Bri blinked at Lina, breathing in her jasmine scent. “I never thought I’d hear a Thorne say that.”

“I still think I can handle this situation without you. I have my theories as to who did it. Now I just need to investigate them.” Lina twirled a golden bead on her necklace. “But my mother was too proud to accept any help. I trust Delta and Delta trusts you.”

“You might be the most levelheaded royal I’ve ever met.” Bri grinned, shaking her head in disbelief.

“I will do what’s right for my people. Always.” Lina sighed, resting her head back. “Even if it’s not what I want to do.”

“A Princess moonlighting as a vigilante.” Bri looked her up and down, from her axe to the gold in her hair. “You’re certainly full of surprises.”

“You have no idea.” Pulling up her hood, Lina winked and Bri’s stomach clenched in response. “We should go before they double back. I need to be in my bedroom by sunrise.”

“How often do you come out here?” Bri scanned the empty marketplace.

“As often as I can,” Lina said. “Royal policy is a slow change. Sometimes more direct action is needed. Besides, I don’t sleep much at night.”

Bri glanced at her sidelong. “That, I understand.” The inability to sleep at night was something that plagued her as well. “How many of your councilors know you aren’t sick in bed?”

“None.” Lina gave her a warning glance. “And you are to tell no one, not even Delta, especially not Delta. You can make a show of guarding Lina for Delta’s sake, but Airev is free to go where she likes.”

Bri stretched her neck to the side. “Agreed.” Delta would probably panic if she knew her cousin was being chased through the back alleys of Swifthill. “Let’s go.” Bri looked up at the dark sky, knowing the sun would soon be on the horizon. “You’ve got less than an hour to turn back into a dainty Princess.”

“There’s nothing dainty about me.” Lina snickered as she chucked the coin purse up in the air and caught it again. She sighed, standing up and dusting off her cloak. “Come on, then, I’ve got a kingdom to rule.”

Bri watched as the thief Princess sauntered back through the vacant market and her heart drummed in her chest. She had expected a snobby, spoiled royal, too arrogant to accept her aid. Instead, she found a beautiful Princess and skilled fighter, cunning enough to know when to accept help. She stared up at the roof, taking a steadying breath. She could hear Talhan’s taunting words in her ears even then. This was not going to end well.

* * *

Bri couldn’t remember what it felt like to wake up without a jolt. She had gotten good at hiding it now. No one seemed to notice. Not like Rua, gasping and crying in her sleep. No, Bri’s dreams were just restless. She woke with a constant fear she was forgetting something, someone. Always on alert.