I see you,” he continued. “You don’t see my title or my position, and you walk with me. You have no idea how adored you are, how people enjoy it when you translate, because you are that likable.”
Myth pressed her lips together, unable to verbalize what it meant to her to hear that. She turned to Arvel and practically jumped in her skin when she realized that her contemplations had allowed the prince to close in on her, and now he stood close enough that if she turned just so, she’d brush him.
“T-t-thank you.” Myth rocked a little, feeling ungainly and awkward—a feeling only the Prince of Seduction seemed capable of eliciting in her.
Arvel smiled and leaned so close, their foreheads brushed. “Of course. I live to serve you.”
“I, that is…no you don’t,” Myth floundered.
Arvel’s laugh came from deep within his chest, and to Myth’s fascination—and subsequent horror—she could feel it because sometime without her knowledge her hands came to rest on his chest.
“I could,” he said. “It wouldn’t be a bad exchange if it meant being able to see you this flustered every day.”
“You—but—ahaha—” Myth broke off in a choking noise when Arvel kissed her cheek as lightly and gently as morning dew on a summer day.
He pulled back slightly and studied her. Myth found that despite all the languages she knew, she could only stare up at him with bulging eyes and hope that he was better able to interpret what she wanted than she could convey.
He smiled and leaned in again, this time his lips coming close to hers…
BANG!
The dining room door was unceremoniously thrown open.
Prince Benjimir strode in, his face stormy, his step fast and irritated. He glanced around the dining hall, pausing when he saw Arvel and Myth standing together. “You,” he said.
Arvel groaned and stepped away from Myth—who found she miraculously could breathe again. “Really? You really had to come see me now?”
“You will find me remarkably lacking in sympathy,” Prince Benjimir growled. “I got kicked out of my wife’s bedroom because she insisted I come check on you.”
“I’m not a toddler that needs minding,” Arvel said.
“Of this I am well aware. But Fyn felt it was cruel of me to let you work all night without seeking you out. But it’s just as well. I met up with a messenger trotting her way down here to tell you some troubling news.” Prince Benjimir folded his arms across his chest.
Myth’s embarrassment faded away, and she took a step forward to stand side by side with Arvel. “What is it?” she asked.
“Someone attempted to break into your study, Arvel, and it’s believed the same person had first searched Mythlan’s rooms.” Prince Benjimir glanced at her, concern furrowing his eyebrows. “The Honor Guards couldn’t tell for certain because they heard nothing, but the window to her bedroom was open, and it hadn’t been when they first took up their posts.”
Arvel rubbed his eyes and sighed. “Of course. They aren’t going to take this quietly. They’re going to go out of their way to actively make it worse.”
“You said attempted to. Does that mean they weren’t successful in breaking into Arvel’s office?” Myth asked.
“Correct.” Prince Benjimir’s smile was dark and spiteful. “Sir Arion is awake and shoring up our defenses. But I’m calling in an army company of soldiers. If the Fultons make one more move, they’re going to get armed nannies to make them behave. As long as you’re fine with that, Arvel?”
“I initially had hopes that the Fultons would do something stupid and get themselves backed into a corner, but I don’t think that’s a viable plan any longer. If we could make them behave, I’d prefer it,” Arvel said.
“What made you change your mind?” Prince Benjimir asked.
“It’s that I’m not sure just how much farther they’ll go,” Arvel said. “Surely Uncle Julyan must be aware that even Mother’s position as queen can’t protect them if he’s actively engaging in treason. If he’s willing to risk that, I don’t know what else he’ll do, and I won’t risk our people just to trip him up.” He sighed, then met his brother’s gaze. “Call in your men. We’re going to make the Fultons heel, even if we have to strong-arm them into it.”
Prince Benjimir nodded. “Consider it done—I’ll send out a messenger now. The company should arrive in under two weeks—perhaps one. Take care, and keep your daggers on you and guards with you at all times.” He paused at the threshold of the door. “That