It’s too convenient a story. And even if that’s what he feels, how do I know his feelings match Silene’s? She’s so young and could be infatuated with him. She could be pretending to pretend, hoping that one day he’ll realize his true feelings for her. Even if she truly has no interest in him romantically, she’ll be the Queen of Velmara someday. That kind of power and influence is not something to give up lightly. I may have seen a different side of Thorne today, may have enjoyed our laughter and touches and companionship, but there’s a reason he has a reputation for being a flirt, and I would do well to protect my heart and my kingdom from him. Aethers, I’ve seen him flirting with most of my advisors. How can I even trust anything I feel is real and not something every person who meets him feels?

I slip on the mask of Queen again, my constant protection from the world. “We can’t pursue this.” It’s the closest I’ll come to admitting my feelings. “For so many reasons, not least of which is you’re the Crown Prince of Velmara. Even if the history between our kingdoms didn’t exist, you have a throne to inherit and a kingdom to rule, and I have my own. We’re allies. That’s it.” I want the words to come out firm and harsh, but they don’t. They sound kind and yearning, and I curse my stupid feelings and my inability keep Thorne at a distance.

He stares at me for a moment, and I think I see pain flash through his eyes, but it’s gone too quickly. His rakish grin returns. “As you wish, witchling.” A wink tells me he’s back to being the Hawthorne I usually see.

“We should discuss what to do next,” I say, trying to change the topic.

“Yes, what should we do next now that we both know each other’s deepest, darkest secrets and you’ve finally admitted we’re allies?” The flirty prince has returned.