She saw it now. She couldn’t stop seeing it. There was a fresh confidence to the lift of his chin, and the square of his shoulder. But she didn’t want him to have to carry that burden alone. Not if she could help it. She’d sent him Emmett, but clearly that wasn’t enough.

“How’s my brother getting on?” she asked.

A muscle feathered in Arthur’s jaw. Somehow, Emry wasn’t surprised.

“It’s been less than a week,” she said with a sigh. “How much trouble can he have gotten into?”

Arthur shot her a look.

Emry winced.

“He’s got potential,” Arthur allowed. “But he’s not you.”

“Give him a wig and a dress, and I bet he could do a decent impression,” Emry joked.

Arthur snorted. “You haven’t said whether you’ll accept my offer.” He glanced at her nervously.

“I’m still considering it.”

“My father won’t be a problem, I’ve seen to it,” Arthur promised.

“So you’re saying that my daring escape from the castle dungeons was a waste?”

“I’m saying you don’t have anything to worry about.”

“I’m not worried,” Emry said. “I’m upset.”

“With me,” said Arthur.

“It’s my own fault for—” Emry stopped herself, horrified. She’d almost told him how she felt.

How easy it seemed to share the truth here, with this brilliant, beautiful boy by her side.

But this wasn’t real, she reminded herself. Princes didn’t join peasant girls for a pint at the local tavern. She was just a diversion to him, the same as she’d been at the ball. They were from two separate worlds. And there was no place where those worlds met.

Especially with Arthur engaged to be married.

“How’s Guinevere?” she asked bitterly.

“Less annoying, once you get to know her,” Arthur admitted, a smile dancing over his lips. “The two of you might even become friends.”

“And how would that work, exactly?”

“Oh, easily, I’d imagine. Especially since we’re not going through with the wedding.”

“You’re not?” Emry tried to mask her surprise.

Arthur explained their plan. Emry had to admit, it was clever. And she approved wholeheartedly.

“No one should be forced to make decisions out of fear,” said Arthur. “Even to protect the people they love. It only leads to regret. I’d think you of all people would understand that.”

“I don’t regret masquerading as my brother,” Emry protested.

Arthur smiled as though hoping she’d say that. “So you’ll come back,” he said. “I’m pleased to hear it.”

Ugh, Emry thought. She’d forgotten that little trick of his.

“Fine, but I’m going to make you call me Apprentice Wizard Merlin,” she warned.

“I look forward to it,” he said, closing the distance between them and looking down at her through his eyelashes, “Apprentice Wizard Merlin.”