Page 160 of The Throne Seeker

Without warning, a hooded figure slipped into the tent.

Roman whipped off his hood. “Are you alright?” he asked, coming straight to her, lifting her chin as he scanned her frantically.

“I’m fine,” she said to soothe his worry. “Really.”

Roman gnashed his teeth. “Damn you. I nearly died ten times having to watch that.”

Her heart lifted from the worry in his voice. “I wasn’t sure if you were.”

“You never left my sight.”

“What did you think of it?” she couldn’t help but ask.

He reprimanded her with a glare. “I thought of how idiotic and reckless you are.”

Rose’s gaze fell from his chiding tone.

“But I also thought you were the most glorious thing I’d ever seen.” He slipped his hand into hers.

A jolt of energy traveled up her arm from the simple touch. She peered down timidly at their intertwined fingers.

He leaned down, his musky scent washing over her. “You could’ve won over anyone with that performance.”

An involuntary shiver ran up her spine. “I did win someone over… I’ve agreed to go back with Moretti.” She watched for Roman’s reaction.

He kept his expression carefully blank. “Good. It’ll be easier to catch him off guard.” His eyes lowered to her hand, noticing the ring on her finger. His face remained indifferent, though the muscles in his jaw ticked.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” she said, not knowing why her heart cringed as he looked at the ring.

“Just—be careful. He may seem friendly and easygoing, but the company he keeps is not.”

“I will.”

She went to let go of his hand, but he held it firm. Her breaths quickened as she swallowed hard.

“You really were incredible out there.” His raw voice lowered to a whisper as his eyes locked on to hers. “I don’t think I’ll ever not be in awe of you, Roe.”

Her eyelids fluttered. She tried to open her mouth to say something, but no sound came out.

Roman’s voice went back to normal. “Today reminded me you can take care of yourself… Do what you have to do.”

Before she could form a sentence, he let go of her hand, threw on his hood, and left the tent.

She stared at the door flap for a long moment before her gaze fell to her wrapped ankle.Do what you need to do?What did he mean? Did he not care anymore if she threw herself at Moretti? Or did he trust her enough to decide for herself?

She supposed she’d find out.

CHAPTER 64

Rose convinced Moretti that she’d come to the Snorri alone and was spending the summer with an aunt living on the outskirts of the city. Her fictitious aunt had forbidden her to come, but she had slipped away, eager to see what all the fuss was about. If Moretti had any questions about her story, he didn’t ask, appearing to accept the tale.

Moretti never left her side on the journey back into the heart of the city. She was relieved to hear the mention of food, not having eaten a single bite since breakfast. His colleagues accompanied them in the carriage, all of whom were highly intrigued to know more about her.

Moretti remained quiet, listening intently to her responses to the endless questions thrown at her. She told them as little as possible, sticking to half-truths. His gaze frequently shifted to the window, perhaps looking to see if Onyx was still trailing them, drawing attention as they traveled through the streets.

Rose wrapped her arms around herself, still caked in mud in what had to be the nicest carriage she’d ever stepped foot in. With every movement, the drying mud flaked off her dress, leaving the black carpeted floor a dusty mess. Moretti didn’tmind her unruliness in the slightest—so much so that he’d kept his hand on her knee the entire way.

“You can wash up when we get there,” Moretti assured her, noticing her tugging at her dress. “I have a large assortment of dresses; you can choose and keep any one that suits you.”