Page 94 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip as I nod. Is it weird that I think it’s sweet he did this all beforehand? I’m so used to taking care of myself that it’s nice not having to worry about stuff. For a while, anyway.

River is taking me out tonight because he wants to talk about stuff. What those things are, I don’t have a clue. It makes me mildly nervous, but it’s in my nature to assume the worst.

“You planned out tonight?” I question as I rotate in the seat to face him.

He drums his fingers on top of the steering wheel. “Yeah, I told you I was taking you out, so why wouldn’t I?”

I prop my elbow on the back of the seat and rest my cheek against my hand. “I don’t know … I guess if I were going out with anyone from my old life, we’d have probably ended up wandering around until we got bored and went to a party. It’s sweet you picked out a place.”

He throws me a look. “You’re the only person who’s ever called me sweet.”

I teasingly smile. “Have you ever been sweet to another person?”

“I’m nice to Lily,” he says with a shrug. “And sometimes Finn, when he’s not getting on my nerves. I used to be nice to Noah, but …” He trails off.

I consider my next words carefully. “Have you ever thought about forgiving him?”

His brows crease, and the muscles in his jaw pulsate. “His mother cheating with my father destroyed my mother. She had to check into rehab for a few months afterward, and she’s still not the same.”

“I’m sorry. I know how hard it is to watch your parents break apart.” I give a short pause. “But even if Noah told you about the affair, it wouldn’t have changed anything. Plus, he kind of was in a tough spot, too. I mean, it’s his mom, so he probably felt like he was betraying her if he told you guys.” When River stares at me perplexedly, I add, “Look, I’m not trying to tell you what to do—your feelings are your feelings. However, as someone who doesn’t have a lot of people in her life, I think … I don’t know, I just feel like maybe you should talk to him. Like have a real conversation.”

The lights reflect in his eyes as he studies me. “You’ve talked to him a couple of times … What did you guys talk about?”

I’m not about to tell him what Noah’s been up to—it’s not my story to tell. Plus, I don’t even know the entire story. Noah may have warned me to be honest with River, but I’m not about to tattle on Noah, either. I can be evasive without lying.

“I helped him out with something,” I explain vaguely. “I don’t feel like it’s my place to tell you about what, though. If you talk to him, though maybe he’ll tell you. That is, if you’re nice to him like you are to me.”

He narrows his eyes, and I worry he’s annoyed with me. But then he says, “For as tough as you are, you’re also sweet.”

“Hey,” I protest with a crinkle of my nose. “I am not. Trust me; I’ve gotten into my fair share of fights.”

“Oh, I believe it,” he assures me with a ghost of a grin. Then he grows serious again. “But you have a good heart, Maddison.”

The way he calls me Maddison causes my stomach to flutter like an idiot. I rarely react to guys this way, and it worries me, not just because I’ve vowed not to date anyone, but River is a royal. And he keeps making me feel things I’m uncertain what to do with.

“It’s not an insult.” He reaches over and brushes his fingers across my hand that’s resting on my leg. “I promise.” He smiles then returns his hand back to the shifter.

It was just a soft caress. Nothing more. And yet, I feel like I can’t get oxygen into my lungs, which is saying a lot since my lungs are in top shape.

I let a slow breath ease from my lips before speaking. “All right, no more compliments for now. You’re making me all lightheaded.”

His chuckle is laced with confusion. “You’re also really weird.”

“That is very true,” I agree, pointing my finger at him.

He smiles, and I grin, relieved we’re going back to normalcy. At least, I pretend that everything is normal. The truth is that River has got me all worked up in a confused knot that I have no clue how to untie.

And I’m not even sure that I want to.

Once we leave the city, it takes us about ten minutes to arrive at the park. I’ll admit, as the city lights dimmed, I grow a bit anxious that Drew could be lurking out in the shadows. I don’t know why he would be. It’s not like there’s any way he could know I’m in this car unless he was hiding in the bushes when we took off. But why would he wait until now?

Stop being so paranoid, Maddy.

River parks the car fairly close to the taco truck. Tables and chairs surround the area, and twinkling lights are dangling from the tree branches above. People are walking around on paths and also sitting at the tables, eating and chatting. No one’s face looks familiar—thank God—so the ball of tension in my chest slightly unwinds.

River silences the engine, pockets his key fob, and then shoves the door open. I reach for the door handle, but he quickly says, “Let me get the door for you, okay?”

I get this funny little smile on my face as I nod.

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