Page 80 of The Fae Kings' Bargain

“Your initial actions weren’t good, but your heart seems kind.” Ria tightened her arm around the princess’s waist in another awkward hug. “And you’ve obviously been through a lot.”

“More than you know,” Tes said with a sigh.

Ria nudged the princess in the direction of the tunnels. “Come on. You need to rest.”

“Only because I wasted my energy on that useless oathbinding,” Tes grumbled, though she finally began to move. “Apparently, I should have saved myself the trouble and told the kings everything. Gods above. Ber said I needed to experience the kind of man his brother was for myself, but Ber was the one I should have been watching. Unless High King Toren does have me executed, of course.”

“I don’t think he will,” Ria said. Sir Macoe slipped his arm around Tes as they moved into a wider portion of the tunnel, and Ria let him take over support. “It might be a law that hecoulddo so because you attacked Mehl, but he seems allowing of unusual circumstances. Toren didn’t punish me for slapping him.”

Sir Macoe let out a choked sound, and Tes snorted. “You struck the high king?” she asked.

Ria shrugged self-consciously. “I assure you he deserved it.”

“If only I could do the same to Ber,” Tes said. “That and far worse.”

After that, they fell into silence as they made their slow way through the tunnels, and Ria found herself trailing the other two. Her hand went to the hilt of her new dagger. With nearly every step, she darted glances around the dimly lit passage. The slight glow hadn’t extended into the alcove, but she was grateful for it here. It felt like danger could come from anywhere.

Especially since the person who most wanted Tes dead also knew about the tunnels.

Though Ria had to admit that Ber had already chosen a strange method of murdering his wife. Sending Tes here under the pretense of learning about his brother, enlisting Lord Aony, having the kingdom searched…so much effort. Couldn’t he have arranged one of a million possible accidents in the Centoi palace? A trip down the stairs, a fall from the parapets, an assassin…even Ria could think of more options than this. There had to be more to the plan.

Maybe Tes would be able to tell them.

Ria half-expected the prince himself to spring out of one of the side tunnels, so when they emerged into the office, she practically sagged in relief. The princess’s tension didn’t appear to ease, though. Not at first. When Sir Macoe led the woman to one of the more comfortable-looking chairs in the corner, she sat stiffly on the very edge, her fearful gaze sweeping the empty room.

The captain frowned down at her a moment before striding toward the entrance. But he didn’t leave. Instead, he took position next to the door like any of the other guards. If his protection brought Tes less fear, she didn’t show it. Despite her rigid posture, her hands trembled in her lap, and her lips quivered.

Then abruptly, the princess dropped back against the soft cushions with a huff. Was Tes unwell? Worry carried Ria forward, but no sign of illness showed on the princess’s face. Tes merely tipped her head back against the headrest and closed her eyes. Had the walk worn the woman out enough to require a sudden nap?

Tes’s whisper broke the silence. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Not napping, then. Fretting.

As she considered the problem, Ria sidled closer to the chair. “You’ll stay here,” she determined. “That seems like the best choice.”

Tes opened one eye. “Even if the kings actually agree to that, I still have to worry that Ber will find out. I might risk it if it were only me, but…”

The princess’s hand drifted to her stomach, and suddenly, Ria understood. In other circumstances, Tes might have chosen to step forward and reveal Ber’s lie, but she had a child to protect. Ber might ultimately be foiled, but he would no doubt lash out in the process. She would forever have to fear assassins if he knew she was alive.

“You could pose as a companion for me,” Ria offered. “Maybe even a relative? My father was a tailor. No one knows a thing about me.”

With a jerk, Tes sat up straight. “You would do that?”

It probably did seem strange after everything, but it felt just as right as accepting the breeding contract. Why not continue to follow instinct where it led? “Sure, so long as the kings agree to it.”

Suddenly, Toren’s voice rang out behind her. “Agree to what?”

* * *

Although Macoe lookedrelaxed for a guard and there was no sign of strife in either woman’s demeanor, Toren couldn’t help the sharp slamming of his heart at the sight of Ria standing so close to the princess. To hear that they’d been forming some plan before he’d entered? That had energy pounding through him so abruptly that Mehl placed a hand on his shoulder and Ria took a quick step back.

Cursing at himself, Toren sucked in a deep breath and channeled a little of the power through his husband to calm himself down.

“Nothing kingdom-shattering, I should hope.” A line formed between Ria’s brows as she looked at him. “I had just recommended to Princess Tes that she act as my companion. Maybe even a relative since no one knows about my extended family.”

Toren blinked. “You want her to be your companion? After…”

“After she hit me?” Ria tilted her head in thought, then nodded. “Yes. Really, you could say we’re even after I shoved her into the tunnel too hard and she gashed her hand open on the wall.”

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