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His shoulders rise and fall with a slow breath. “We didn’t want you to think you’re aligning yourself with a weak kingdom. My father would kill me for telling you that.”

At least this evens the score between Urian and me. We each know secrets about each other now. “How bad has it been?”

“Ara, I can’t—”

“I’ll be living there soon.” Or I’m supposed to. “Tell me what’s going on up there.”

“Please, don’t tell anyone else in your family. Mine would be mortified.”

“Of course.”

He nods. “We’ve lost western cities to Penum already. I wouldn’t have thought they’d get all the way across to the eastern coast, but they have. I don’t know how much of Ceraun will be left without some intervention. I suppose that’s why Father finally accepted help for Dockerly.”

“Oh, Jamys…” I rub my temples. “What state is your military in?”

“It’s dwindling. Penum is strong and ruthless. We’ve never successfully stood against them.”

And Tomas is going to face them.

Trust him to take care of himself. Our forces are no doubt stronger than Ceraun’s ever were. Trust him to take care of himself.

I jump to my feet and pace. I cannot sit still thinking about it. How will I survive weeks of this? Penum has been quietly invading Ceraun; they likely sent those imposters into Lambridge. King Kirnon must at least know something about the disappearances out there—I wouldn’t be surprised if he had something to do with them. I cannot sit here in the palace while he continues to drive his influence across the continent like a dagger through its heart.

“I’m going to go put an end to Penum’s attack.” My declaration even surprises me a little.

Jamys’ eyes widen. “By yourself?”

“Yes.” Ry, Nina, and Marcus would be helpful, but not necessary. Also, I’m not planning to ask permission, so I don’t need to drag them into trouble with me.

“My father ordered me to stay here.”

“He gave me no such order, not that I would feel obligated to obey as he is not my king.”

He shakes his head. “You don’t even know how to get there.”

“I can figure it out.”

He studies me a moment, and regret revisits me. I may be endearing myself to him further. “I can’t let you go alone. If you go, I’m going too.” Before I can offer excuses, he adds, “It’s my kingdom. I need to be there for them.”

What a perfect time for my boldness to catch on. I don’t want to do this, but I don’t feel like he’s going to give me a choice. “We need to leave immediately. I want to have some distance from this place before our absence is noticed in the morning.”

***

We breakfast near a stream as the sun rises over distant hills. Mirador will be frantic by now, having misplaced two royals. But out here, all is calm.

“Do you run away often?” Jamys asks.

“No, I’m a fairly well-behaved princess—most of the time.”

An incredulous look disappears from his face as fast as it appeared. “Well, you made the choice rather quickly. And seemed to know what you needed to do to make it happen.”

“It wasn’t a difficult decision to make. Once that’s done, of course I’m going to act quickly.” Now. I wanted Tomas to tell me we should try to be together instead of trusting my own mind when the betrothal was presented to me. Perhaps I’ve learned my lesson.

“It’s not always possible, though, is it?” Jamys says. “Most of our choices involve so many other people, we can’t act quickly. Our steps have to be measured carefully, even once we sit on the throne. Now…” He bites his lip and stands. “Well, now, we hardly get to make any choices at all.” He offers me his hand, and I take it as I rise.

“Your father can’t dictate everything you do.”

He frowns and turns to ready the horses. On our way again, he seems to debate with himself some time before speaking. “He can, you know.”