What would King Vesstan do to Jaren’s fathers for lying to him all this time? And if they hadn’t lied, if he’d been in on the entire plan, would he blame them for her coming back? She had a feeling she knew what Emperor Sulian would do, but she had no idea how King Vesstan ruled.

Her stomach roiled at the thought of Jaeros being punished because of her. Even knowing he had secrets, ones she probably wouldn’t like, she couldn’t help but feel a connection with him. He reminded her of Trey—or what Trey might be like at his age.

If it wasn’t for the tension and stress her appearance had caused, she was sure Jaeros would have the same bubbly personality as her friend. His humor hadn’t slipped out often, but the few times it had, it’d been just as ridiculous as Trey’s.

She closed her eyes, remembering how she’d felt the first time she’d seen her friend’s full face. How bright and welcoming his smile had been. Gods, she missed him. His infectious laugh, his taunts, even the way he poked fun at her and drove her nuts.

What would he be doing right now? He never talked about what he did when Eithan wasn’t traveling, and she’d never really thought to ask. She couldn’t imagine Eithan required all twelve of his guards to follow him around his own home. Right?

She smiled, picturing Trey having to stand outside random doorways staring at a wall while Eithan did basic things like bathing or reading a book. His fingers would be tapping away at his leg, his mind a chaotic mess of random thoughts as he counted down the minutes until he could rip the mask off and relax.

She startled when she felt the light touch of Jaren’s lips against her temple, and his arms immediately released the reins to circle her waist and steady her.

“You’re warm,” he murmured.

She frowned, touching her forehead with the back of her hand. She didn’t feel warm. The sun had begun to set, and it was nice out, the breeze occasionally rustling her hair about her ears, cooling her face and neck. “I am?”

He chuckled, lowering his head and placing a hand over her chest. “I meant, in here.”

Oh. “Is that a good thing?” she asked, trying to ignore the fact that his hand was dangerously close to brushing her nipple.

He smiled against her ear, reading her thoughts, and his fingers began to trail down as his breath sent gooseflesh down both arms. “Depends on what you’re thinking about.”

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” The voice cut through their hushed conversation, and she nearly leapt off the saddle, heart in her throat. In the span of seconds, she’d already forgotten they weren’t alone. Jaren’s touch had a way of instantly blocking out the rest of the world. None of it seemed to matter when his hands were on her.

She pulled away from him, flushing when she met Jaeros’s glance. Mistaking her expression for nerves, he gave her an encouraging smile. “Don’t worry, dear, there’s nothing to be nervous about for tonight.”