The rest had fallen back to cluster around their prince, who had found something of interest along the trail that he wanted them to discuss. The haunt was giving her space; she was sure of it. How did the haunt know? How could he tell? Or could he simply hear better than the others?

Kem turned back to her. “You were the one I could rely on. Now I find out that was a lie. You were a lie.”

His distrust was worse than his anger, and yet strangely, unexpectedly, she found she was angry too. Angry on her own behalf. “I wasn’t a lie, Kem. You didn’t suffer the things your mother did. I was protecting you.”

“Maybe I don’t want to be protected. I’m not a baby anymore.”

“That’s for sure.” She went to lightly punch him on the shoulder, then pulled it. He glared at her, and she couldn’t tell whether he was mad that she’d tried to joke with him or that she’d stopped herself from giving him a friendly thump.

Her heart pounded as she struggled through her tangled thoughts. He stumped along, each thud of a footfall like an accusation that she’d betrayed him.

Let him think what he would think. She couldn’t change what had happened. But she was here now.

“I had palpitations when you ran the plank walkway back across the rope bridge. You were fearless. Your balance and strength are incredible. You took charge when you needed to. You got it done. It’s no wonder Simo was impressed. I don’t think any of his people, even with all their years of experience, could have done it.”

He shrugged as if to blow off her words, but a little smirk played about his mouth, a sure sign he was pleased at her praise. Confidence made him go for the throat.

“So, is it true? Are you a thief and a murderer?”

Time to jump in with both feet.

“Yes, I am.”

He missed a step and had to stagger to catch his balance, then took two longer strides to catch up because she hadn’t faltered in her steady pace.

“Fuck me,” he muttered. And to her, belligerently, “What did you steal?”

She caught his gaze, made sure to hold it for a breath, hard and sure. “You, Kem. Your mother and I stole you from Duenn Manor.”

“Oh, fuck,” he breathed.

That was one way to turn his anger upside down. Not her preferred way, but she’d started, so she had to go on. “Now you’ve met Lord Duenn, are you sorry not to have been raised by him?”

He clamped his lips shut and refused to answer. She didn’t see it as a victory, but it was a beginning.