Page 70 of Kingdom of Locks

“Cyfrin is a monster,” said Amell, his voice dark. “And he will be brought to justice for what he’s done to you.” His eyes dropped to hers again, and one side of his lips quirked up in a wry smile. “I can’t take credit for your good opinion of me if he’s the only comparison.”

Aurelia searched his face, confused by what she saw there. His tone wasn’t that of the light banter she was used to from him. He seemed genuinely troubled, and all at once she was overcome by a desperate desire for him to know how well she truly thought of him, how completely she trusted him.

“Honeysuckle isn’t my real name,” she blurted out. “It’s the one Cyfrin gave me, and I hate it. When we’re alone, Mama Gail calls me by the name I was born with.”

Amell dropped his hand, surprise wiping away whatever he’d been wrestling with. She could see the curiosity in his eyes, but he didn’t press, didn’t try to force her confidence.

Aurelia took a deep breath, ready to trust him with her real self, but the sound of approaching feet drew both of their attention to the other side of the room, where Mama Gail was emerging.

“Here it is,” she said, holding up a book Aurelia had hidden and then forgotten the location of. She stopped, looking between the two of them, and Aurelia realized they were standing too close. She took a step back, flushing guiltily.

“Thank you,” said Amell, his voice impressively natural. “You’ve saved me from execution by librarian, which I’ve heard is not a nice way to go.”

Aurelia gave a slightly hysterical giggle, and Mama Gail shook her head indulgently.

“I can’t imagine even such a formidable figure as a librarian would dare to lay a finger on a prince.”

“Probably not,” Amell agreed cheerfully, stowing the book in his bag. “There have to be some perks to my position, to balance out all the dull responsibility.”

“Hm.” Mama Gail considered him, her voice coming out strangely careful. “I’m no expert on royal life, but I am a little surprised you’re able to be here so often.”

“I wouldn’t normally have so much leisure,” Amell assured her. “It’s because of the prison break. When my father moved permanently back to Fernford a few weeks ago, I requested to be placed at the prison as his liaison while the crisis is still being managed. I’m able to act as his representative, but the truth is that the warden is very capable, and doesn’t need much from me.” He flashed a grin. “And he’s much less likely than my mother to notice if I slip off when he’s otherwise occupied.”

Mama Gail shook her head again, but she was smiling, and Aurelia couldn’t help laughing.

“Well, we’re glad to have you close by,” she said. “What’s the latest on the escaped fugitives?”

Amell’s expression sobered. “Nothing good, I’m afraid. A group of four were caught by the Listernians a few days ago, trying to cross the mountains. But that still leaves sixteen at large, and this morning we received some terrible news.”

“What was it?” Aurelia demanded, alarmed.

“A murder was committed,” he said gravely. “One of the escaped prisoners tracked down the man who reported his initial crime, and killed him for revenge.”

Aurelia’s hands shot up over her mouth. “That’s terrible! What a horrible thing.”

Amell nodded heavily. “And to make it worse, the murderer escaped. I’m actually going to be traveling back to the capital this afternoon, to discuss the development with my father. I may have to stay longer than normal, unfortunately. I don’t know for certain what will be required of me.”

“Of course,” said Mama Gail quickly. “We understand. You do what you need to, and we’ll be all right here.”

“Of course,” Aurelia echoed, without much enthusiasm. She scolded herself for her selfishness in not wanting to release Amell for such an important task. The safety of the citizens exposed to the escaped criminals was more important than her entertainment. So why did the prospect of a few days without Amell’s company seem unendurable?

“I don’t want to leave, either,” Amell said quietly, his gaze much too knowing as it rested on Aurelia’s face. “And I’ll come back as soon as I can.”

A delightful shiver went over Aurelia at the promise. “I’ll be here,” she joked. “Waiting.”

Chapter Fifteen

Amell’s thoughts weren’t on the road as he urged his horse toward Fernford, the long-suffering Furn beside him. Truth be told, his thoughts weren’t even on the terrible crime that had been committed, or the summons he had accordingly received.

As always, they were on the tower, and on Honeysuckle.

But no, not Honeysuckle. It wasn’t a surprise to learn that Honeysuckle wasn’t her real name. How could it be? But the fact that she had told him so made his heart swell. He knew the significance of Abigail keeping her real name secret, and he understood what a sign of trust it was for Hon—forherto decide to tell him the truth. Such a shame they’d been interrupted.

But what should he call her now? She’d said she hated the name Honeysuckle, and he was determined never to use it again. But he couldn’t call her the girl in the tower anymore. Not now that he knew her. Perhaps when next he saw her she’d tell him her true name, he thought hopefully. And until then…he smiled as a sudden idea occurred to him. He’d think of her as Princess. Yes, that was fitting. Her origins might be humble, but she was absolutely the princess of his tale, no question. And perhaps one day…But he wouldn’t get lost down that track, not yet.

“You seem happy, Your Highness,” Furn commented, when they dropped to a walk to rest their horses.

Amell glanced up to see his guard watching him closely. “I shouldn’t be, should I?” he asked lightly. “Terrible news about the murder.”

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