Page 23 of Esperance

“It’s no trouble,” Jayveh said, her genuine kindness threading the air. “I’ll have something delivered to your maid tonight.”

“Thank you.”

“Attention, please,” their guide called out. “If you are all properly refreshed, it is time to move on to the next item on the high cleric’s agenda. Gentlemen, you will accompany me to the training grounds, which have been readied for some friendly sport. Ladies, you will follow Cleric Hashi to a tearoom in the temple, where you can get to know each other better.”

“Will you walk with me, Amryn?” Jayveh asked.

“Of course.” There was no other polite answer. Besides, regardless of what mission the Rising assigned her, they would want her to take advantage of getting close to the future empress.

“I can escort you back to the temple,” Argent offered.

“No.” Jayveh patted his arm. “You need to follow instructions, Your Highness.”

“He’s never excelled at that,” Carver said blithely.

Argent kicked his boot, though not with actual force.

Jayveh slipped out from her husband’s arm and handed over her glass.

The prince took it without hesitation and gestured for two bodyguards to come forward.

Jayveh loosed a sigh. “You’re a little overprotective, you know.”

“I know. But you’re deserving of every protection.” He leaned in and set a quick kiss on her cheek.

From the corner of her eye, Amryn caught Carver angling toward her. Her stomach plunged and she twisted away, only to freeze when she realized he wasn’t leaning in for a kiss—he was extending a hand to take her glass.

Face flaming, she passed it to him. “Thank you.”

He dipped his chin, his eyes fastened on her as if he worried about her sanity. “You’re welcome.”

Her face was still burning as she turned to follow Jayveh and the other women away from the stone gazebo.

She felt Carver’s eyes on her long after they left the garden behind.

Chapter 8

Carver

“What did you do to your wife?”Argent asked, his voice pitched low as they trailed behind the other men toward the training grounds.

“What do you mean?” Carver asked.

Argent’s stare was pointed. “She flinched away from you, Carve.”

So he hadn’t been the only one to notice. He sighed. “I haven’t hurt her.”

“Of course not,” Argent said at once. “But is she really so nervous around you?”

“Apparently.” He scrubbed the back of his neck and lowered his voice even further. “I’ve tried to put her at ease. I gave her the bedroom.”

“You . . . gave her the bedroom?”

“I don’t know her—I’m not going to sleep beside her. Orwithher,” he added pointedly, since Argent’s mouth had opened. “She isn’t ready for that, and neither am I. Besides, I need to be able to sneak out to Ford.”

They’d fallen behind the others, and though Argent’s bodyguards hovered nearby, Argent and Carver were effectively alone.

The prince took a moment to consider Carver’s words. He didn’t argue, but he did say, “I like her. She’s quiet, but she seems kind. She could be good for you, if you’ll give this a real chance.”

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