He inhales a long breath. “I’ve known Lincoln as long as I’ve known you, Myla. I can’t explain how or why. Not yet, anyway.”

First of all, it’s totally annoying that he’s still being secretive. Tell me already! But somehow I can’t summon up my typical angst about Mom’s code of silence with everyone in my life. Besides, other topics are far more interesting.

“Did you say Lincoln’s miserable?” My face breaks out into a huge smile.

“Yes. And he’s been that way ever since he first set eyes on you.”

I remember Lincoln and I chatting on the bluff overlooking the Gray Sea. “He said something about that once. He saw me fighting Doxy demons.” But he didn’t share any ongoing Myla-related misery. Although, come to think of it, that could explain his whole ‘what a lowly demon you are’ attitude when we first met. Over-compensate much?

Walker nods sagely. “He saw you soon after his arrival in Purgatory. You burst out of a lake, I believe.”

“That’s right. I was fighting Doxy demons from the stables. They were getting too bitey, so I led them to a lake in the woods.” My voice turns low and dreamy. “Water neutralizes their sting.” And the Prince was there too? I blink three times, trying to force myself to process this information. Lincoln’s been thinking about me for months; he’s still thinking about me.

Walker cocks his left eyebrow. “In truth, he’s been a wee bit obsessed with you.”

I was right. We connected. Warmth blossoms through my chest. “No. Way.” My tail pushes his shoulder, slamming him against the wall.

“Careful, Myla.” He grins. “I’m not wearing armor.”

“Eh, you’re way tougher than you look, Walker.” I pace the stone hallway, a combination of excitement and anxiety pulsing through me. Lincoln’s just as miserable as I am. He cares about me, is even a little bit obsessed with me.

That. Is. So. Cool.

Pausing, I turn to Walker. “This is the best news I’ve had in weeks.” My brow furrows. Something about this doesn’t add up. “Hey, if he’s so into me, why haven’t I heard a peep out of his majesty?”

“That’s why I wanted to talk to you.”

Uh, oh…I know that tone from Walker. He’s about to unload something awful. My body automatically goes into battle stance, bracing for the impact.

Walker inhales a long breath. “The two of you are perfectly matched.” He shakes his head from side to side, frowning.

My stomach constricts. “That’s normally said like it’s a good thing.”