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“Well, I have to say, I didn’t either.”

Filip’s face loosened and his honey-colored eyes warmed. “Another round?”

“Another round.”

“I’m done,” I proclaimed, wiping my drenched brow. I’d practiced for five hours and reached my limit.

“You did well today,” Vale said, and I caught his nod and smile before I looked away. When he spoke next, his voice was more restrained. “But you’ve been at it for a while. Rest would be good.”

Rest. That meant returning to his suite. Or perhaps I could seek Saga?

Sayyida was gone already, as were Sian and Arie Riis.

“Yes,” I said. “I think I’ll go speak with Saga. We can have a ladies’ day.”

Vale didn’t reply right away. “If you wish. I can escort you to my sister’s chambers?—”

“I think I’ll take a Clawsguard.” I motioned to the door where two stood. “You’ll have one go with me anyway, right?” I risked looking at him, risked feeling that heartbreak and ill feeling all over again.

Stars, would it ever end? Or would I punish myself for something neither of us had known for the rest of my life?

“I will,” Vale agreed, reluctant lines forming on his handsome face. “Take Sir Arvid. He’s the stronger of the two.”

“Thank you.” I managed a small smile. “I’ll see you later.” I took three steps before Vale stopped me.

“Neve?”

I swallowed, turned.

“Remember what I saw. Be careful. The castle is the most protected building in the city, but there are always weaknesses to exploit.”

“I will,” I assured him, knowing that it was killing himto let me out of his sight, but equally knowing that I needed this time apart. “And I’ll be back tonight.”

He nodded. The look of rejection on his face threatened to cut me in half, so I turned away. What could I tell him that would explain why I’d become an ice queen?

And I could not tell him the truth.

Bleeding skies, I needed that potion.

Vale had informed me that Duran said it would be a day late. It was the best he could do, and that terrified me. I had to hope that, when my magic appeared, it was weak. I was weak. So weak that King Magnus wouldn’t sense it.

And that over the course of a day, Vale wouldn’t ask too many questions.

I returned my chain mail, sword, and stakes to the storage area and pulled my hair back so that it no longer stuck to my neck. As ready as I would get, I exited the storage area to find Vale talking to Filip. They seemed engrossed, which relieved me, and I made for the door.

“I’m going to see Saga,” I said to Sir Arvid, one of the Clawsguards waiting for us. He looked behind me at the prince. “Alone.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Shall I take you by your suite first to wash?”

Point taken. I was sweaty and stinky, but Saga would have to deal with that. I needed some space from Vale.

“No, show me to the princess’s chambers.”

Sir Arvid led the way. Though I’d been to Saga’s rooms before, I’d never come from the training facilities and Frostveil Castle was vast. I was sure there were parts of it I’d never seen before.

Like the Crown Drassil on site. And the library.

I paused at that last thought. Perhaps I could make a stop at the library on my way to Saga’s rooms. I had yet to learn if the brooch from Queen Revna’s room—my mother’sroom—was a phoenix opal.