and waited outside to be announced. Two guards stood on either side of the flap entrance, and I paused and listened while the tray grew heavy in my hands. From inside the tent, voices carried, and I could catch bits and pieces of their discussion.
“What do you know of the Talon Pass?” I recognized Gaven’s deep timbre. “According to the trackers, that’s where it’s heading. It may hibernate there during the winter months.”
“It’s almost impossible to navigate once inside, and it’s home to many perilous creatures, like trolls, pucas, and goblins,” Prince Xander said. “And the mountains are the only border between our country and Florin. Luckily, Yasmin’s family has been protecting the border for years. But there’s something not right about all of this.”
“Like what?” Gaven asked.
“Hard to say, but why attack at the palace and then run away? Why run so far, and straight toward our enemy? It’s almost like we’re being led.”
The first guard opened the flap, and I ducked under it and carried the tray inside.
Both men stopped their discussion as I entered.
Unlike the other smaller tents, the prince’s was set up like the royal suite. A woven rug covered the ground, a table and two chairs placed to the side, along with three large trunks and an end table. My eyes drifted to the elegantly carved bed frame that fit together with slats and a mattress, covered with a soft fur.
Keeping my eyes down, I moved to the table and set the tray down, turning to rush out. Please don’t draw attention to me. Please don’t call me out.
“What are you doing here?” Prince Xander said in surprise, following my retreat with narrowed, suspicious eyes.
I froze. Oh no. I was caught.
He stepped around me and blocked my exit.
“You did order me to serve your wife,” I quickly reminded him.
“Well?” he stated. “Are you going to tell me your name finally?”
I glanced toward Gaven, but he was refusing to look at me. I could see him swallowing repeatedly when I refused to answer. Finally, he spoke up. “Rose.”
Xander stilled, his hand touching my dark black hair, his voice husky. “Are you going to pour me a drink or not, Rose?”
Keeping my head lowered, I stepped forward and proceeded to pour him a drink, my hands shaking so bad that I filled the goblet to the brim. Handing him the cup, I didn’t realize until too late that I’d used my bandaged hand. Thankfully the prince took the drink and barely gave my hand a glance.
“You forgot something,” he said.
“What?” I squeaked.
He held the cup out, and my heart beat wildly. What could I have forgotten?
Gaven widened his eyes at me and pantomimed taking a sip. Of course, the prince never drinks or eats without someone tasting for poisons. I rushed forward, taking the goblet back for a quick drink. I almost choked as the warm liquid rushed down my throat, and a few drops trickled out the corner of my mouth. I waited thirty seconds to prove I wasn’t poisoned before placing the cup back on the table, curtseying, and backing out of the tent.
“Tell the cook I want you to bring me my dinner as well.”
“I don’t think that—” I began, but when Xander spun on his heel and gave me a cold glare, the words froze in my throat. “Yes, Your Highness.” My retreat was followed by their laughter.
“What are you planning on doing with her after dinner?” Gaven asked.
I stopped at the entrance and turned to look at him quizzically. Xander’s lip curled up into a suggestive smile, and the heat of his gaze left no question as to his intention. “I would like to get to know her better.”
His reply made my heart race, though I wasn’t sure if I should be thrilled or fearful.
This was such a bad idea.
As soon as I stepped out, I took off running for my own tent and demanded Pru relieve me. We switched dresses, and I was once again covered in a veil and back in my somber clothes when dinner was served.
I couldn’t help but compare my tent to Prince Xander’s.
Whereas his was enormous and filled with a luxury bed, table, and chairs, ours consisted of Gobbersnot’s trunk, my smaller one, and two bedrolls over a dirt floor. I also had my imperial rose cuttings that I was mad to bring with us for the trip, but I wasn’t yet done with my experiments.
Feeling bitter at the difference in treatment, I took one cutting