Chapter 131

Kit could only stare at Pierce with her mouth agape for a long moment, not sure how to respond to that. He was dancing on the edge of implying Eli had told her the truth about the house, and Kit didn’t like it—even if it was true. “Pierce, I’m afraid I already have plans this evening. Perhaps another time.” She offered a twig of hope only out of politeness. She knew enough about the Representative from Metfirth to pray he never lay another finger on her for the rest of her life.

Pierce’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she thought he would argue, but he wasn’t given the chance. “Princess Katrinetta, did you know that today is the anniversary of Drake’s birth?” Cassius’s voice sounded friendly enough, but there was a glint in his eye that let Pierce know the conversation was over. Offering his hand, he suggested, “Why don’t you come and congratulate him?”

Kit slid her small palm into his massive one, instantly feeling safe and calm again. “What a lovely idea! I’d love to!” Cassius led her over to where Drake was standing, along with several of the other Representatives Kit was still hoping to get to know better—Danyen, Zane, Gavin, and Hawkin, possibly the shyest of all of her men. He’d hardly spoken to her at all.

After a few moments of discussion with Drake about his anniversary, and a brief exchange with the others, Kit decided she needed to go. Visiting Tem’s family wouldn’t be easy, but it needed to be done, and she wanted to get it over with.

Cassius had stayed with her, but Jate was across the room with Reeve and Landon. She wanted to tell the other two farewell before she left, so it was just as well. She said her goodbyes and left Drake and his friends, Cassius following her as she made her way over to the others. Pierce followed her, too, with his eyes. He still hadn’t moved from the settee.

“I think we should be off,” Kit said, hoping none of the others would mind that she’d invited Jate. She assumed they all knew by now.

“Be careful.” Reeve’s eyes said more than his words. “I can’t imagine anyone in the village would want to harm you, Princess, but you never know. Accidents happen.”

“Don’t frighten her.” Cassius tapped him in the bicep a little harder than might’ve been necessary. “Just... keep your wits about you, Kit.”

She had no idea what they were getting at, but she did remember what Cassius had told her during their encounter in the bathtub. There were citizens who were unhappy with the crown. Surely, none of them could be within the castle grounds, in the village where the families of the guards and workers lived....

“I’ll keep her safe,” Jate assured them, and she believed him. “I would like to stop by my room and get an actual sword, rather than a decorative scabbard.”

Kit never paid much attention to who was carrying what weapon, but she agreed. “Of course. It’s on the way.”

“Will you let us know when you’ve arrived back at the castle?” Landon looked worried as well.

“Certainly.” The fact that Pierce was boring a hole in the back of her head made Kit think perhaps she wouldn’t come down herself. But she’d be sure they knew, even if she kept Jate for the rest of the night.

Cassius’s arms were around her, but he his mouth never grazed her skin, which was a disappointment. Likewise, upon her release, Reeve and Landon each gave her a quick hug. She could tell by the warmth of the embraces each of them wanted to do more, but they seemed to be handing her off to Jate, as if it were his turn, an idea she appreciated even if she didn’t quite understand how it was possible. The thought that she might possibly be sharing Eli with Seph at the moment crossed her mind, and she felt her stomach tying in knots. She could never do it.

Jate escorted her toward the door, and while she clearly heard Pierce calling her name, she didn’t slow down, and neither did Jate. She’d have to figure out a way to deal with Pierce of Metfirth without irritating her mother, but Kit had no idea how that might be. The queen would never approve of her sending him home, but Kit was absolutely certain she was done with him. Unless he redeemed himself somehow, something she thought impossible at this point, his part in the Choosing had ended even before Merek tried to knock the door down. There just was no spark between the two of them, and Kit didn’t have any time to waste on men who didn’t interest her. There were far too many exciting men vying for her time as it was. Pierce may as well pack his things and go home.