I roll my neck to look at her and stick out my tongue.

She laughs, a sound I don’t think I’ve ever heard from her, and readjusts her grip.

“Relax, Verdanian. We’re here to help you.”

There it is, that dreadful sound I’ve been waiting for. The horses’ hooves pound the road as the carriage approaches. Torrent is yelling my name at the top of his lungs. Lin and Lorna wave their free arms, prompting Torrent to smile widely and cheer. Braizen’s eyes are on me, though. No joy lingers on his expression.

Tossing the reins to Torrent, the Prince jumps from his seat. He lands effortlessly, which I try not to resent, and rushes over.

“Well, well,” Lin teases. “Nice to see you, Braze.” He releases his hold on me. “Now, I don’t want to say I told you so … But, I told you so.” His face beams as if he’s waited his entire life to say this.

“He’s right,” Lorna chuckles. “We told you that you’d be an idiot to leave us behind.” She shakes me gently. “As always, though, we are here to fix your mistakes. What would you do without us?”

Braizen doesn’t smile back. Instead, he walks closer to me and doesn’t break eye contact.

“Are you okay?” He scans the scratches and dirt on my cheeks.

I drag my head higher, though it feels so heavy I want to cry. I spit. My saliva doesn’t make it far, but the message is perfectly clear.

Braizen’s face sinks, and he runs his fingers through his hair. He looks at Lorna.

“Take her to the carriage. But be careful.”

She nods and pushes me forward. Torrent has climbed down and playfully shoves Lin.

“So, what happened, Speck? Did you miss me too much to stay away?”

“The time we spent apart was the prime of my life. I don’t think I’ll ever achieve such happiness again,” he scoffs.

“Don’t lie,” Torr growls. “I know you followed us because you can’t live without me. A day without my handsome face would be too great a loss.”

Lin grumbles and swats Torrent away. “If you and Braizen could ever do a job correctly, I’d leave you instantly. Unfortunately, you’re both idiots, and it’s up to Lorna and me to do the heavy lifting.”

“Heavy lifting!” Torrent howls. “How much is that for you, five pounds?”

Lorna hoists me up, placing a sturdy hand behind the small of my back to rock me inside. I fall forward and squirm.

“Hold still. Let me untie your feet.”

“What’s the point?” My voice is devoid of energy. “You might as well leave me be. I’m a prisoner, after all.”

She loosens the rope, climbs in, and sits across from me. “Don’t you understand what’s going on here? Braizen is taking you to Aeradian.”