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The prince looked behind him, and I noticed a diminutive figure hidden behind the prince’s broad back. She wore a rose gold silk dress with a square-cut bodice and cap sleeves. It looked like something out of a historical romance novel, but she wore it well. Golden clips adorned her brunette curls. She froze as the attention shifted to her and kept her gaze trained on the smooth wooden floor.

The prince waved a careless hand in her direction. “I am somewhat fond of this one. She was a prize I claimed for myself.”

“I see,” Walden said in a faint voice.

“Claimed? That sounds horrible.” I let out a choked noise and caught the venomous glare the omega shot the prince when he turned his back.

The omega and I shared a look, a millisecond, but enough for me to know her spirit wasn’t tamed. She was chewing on her bitterness, eking out strength and biding her time.

“Your omega has a very direct gaze.” The prince took a sip of his drink and stared down his sharp nose at me.

My cheeks were hot, but I refused to look away from the prince. I hoped it made him uncomfortable, and power surged through my veins as he rolled his shoulders. Like he was trying to brush off my stare.

“In Starhaven, it’s considered rude to exclude someone from conversation because of their Designation,” I said.

Let’s not mention free will.

“From childhood, Astaly trains its omegas to respect their providers.”

“You have different customs in Astaly, but I could never diminish Tully to her omega status. I treasure and value her beyond measure,” Walden added.

It was a soft sort of chastisement. A mouse to a bull, showing teeth but still frightened of getting stomped on. Astaly was triple the size of Starhaven, with a powerful fleet and military presence. They were our allies, for now. Walden risked insulting the prince for me.

It was the least he could do.

The high prince sniffed, but a tightness froze his lips.

“Aren’t customs funny things? I can’t imagine being so free with my emotions. I’m sure we will have more cause to speak when you announce your plans, Mr. Baylark.” He paused, a slight edge in his voice. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Hartlock.”

His gaze fell on me with the weight of an anvil. When I refused to break the intense stare, a faint smile snuck across his face.

“A rare pleasure indeed,” he mused, flattening his palm against his omega’s back.

She didn’t argue, gaze pinned to the ground once more. The guards melted after them, maintaining the circle of protection around their prince. Walden ducked his head and kissed my forehead.

“You are probably the only omega in the world who has ever spoken back to the High Prince of Astaly.”

“What was that? You—I—”

Walden shook his head and kissed me again, more forcefully. “You were braver than me. I’m sorry, but I’m going to need his support if I run for mayor.”

“I see.”

I didn’t. Yet my bravery extended to princes only, it seemed, not gorgeous alphas who felt way out of my league. The crowd encroached on us, and I pushed down the discordant feelings in my stomach. Now was not the time to cause a scene.

I thought of the sullen omega, painted pretty and perfect. She was brave too, in a different way. But Lloyd interrupted my thoughts by hugging me, with Ajax following close behind. I melted into Lloyd’s solid embrace, squeezing him tight until the tension in my body melted away. He had that effect on me.

“Honey girl, you look gorgeous,” Lloyd breathed, and he brushed a kiss against my cheek.

I wanted to snatch my beta back, take his lips. He grumbled about my lack of scent, burrowing his head into my hair.

“Ajax already said the same thing.” I bumped my shoulder against him. “I survived a prince. I’m feeling good.”

“You’re everything,” Walden growled against my ear. His fingers bruised as he squeezed my scent glands. As if he could impart a scent through sheer force of will. Did he feel guilty for not standing up for me more?

“Are you alright?” Ajax cast a look up and down my body until my heart squeezed.

“Worried about me?”