailed off pathetically.
“Is it because I’m a commoner and you’re afraid I’ll tell people we’re friends?” I asked, prodding him to admit who he was so I could move forward with my plans.
His wet hair clung to his forehead, and he was beginning to look like he’d drown, but he still smiled. “We are friends, then?”
My frustration wasn’t enough to keep me from smiling back. “I think so, unless my less than impressive rank is a deal-breaker. Who knows, maybe the only reason you’re still talking to me is because of my book.”
He shook his head. “That’s not true. Your rank makes no difference to me.”
I narrowed my eyes, unable to hide my skepticism. I’d thought he was the honest type, but this couldn’t possibly be true. “How? How could it make no difference? You can’t deny that nothing matters more to a Cambrian. Especially”—I stepped closer, staring him straight in the eye—“to the heir.”
He stepped back and his eyebrows drew together, dark and serious.
My heart beat faster and I wished I could take back my words. Why couldn’t I control my tongue?
“When did you realize?” he asked solemnly.
“Well, it doesn’t take a Class A rank to put Graham and Brennin together.”
We stood facing each other, with only the sound of fast and persistent raindrops surrounding us. I couldn’t recall when the rain had picked up, but water ran down Graham’s hair into his face. I must’ve looked the same.
I put my hand out toward him, my anxiety retreating as I realized he didn’t seem angry. “It’s nice to officially meet you, Graham Brennin.”
He reached out and shook my hand, the rain running between our fingers.
“You don’t mind?” he asked.
I smiled. “Your rank makes no difference to me.”
He smiled back with a new boldness, a happier one than all his previous smiles, triggering a surge of guilt inside me.
“It’s almost ten o’clock,” he said, “and I’m sure you’d like to get out of the rain.”
“Maybe not. If I stay out a few minutes longer, I won’t have to bathe tonight.”
He laughed freely as if something in him had been unlocked with the reveal of his secret.
I wiped the water from my eyes. “Your parents will be furious you escaped from your guards.”
“Most definitely. I’m sure they’ll never forgive me.”
I shivered and rubbed my arms, my skin finally registering the cold. “Well, then. I’m sorry for evoking the eternal wrath of the king and queen.”
He gave me a funny look. “It was worth it.”
I wished he hadn’t said that. And yet, the corners of my mouth turned up in rebellion as if my mind no longer controlled my actions.
“Will you be all right from here?” he asked, looking at the Quarter C gates.
