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Abruptly, I feel a yank on my arms. I look up just before Kellyn’s lips press firmly against mine. My mouth opens in surprise, and Kellyn kisses me in a way that is entirely inappropriate in public.

I place my arms on his shoulders and push him back. “What are you doing? We talked about this.”

He blinks. “No kissing in public. Hand-holding is okay,” he says, remembering the conversation.

“So what was that?”

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what just came over me.” Kellyn doesn’t release me from his hold, though our lips are no longer touching.

It’s thrilling to think of him becoming overwhelmed with the desire to kiss me, but still. I don’t understand the context.

“Were you—staking a public claim to me? In front of Asel?” I ask.

He purses his lips. “I think I was.”

“Because you feel threatened by that little slip of a boy?”

He has the good sense to look embarrassed. “He mistreated you,” he says. “I think I wanted to show him you picked someone better.”

I fight a grin. “Did I pick someone better?” I can’t help but tease him.

Kellyn glares at me. “Isn’t it just a little nice to show Asel that someone else finds you entirely desirable?”

“Yes. It is a little nice.”

“If you object to me talking to him, fine. But let me know ifyou ever want to use me to get revenge. Whether that includes public displays of affection or something else.”

I’m grinning like an idiot, worrying who might be watching, but unwilling to remove my eyes from this ridiculously handsome man.

“I’ll let you know,” I say.

Kellyn nods, steps back, then pulls me to his side so he can throw an arm around me again.

I slide what I hope is a sneaky peek at Asel.

He’s glaring at Kellyn.

I like that a lot.

“Ziva!” a voice says. I find the governor mere feet away, appraising me carefully.

“Governor Erinar,” I say. “How nice to see you again.”

“You’re back in the city! I feared my son’s poor behavior had you fleeing Lirasu for good.”

Asel was part of the reason weweregoing to leave the city for good. Something more pressing became the main reason, however. But I’m not about to explain all that.

I settle for “It was a warlord who chased me out of town, actually. The same warlord who is intent on attacking us now.”

Erinar’s features tighten. “Prince Skiro has explained the situation. We’ll be ready for her. It’s so good to have you back.”

“Thank you.”

The governor looks as though he wishes to say more, but I see him glance at Kellyn’s arm slung across my shoulders. Instead he turns his attention to the contestants. “Welcome to Lirasu, warriors! I’m sure many of you are wondering why you’ve been called together for an early rendezvous when the tournament is still a ways away. With me today is Ghadra’s very own Prince Skiro, of the territory to our east. A situation has arisen, and the prince has come to speak with you all.”

Erinar steps back from the edge of the stadium platform to allow Skiro to take the center.

“Greetings,” the prince says. “My sister, your sovereign, Princess Marossa, is on her way to us now with our fighting forces. She has entrusted me with making you all aware of the situation and requesting your aid in the upcoming battle.”