A True Prince

Chapter Four

As they approached the castle in the gathering darkness, Aslynn slowed her horse. "'Bastian?"

"Hmm?"

"I don't think we should tell anyone about Meedo and Remini."

Sebastian grunted. "And how do we explain what we've been doing all day? Hmm?"

"Tell part of the truth. Say we were looking for a gift from the sea and we lost track of time."

Sebastian reined in his horse. "Why don't we tell about finding him?"

She frowned. "I don't know why, but I think it's important that we don't."

"Still...."

"Do you remember when we were nine and you had gone riding without permission? Your horse threw you, leaving you stranded miles from home with a broken ankle?"

"How can I forget? Dark was falling and it was getting cold. If Master Jabari hadn't found me...but why bring that up now?"

"I never told you, but it was me who told Master Jabari you were in trouble." Her friend started in surprise, but she didn't give him a chance to respond. "You know I don't believe in magic, but I knew you were in danger. I have that same feeling now...and it has something to do with the stranger. I don't want to say anything until I know more. Please."

He nodded. "I don't understand, but I won't tell, for you. Now, let's just go home. Whatever punishment I get, I hope they don't send me to bed without supper. I'm starved."

"Me, too," she said. "Breakfast was a long time ago."

In the courtyard, they were lighting the torches as Aslynn dismounted and handed her reins over to Adam, who had appeared out of the shadows. Sebastian dismounted and headed for the stables.

"'Bastian," she called, and he looked up. "Luck," she said. He lifted his chin and rolled his eyes to show what he thought his chances were.

"Your Highness," Adam said, looking at the ground.

"Yes?"

"The queen was asking after you this morning. She was, um, pretty—"

"I can imagine," Aslynn said, resting her hand on his shoulder. He shifted uncomfortably at her public familiarity. Touching him had never mattered before, but now she removed her hand, feeling uncomfortable, too. Seeing his face and remembering their easy laughter the night before...somehow the gesture had become important. Intimate. She cleared her throat. "And?"

"And not an hour ago, the king sent word that when you came in, I was to escort you to him immediately."

Aslynn frowned. "Was he angry?"

"I didn't take the message, Your Highness. If you care to wait, I'll take the horse to Sebastian."

"Thank you, Adam."

"Your Highness?"

She stopped in the act of turning away. "Yes?"

"I...we were concerned, Princess. You had been gone so long."

Aslynn smiled at the young lord's gesture, and he blushed. "Thank you, Adam." She watched him lead her horse into the stable.

"There you are."

Aslynn didn't turn around at the sound of Prince Edward's smug voice, just kept watching after Adam, knowing it would infuriate her half-brother.

"Look at me when I address you," he said imperiously.

She turned slowly and glared down at him. "Oh, it's you," she said flatly. "Aren't you out past your bed time?"

"You're in trouble, Aslynn. I just wanted to be the first person to tell you."