Page 68 of A Sky of Storms
“What’s in it for you? Aside from potentially shedding some blood, what else do you get?”
Ace huffed, running a hand through his dark hair. “If I have to listen to another order from the Auger Princess, someone is going to get hurt. She’s a bossy, stubborn, entitled—”
“Why did you have sex with her if you hated her so much?” I asked, genuinely curious. I’d overheard them the night we’d found Fallon, Zane, and Kendra. They had sex like they spoke to each other; angry and full of hate.
His face darkened, his scowl immediately back. “Call it a lapse in judgement. A brain aneurism, I don’t fucking know, but it won’t be happening again.”
“You’re not into her then?”
“I’d rather my dick fall off then stick it in her again.”
I leaned against the tree, amusement lifting my lips. “A bit aggressive but okay.”
Ace looked at me, cocking his head. “You like her.”
“What?” I lifted my hands. “We’re just allies. I was more sussing you out because of Zane.”
“You’re worried about what the merman will do?”
“Not worried, but he’s been, you know, nice to me. And we are sort of allies too. I know he likes Fallon and he’s not a bad guy so…”
“You’re worried I’m going to cut his lunch?” he asked, his lips pressing together. I could tell by the glint in his eyes he was holding back a laugh. “How thoughtful of you.”
“I’m a real stand-up guy,” I drawled, running a hand over my face. “I want to get through this trial in one piece. That involves everyone getting along. Think you can manage that?”
“Fine, but I’m coming with you.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Whatever you say, champ,” he said. “So, what’s your plan for tomorrow?”
I looked at Ace. I couldn’t trust him yet, but as long as he was getting something out of it, Ace would fall in line. And hewasgetting something out of all this, I just didn’t know what yet.
“Meeting’s at sunrise so we leave a couple of hours before then,” I told him. “Tell no one that we’re going, and follow my instructions. I don’t want you stuffing this up for me.”
Ace raised his hands before him. “I know how to play with others.”
“Oh, I’m sure you know how to share and everything,” I said, kicking the dirt with my shoe. “Judging from experience, that’s a damn lie.”
“Too fucking right it was.” He smirked. “You have no alternative back-up, so it looks like you’re stuck with me.”
“I could get Zane or Fallon to come.”
“The guy would annoy the shit out of you and the Princess is as bad as me when it comes to playing with others.”
I bit my lip, looking away. “Fine, but stuff this up for me and I’ll kill you.”
“Note taken,” Ace replied, though his chuckle as he strode away spoke volumes of whether he thought I was capable of such a thing.
It was a couple of hours before sunrise when Ace and I slipped past the sleeping Potentials and downstairs. True to his word, Ace hadn’t told anyone what we were doing today. I didn’t want them to know that I was investigating something or have any reason to believe I wasn’t here for the crown at the end. I’d already spilled too much to Fallon—the woman had a way of making me want to tell her everything I knew, every thought I had. As for Ace, not only did he know more than I wanted, but I had a feeling he gathered intel like it was second nature. I’d managed to keep my plans from Fallon, but I had given up on trying to dissuade Ace. If I’d left without him, he’d have just followed me. Unless I used my camouflage, but then I couldn’t bring weapons … or clothes.
“Where are you going?” one of the Potentials on guard asked as we stepped outside.
“Scouting,” Ace said smoothly.
The Potential didn’t bat an eyelid, just nodded and went back to what he’d been doing, which was blinking sleepily. Once we made it a safe distance from the keep, I took out the map and compass I’d stolen from Mark’s leading lackey.
“Which way?” Ace asked, looking over my shoulder.
