Page 59 of The Artist and the Dragon

“There’s no need to wait with me, Phillip,” Bronwyn insisted. “Please, go back to your party.” The last thing she needed was an awkward goodbye, or some attempt at flirting. The crunch of hooves down the drive echoed over the men’s muted conversation. “See, it comes already.”

Phillip sighed. “Only if you insist that you’re okay for the ride.”

“I am.”

“And you’ll let me call on you soon?”

“Yes,” she responded a little brusquely. Her sanity was on its last thread, and she needed peace and quiet.

Before she realized what he was doing, he took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. “Then goodnight, Bronwyn. Be well.”

She stood there, stunned and trying not to react, as he gave a little bow and turned to go back inside.

A minute later and she was inside the carriage. The moment the door closed, she sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She closed her eyes, finding what little comfort she could as she leaned back against the cushioned bench.

The carriage jolted forward.

Another breath in and out.

Oh-so-slowly, her body began to relax, even if her mind was still a mess.

Then, suddenly, there was a commotion outside. The carriage rocked to an abrupt halt, sending her body tipping forward and her eyes flying wide. “What on—”

The door was jerked open, and just as quickly, Malik filled its frame.

“Care if I join you, Princess?”

Chapter 24

Malik

Thelookonherface was almost comical, her mouth parted, eyes wide. He’d wager the last thing Bronwyn expected was for him to rush after her carriage and insist they give him a ride back to the castle as well. He’d nearly missed it. Might have, if Lord Griffith had taken another moment to see her out. Or if he’d tried for a more daring kiss.

Malik’s fingers tightened on the door frame. Then he slid the rest of the way inside, snapped the door shut, and banged his fist on the roof to signal the driver should continue.

“Youcannotbe here,” Bronwyn hissed. “Whatareyou thinking?”

Malik settled on the bench across from her, completely unruffled. “I was thinking I’d rather be here than anywhere else.” He leaned forward, elbows braced on his spread thighs.

“Fool.” She sucked in a deep breath and let it rush out again. “What if someone saw you? What about your companion, Lady Siân?”

“I may have mentioned that the smoke was getting to my head and I needed to step out. Who’s to stop me from leaving early?”

“But leaving withme? Someone will take note. People will talk.”

“Why? Don’t we live in the same castle?”

Her scowl deepened, and it only made him want to prod her more.

Yes, he was a fool for running after her. Yes, people might talk. It was a terrible decision, really, but one he couldn’t fully regret.

“You know that’s not it. Ugh.” She balled her hands into fists in front of her and ducked her head behind her arms. When she raised them a moment later, the look in her eyes was so vulnerable he nearly reached out for her. “The painting…” Her arms dropped with a sigh. “The magic was triggered. Did you see?”

“I did,” he replied, solemn.

She glanced out the window, then back to him. “Someone there must have been the person we’ve been looking for.” He’d expected that knowledge to brighten her spirits, but instead, she slouched a little in her seat, defeated. “I … I think it may be Charlotte.”

“Charlotte?” he echoed in surprise.

---