Seeing everyone peering at me, waiting for my answer— Cami’s desperate expression, Arryn’s pointed stare, Kael’s expectant look—I clear my throat and push aside my fear that I’m making the wrong decision.

“Actually,” I say, scuffling my boot on the dirty ground, “I was really looking forward to getting some fresh air.” I glance up at Kael with genuine apology. “Rain check on the training? I—I really want to, it’s just …” I trail off pathetically.

Kael, however, looks at me with understanding, his gaze softening. “I get it, princess. Being down here can take some getting used to.”

He’s kind enough not to point out that I was locked underground at Lengard for over two and a half years, so I should be used to it. I feel worse than ever, hating that I’m lying to him. Kael is my friend—and I’m betraying him by sneaking around behind his back.

I swallow, unable to meet his eyes, so he turns to Dante, who gives a slight nod of encouragement. Kael sighs and looks back at Arryn.

“Just be careful, all right?” he says to her, as if she’s solely responsible for our safety on this outing. “Don’t let them overdo it.”

I feel like rolling my eyes at his babying, but then the words he said to me only hours ago whisper across my mind.

There’s still so much for us to do, and I can’t do it without you.

He’s worried about me, I know that. He’s already lost so much that it makes sense he would fear losing someone else he’s grown close to. It’s the reason I step forward and wrap my arms around him in an impulsive hug as I say, “We’ll be back before you know it.”

The hug is quick, but after the kiss we shared at Luna Park, it takes some effort to keep from feeling strange about it. To not make it seem like anything more. I squeeze Kael’s forearm as I move away, giving him a friendly smile in the hope that he’ll understand my intentions aren’t romantically inclined.

“What, no kiss this time? Disappointing.”

I freeze as blood rushes to my face. I shoot him a what the hell look, and find a wide, teasing grin on his face. Jet is peering curiously at the two of us, Dante is shuffling his feet, his broad shoulders shaking with mirth. Arryn taps her foot, impatient for us to leave, but Cami is staring at me with a shocked expression.

It’s clear from the look in Kael’s eyes that he’s deliberately goading me, so I calm my pulse and somehow manage to deadpan, “What’s disappointing is that there was a last time. And believe me, it was the last time.”

He laughs and winks at me, his earlier concern now vanished. “Whatever you say, princess.”

“Can you two save the flirting for later?” Arryn says, an edge to her voice. Before I can argue that we’re not, she adds, “I’m going to bring my breakfast back up.”