Page 172 of Burn Her They Said
A small laugh sounds from his chest. “No amount of you ‘annoying me’ could ever make me want to claim you less.”
“The same can be said for you, you know.” My smile can be heard in my voice.
A flash of something lights across his eyes, and my heart quirks. “You’re very convincing. Now try to get some sleep, mei waella.”
Chapter Sixty
Late
Knuckles rap on the wooden door, startling me as I turn to the murmuring voices of my Guards. Blinking back the sleep from my vision, I can just make out Varic’s form as he cracks the door open, shoulders squared with a bleak expression. I shove the covers down to drop my legs over the edge of the bed.
“Who is it?” I whisper to Lars.
“Prince Auden.”
“At this hour?”
He nods. “We’re just as confused as you are.”
More whispered conversation happens just out of my earshot before Varic closes the door and strides closer. My pulse quickens in suspense as he leans over me, taking hold of the comforter in both hands to raise it up and over my chest. His hand casts along the seam to smooth out the wrinkles as he looks down on me with such an unreadable expression I almost chide him for trying to protect me from his feelings.
“That was Prince Auden.” His voice is firm and official, nothing like the Varic by the fireplace earlier. “He has extended an invitation for you to go on a horseback ride with him tomorrow after luncheon.”
“Horseback ride?” I ask, barely holding back a laugh.
“Apparently, the Prince is fond of riding and hoped it would please you to join him.”
“Well, as we all know, I have no choice but to accept his invitation.”
Five sets of eyes stare back at me in sympathy.
“Please don’t look at me like that. I do not need your pity.”
“It’s not pity, Tasch,” Cirrin says. “It’s concern. You have never ridden a horse before.”
“It can’t be that difficult.”
“It is not safe to do without proper training,” Varic says.
“I think the Prince would understand if she were to decline due to lack of experience. They could always take a stroll through the gardens,” Lars offers.
“You’re just saying that because you’re terrified of horses,” Fray says.
“Am not.”
Fray rolls his eyes before turning to stare out the window, feigning indifference.
“Fine. Teach me,” I say, offering Lars a look of apology.
Varic’s jaw ticks as he stares off, apparently lost in thought.
“Should I request the Prince give me a lesson?”
“No.” Varic’s tone is harsh. “I will arrange for a lesson after breakfast tomorrow. That way we can determine if it is safe for you to ride with the Prince in the afternoon.”
“What about the Emperor? We cannot assume he will continue to allow me the freedom to traipse about the castle.”
“He has ordered you to maintain the Prince’s attention, and while I do not like it any more than him forcing you to do anything else, this is simply following his orders.”
