a little while. But eventually, I need meat. My wolf needs it to survive.”
She took a seat across from him. “If it’s protein you need, there are various nuts and—”
“Trust me. It’s not just the protein.”
Deciding she didn’t want to know, she ate her lunch quickly. When she finally looked up, she saw that he’d also finished his plate.
“It’s perfectly okay if you want to get more,” she said, smiling encouragingly.
“Maybe later.” He pushed his empty plate away and leaned across the table. “I’m not familiar with your court procedures,” he began. “But since it doesn’t appear your parents need me for anything, at least immediately, I’m going to take off.”
“Without permission?” Though part of her was stunned, most of her thrilled at the idea. He wasn’t one of their subjects, but visiting royalty. Surely there was a different protocol in this sort of situation.
He shrugged, unconcerned. “I’ve got work to do.”
By work, she knew he meant tracking down the killer. And suddenly, the idea of remaining trapped in her overly sparkly castle trying to trade witty remarks with a disinterested Prince Chad sounded about as appealing as jumping in a pit full of venomous spiders.
Quite clearly, she realized what she wanted to do. “I’m going with you,” she said, crossing her arms and lifting her chin for emphasis.
He looked at her, his handsome face unreadable. “Why?”
At least he hadn’t said an outright no. Encouraged, she leaned forward, too. “Because I feel responsible. This killer found your castle because of me. And you sent the maid to get my earring. So in a roundabout way, your maid got killed because of me. Honor demands that I help find the one who murdered her.”
This last she’d just made up, but once the words were spoken, they rang true. She’d only said the truth. If she’d never traveled to Teslinko, hadn’t attended the ball or borrowed her mother’s magical earrings, none of this would have happened.
He frowned and she realized he was about to say no.
“I’m very well-liked here and my people won’t talk to you without my assistance,” she rushed on, fully aware that he had no idea exactly how unpopular she was with her people. Most of them thought she was a Shadow Changeling, hanging out in the land of the Bright with the intent to bring about mischief and mayhem.
Ruben knew none of this and for that reason he actually considered her words. “I do need a guide,” he began.
“You’ve got one. Come on.” Afraid he might change his mind, she stood, motioning him to follow her. Once he did, she began shepherding him down the hallway, aware she had to get him out of the open before Tatiana or Chad or someone sent by her parents found them.
To her surprise, he went with her willingly, apparently still mulling over her proposal. She knew on the surface, it made complete sense. And, since she wanted desperately to be part of something besides castle intrigues and fake civility, she hoped it would be enough for him to agree.
They reached her room unnoticed. Taking a deep breath—well aware of the repercussions of allowing a man in her room unattended—she opened the door and practically shoved him inside. Once she closed the door behind them, she locked it for good measure. She took a deep breath, turned and faced him. How she wished she didn’t feel the pull of his masculinity so strongly.
“Have a seat,” she told him, patting the bed. “We’ve got plans to make and a lot to talk about. First up, I think we’re going to need disguises.”
He narrowed his eyes at her and waited.
“My people know me and you too easily stand out as a stranger,” she said.
“And you think you can fix that with a change of clothing?”
“No.” She grinned. “But with the right magical spell, we can fix anything.”
Though he didn’t relax his guarded expression, he did uncross his arms. “I thought you said... You can do magic?”
She felt her smile dim a bit. Then, realizing that even though she’d tried to tell him, he truly wasn’t aware of how her people looked down on non-magical beings like her.
“No,” she answered, managing to sound completely unapologetic. “But I know people who can. And with the right amount of coin...”
Jaw set, he considered. Then, apparently making a snap decision, he nodded. “Since I’d venture a guess that my money is worthless here, I’m assuming you can pay?”
Money was the one thing she had in droves, thanks to