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“You have to swear not to tell anyone. I’m serious when I say no one.”

“I’d never go back on my word to you. Ever.” He holds my gaze and moves closer.

I squeeze my fists. My heart feels like a jackhammer. “If the king finds out I said anything—”

“He won’t. Because you can trust me. I swear on my love to you.”

I lean against him and cling to him.

“What’s the matter? Why are you shaking?”

“I’m shaking?” I lean back and notice I am. Then I look around to make sure nobody is near us before holding Bash’s gaze. Lips wavering, I whisper, “My uncle is back.”

“Can you speak up? I didn’t hear that.”

I repeat myself.

“Your uncle?” His eyes dart back and forth. “What uncle?”

“Tiberias.”

Bash gives me a double-take. Twice. “King Tiberias is alive?”

I cover his mouth. “Not so loud!”

“That was barely a whisper! He’s alive? As in, not dead?”

“That’s basically the definition of living.”

Bash swears. “I can’t believe this! How?”

I can’t bring myself to tell him that my dad tried to kill him. “He almost died, but not quite. Now he’s healthy enough to lead again. And he’s not happy about what my dad’s been doing.”

“That’s not surprising.” His mouth gapes and his face pales. “Wait a minute. He isn’t going to send you back to land, is he?”

“No. He was talking about me being the heir to the throne still.”

Bash’s brows furrow. “How does that work?”

“He has no children as successors.”

“But your dad—”

“Ruined his chance. My uncle wants me to be next in line—and you can’t tell anyone!”

Bash cups my chin. “I already promised you I’m not going to say a word to anybody.”

His shell phone rings. He groans then pulls it out.

“Who is it?” I picture it being my uncle, ready to punish me for telling Bash. It was probably a test, and I just failed miserably.

“No idea.” Bash accepts the call. “Hello?” His brows draw together, then his face crunches. “Okay, I’ll tell her.”

My heart nearly explodes. It is my uncle. I’m done for.

Bash puts the phone away. “That was Mr. Brant. Says you’re late for your sparring appointment.”

I groan. “Doesn’t he realize there are more important things going on?”