He brought her arms down, pinning them behind her back with one hand, while his other wrapped around her throat in a claiming gesture.
She could probably break out of even his strongest hold if she knew how to consciously tap into her strength. But even if she could, she didn’t want to. He was the one exerting dominance, but it made her feel powerful because it was her that made him lose control. She fucking loved it.
They stayed like that, devouring one another, both taking and giving in equal measure. It could have been minutes or hours, and she wouldn’t have noticed. When she did finally break away, he leaned his forehead against hers, his pants matching her own.
She kept her eyes closed, enjoying the feel of his fingers along her throat before he released her and stepped back. “We need to move.”
“You’re the one who distracted me,” she quipped. He only shrugged, smacking her on the rear.
∞∞∞
They’d made it to the edge of the city successfully avoiding attracting attention. Vera felt relieved, but Jaren had never been more tense. It was clear he didn’t trust the ease with which they’d made it so far.
“Maybe we were wrong, and those soldiers had nothing to do with us. You did steal a horse the last time you were here. Maybe someone saw you sneaking around last night.”
“Pha.”
She pursed her lips but didn’t argue. His pessimism may be infuriating, but his instincts were far better than her own. He grabbed her arm, practically dragging her in his haste to leave the city limits. They’d traveled no more than a mile or two when they froze to the distant sound of hooves.
Vera whipped around, her breath catching in her throat when she saw the group heading toward them. There were thirteen of them, the one in the center dressed in finery and wearing no mask.
“What in Aleron is Eithan doing here?”
Jaren shot her a look, telling her without words that she was an idiot if she didn’t know the answer. He tried to push her behind him, but she pushed back, refusing to hide.
“He can’t force me to do anything, Jaren.”
He laughed humorlessly. “Are you willing to kill all of them to make sure of that?” When she didn’t answer, he scoffed and shook his head, “That’s what I thought.”
Eithan’s group was almost to them now, and she caught sight of Trey riding just behind him. “Let me talk to him Jaren, please. Let me explain, and maybe we can leave without all the sneaking and hiding.”
“I trusted your judgment about your friend and look how that turned out,” he snapped. Her anger rose in response, but she held back her retort. He was right. “If you attack the Crown Prince, there will be all-out war.”
“I don’t care about a fucking alliance.”
She was about to bite back, but Eithan’s voice beat her to it. They’d finally reached them.
“Step away, Magyki.” His voice carried with an air of authority, and Jaren responded by tightening his hold on her arm.
“Jaren,” she muttered so only he would hear. “Let go. It looks like you’re restraining me.” His grip turned painful for a split second before letting go, but she didn’t step away.
“Are you all right, Vera?” Eithan’s question forced her eyes back to him. Gone was his stern expression, and in its place was concern. It caused her chest to squeeze in shame.
“I’m fine, Eithan.”
He smiled, whether from her answer or her casually using his name versus his title, she wasn’t sure.
“How can we help you?” She cringed. How can we help you? Seriously? Gods damn word vomit.
He flung a leg over and dismounted in one smooth movement. She’d forgotten how large and muscular he was, but as he stood there, mere feet away, she couldn’t help but acknowledge how magnificent the prince truly was.
“It’s okay, Vera. I know you only left that night because he threatened Gibson’s life. I also know what tales he’s been feeding you to keep you from changing your mind.”
Her eyes flicked from him to Trey. Eithan didn’t seem mad. If anything, he seemed like he pitied her. Like she was an ignorant child, led astray by a pied piper.
“I don’t blame you, Vera. I understand, I do. But that male—Jaren, I believe—is lying to you.”
And just like that, she was pissed. They were all the same, assuming Jaren to be the enemy simply because of where he came from.
“Why?” She spit, stepping forward. “Because Trey said he was or because he happens to be Magyki?” She saw a few of his guards shift in their saddles, clearly uncomfortable with the way she was addressing their prince. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t her best idea. But Eithan didn’t react at all.
She wanted to hold firm and tell him to shove his opinion right up his ass, but instead, she mashed her lips into a thin line, reminding herself that he’d only ever been kind to her.
“Did he tell you what caused the rebellion?”
She cocked her head, brows pinched. She had asked Jaren about the civil fighting, but his answer had been vague. She glanced up at him, but his face revealed nothing, his focus trained on Eithan. “No, but—”
“You.”
“Pardon?” She’d clearly misheard him. “You think that I caused the rebellion?”
“From what I’ve recently learned, your mere existence did. It seems your family hid you for years, never telling anyone about you. When the truth was discovered, many Magyki rebelled, trying to find you.”
“What do you mean? Why?”
He pointed at Jaren, “Ask him. I can almost guarantee he knows who you are.”
She crossed her arms, scowling. “You apparently know as well. So, everyone knows something I don’t. Big surprise.” She shrugged, “I’ve grown used to it.”
But even as she said it, she felt something prick at her skin, unease at the thought Jaren might have lied to her.
“The difference, Vera, is I didn’t know until after you left when my father decided to inform me. Jaren, on the other hand, has apparently just chosen not to tell you.”
She crossed her arms. “And who am I exactly?”
“Veralie Arenaris. King Vesstan’s daughter, and heir to Bhasura’s throne.”
Her arms dropped to her sides, the blood rushing from her face. “What?”
She looked at Jaren, waiting for him to deny it, but he said nothing—not one word. Her heart stopped, his silence all the confirmation she needed.
Why would he keep that from her? He’d just asked her earlier who Eithan thought she was, and when she’d told him, he hadn’t corrected her. He’d looked relieved at her answer. Why would he lie?
Eithan came several steps closer, ignoring the growl of warning emanating from the male beside her. He stared at him, a challenge in his eyes. “Go ahead Magyki. Tell her why she was hidden.”
“How do you know any of this, Eithan?” she snapped.