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So,how?How could she possibly have any doubts when she knew all of me?
I had been left shaken, my emotions in turmoil, and my heart in disarray. And yet again, she’d left me behind like a used toy, rushing out of the room like her hair had been lit aflame. Had I misread the intensity of our connection? Or was there something deeper, something hidden, that she hadn't shared with me?
My mind raced with indignation, a tumultuous storm of emotions swirling in my chest. My people had always lauded my integrity and honor—my commitment to uphold what was right. The mere suggestion that I might have strayed from that path and tried to kill Zoei was like a dagger to my heart.
A part of me truly believed she waschoosingto doubt me. She knew just how much it would hurt to question the very essence of my character. It was a weapon in her arsenal, and she wielded it without mercy.
Another part of me was…relieved.Her doubt and anger presented familiar ground, like a well-worn path I had tread over many times before. There was familiarity here—no pretenses of soft touches and wet kisses. Only the haunting shadows of apprehension and broken trust remained.
“And what if you never find the truth?” I queried, hating the subtle crack in my voice. “What if you investigate foryearswithout results? Am I expected to be your prisoner all that time? I have a job, you know. People to lead, a mother to please…”
She shrugged nonchalantly, choosing not to answer. Her bootheels clicked on the floor as she turned abruptly and clipped out the doorway.
“Wait,” I called after her. “Do you know something that I don’t? What did Cameron find?”
She glanced over her shoulder.
“We’re losing daylight,” she said, dodging the question. “I’ll fill you in on the journey.”
I shook my head, incredulous that she could be so nonchalant in a life-or-death situation. For once, I wished she would bechalantand tell me the whole truth without holding back.
“Cahoots,” I muttered under my breath, remembering the word she had used. “Who says cahoots anyway?”
I followed, keeping a safe distance as we descended an infinitely long flight of spiral stairs. Three guards walked in front of Zoei, and more lined my back like an intimidating entourage. There would be no opportunity for a quick escape, especially not down these stairs.
Although I’d only been in that damn room for two days and two nights, the unusual burst of freedom felt odd. I could take more than ten steps without turning back—I could taste fresh-scented greenery on my tongue.
Who knew just how much I would miss the little things in life?
“Where did you even find this place?” I asked as we followed the orange light from the solar lamps. “Was the torture tower simply available for your use?”
“That’s none of your business.” Zoei frowned over her shoulder.
“You know I’ll find out eventually, so you might as well tell me,” I explained. “There are no secrets in politics.”
“Would you like to be gagged?” she asked, stopping abruptly on the stairs.
“I’ve only said two things to you. Is that worthy of a gag?” I rebutted, crossing my arms.
“Your voice alone is worthy of a gag,” she said snidely, turning to take the stairs two at a time.
I jogged behind, grateful for the exercise after such a tedious confinement.
“I would like to know where we are so I can gauge how long our journey would take,” I said again as we reached the bottom floor.
“It will take us two hours to get to the borders,” she bit out as though praying for patience. “Does that information suffice, Your Highness?”
I nodded. “And what is our plan of action once we’re there?”
“We’re confronting Almanera,” she said curtly.
“Yes,” I agreed. “But how?”
“What do you meanhow?” she questioned tersely. “I tie him to a chair and threaten bodily harm.”
I placed a hand on her shoulder, and she paused mid-step, flinching outwardly. I retracted my touch.
“Is that the only way you know how to negotiate?”
