Page 135 of The Moon's Fury

Her lips tipped up, as if she were remembering the same thing, and he resisted the urge to kiss her.

Soon.

Soon, he wouldn’t have to think twice about kissing her.

His footsteps were heavy as they walked toward the clearing where she’d meet Almeer.

A short distance away, they ducked behind a thick outcropping of trees and waited. Through the dense branches, he had a clear view.

After fifteen tense minutes, Almeer walked into the clearing, fingers drumming against his leg.

Soraya made to head over to him, but he stopped her with a hand on her arm, bidding her to wait. He made a silent circuit around the clearing, searching for anyone hidden behind the tall, thick trees.

He found nothing.

Still, he had Soraya wait twenty more minutes, watching Almeer glance around the clearing with hope on his stupid face. When no one else appeared and Almeer didn’t leave, he nodded to her.

Before leaving, she whispered, “Don’t come out. No matter how upset he gets. I need to do this on my own.”

Every nerve in his body fought against him as he watched her walk into the clearing.

Toward Almeer.

Away from him.

Almeer’s face lit up when he saw her, and he rushed forward and pulled her into his spindly arms.

Jamil’s knuckles turned white around the hilt of his sword.

He hadn’t planned to break his word and eavesdrop, but after watching Almeer tenderly cradle Soraya’s face, gray eyes shining with happy tears, his legs moved of their own accord until he could hear their low voices.

“… you hurt? I’ve been so worried,” Almeer said. He pulled her into another embrace.

Jamil’s jaw ached.

“I’ve been all right. And you?”

“Horrible. But it doesn’t matter. What do we do now? Where’s Jamil?”

Soraya sighed.

Jamil held his breath.

“Almeer, listen—”

There was a loud rustling behind Almeer, and two men emerged through the clearing, both bearing resemblance to him.

His father and brother, most likely.

Shit.

Jamil scanned them—unarmed. Still, he grabbed his throwing stars, holding them ready should either of them make a move toward Soraya.

“See, Baba?” the younger man sneered, gray eyes cold with malice. “I was right to have him followed. I knew the missing princess would turn up here eventually.”

“What are you two doing?” Almeer glanced between the men, angling himself in front of Soraya.

Almeer’s father said nothing, appraising Soraya with disdain. “So, this is your Alzahran whore?”