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Chapter 16

Irace for the band’s practice room and hear the music before turning down the hall. My heart races. Other than that brief moment in my suite, I haven’t seen Bash for days, and all the missing time crashes down on me the closer I get.

Once I enter the room, he leaves the mic mid-sentence then throws his arms around me and spins me in a circle. “You’re okay!”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

He stops spinning, presses me against a wall, then kisses me deeply before looking into my eyes. “Maybe because you locked yourself in your room, refusing to see me for two days. Or maybe because everyone’s talking about the king calling you to the castle. Rumors are flying about him. Some say he’s lost his mind and that it’s dangerous to be around him. But you’re back and in one piece!” He kisses me again, tasting of mint and chocolate. “What happened? You have to tell me.”

I gasp. “It’s a long story, and I’m not sure how much I should say here.” I glance out into the hall. “People could overhear.”

Bash holds up his hand, and the band screeches to a halt. “I need to talk with Marra. I might be back, or I might not. Depends on what she has to say.”

“We all know you won’t be back.” Bahari chuckles. “Good to see you again, Marra.”

I wave to him. “You too.”

The other band members decide to break to study for exams. I should study too, but at least I have the spell again. However, it does worry me that I don’t feel the same buzz I felt when my mom cast it on me. Maybe it’s just not as noticeable because I’m used to it now.

I hope that’s the case.

Bash wraps his arms around me, and we head down the hall. “Where do you want to go? Your room?”

“No. The walls in the dorms aren’t that thick. I can hear our neighbors, and I don’t want them overhearing us.”

“How about the garden?”

“Is it safe?”

He gives me a puzzled expression. “Oh, you mean the protest? There haven’t been any more since that night. Since your dad hasn’t issued any new decrees, everyone has calmed down. People are saying he’s finally listening.”

“That’s all they’re saying?”

“What else would they be talking about?” He tilts his head.

Nobody knows about Tiberias’s return. “Just asking.”

He arches a brow, giving me a look that tells me he doesn’t believe me. But he doesn’t push it. We make our way to the garden in silence. I’m just glad to be in his arms again. If only I could stay here forever, and not have to worry about studies or competitions.

Once outside, the silence is overpowering. Makes my ears ring. But I forget all about that as soon as we enter the path of the garden. The sweet smells and the beautiful flowers take my breath away. It’s all intensified being there with Bash.

We wander until we come to the bench we sat at the last time. He keeps his arm around me. “What’s on your mind?”

I turn and lose myself in his eyes. “Something happened the other night when I went to the castle. Something unbelievable.”

“Really? This sounds good.”

My stomach knots. “I’m not supposed to talk about it, though.”

“Did your dad swear you to secrecy?”

“Well, the king requested I keep it to myself.”

He tilts his head. “The king? When do you ever refer to your dad as the king?”

I chew on my lower lip.

“What?” His expression tightens. “You’re starting to worry me.”