Page 131 of The Throne Seeker

Rose stilled, reprimanding herself for being so careless. “What did you tell her?”

“The truth. That nothing happened, and I was only here to help.”

Relief settled in as she nodded in response, more positive than a royal flush in cards that she’d hear more about this from her mother later. She’d definitely be questioning her judgment—her sanity.

Roman propped himself onto his forearm, peering at her with uncertainty. “I had a talk with your mum… I told her I want to take you to Highland Haven.”

She sat straight up. “Your family manor?”

He nodded. “In the mountains. It’s not far, but far enough it’ll feel like somewhere new. I have business in Caleede and it’s nearby. I thought it’d make sense. You could come with me, finish your training. No one would bother us there. We wouldn’t have to hide.”

Rose almost couldn’t believe her ears—a chance to escape had finally been offered, and in the capitol no less. “What did my mother say?”

“She agreed. She thinks it’s a good idea for you to get some distance from this place.”

She paused, thinking. “What about her? Will she be coming?”

“I told her she could. But she seems to think it’d be better for her to stay here.”

“How long would we be gone?”

Roman shrugged. “As long as it takes to finish my business and your training.”

She gazed at the sheets as she considered his offer. She’d miss her mother, but she couldn’t stay. She’d go insane. If there was a chance she could escape this place, she’d take it. Even if it was only for a short time. Hell, if it weren’t for her mother, she might have considered stowing away on a ship at this point.

Roman paused at her hesitancy. “But if you’d rather stay?—”

“No!” She cut him off quickly.

He lifted an eyebrow.

She collected herself and added more calmly, “I want to go.”

His shoulders relaxed at her answer. “Then I’ll make the arrangements.”

“When do we leave?”

“As soon as you want. I can be ready today?—”

“Today?” She couldn’t hide the excitement in her voice.

A smile almost graced Roman’s lips as they tugged up slightly. “Today it is.”

She wanted to smile, but she couldn’t get her mouth to move.

Roman stood. “Tristan won’t be happy when he learns of our plans. Luckily, he already left for his honeymoon—” she flinched at the word, “—earlier this morning, so he’ll be gone a few days. He won’t know we’ve left until it’s too late. But I’d ask you not to tell anyone where we are going except your mother. I’ll tell my father, but I don’t want anyone else to interfere—including my mother.”

“I won’t… But what about Beth? Won’t she miss you?”

Something shifted in his eyes. “She’ll understand. I’ll explain the situation.”

“As long as I am not impeding anything.” She didn’t want to interfere with their relationship.

“You’re not.”

Rose nodded, accepting his answer.

He went to leave, almost reaching the door.