Page 37 of The Throne Seeker

They climbed off their horses and tied them to a stumpy tree trunk. She gave her horse a thankful pat before walking into a small clearing. Zareb followed suit, not far behind.

“What are we doing out here?” He seemed more at ease now that they’d gained distance from the castle. Maybe he was just as glad for the scenery change as she was.

She shrugged. “I just needed to get out for a while.”

“Is that why you kept looking over your shoulder to make sure no one was following?”

She stopped, his dark eyes fixed on her. He was too perceptive for his own good. Even knowing it was probably a fool’s errand, she decided to put aside casualties and get straight to the point.

She faced him head on. “I need to tell you something, and I need you to promise to keep it between us.”

A hint of curiosity shone in his eyes. “I promise.”

Zareb’s expression appeared too sincere to be dishonest. Over the past few days, she had grown used to having Zareb by her side, even a bit fond of him. And maybe it was because the king had trusted Zareb first, but she’d come to trust him, too.

For the first time, aside from the royal family and Beth, she thought maybe she could have a real friend.

So she opened up to him. “I’ve been training in combat for the past year. I’m a decent fighter, but my last trainer doesn’t hold a candle to your physical skills… I know this is improper of me to ask, but I was wondering—I mean, I was hoping—if you’d be willing to continue my training? I’m afraid I can’t pay you, but?—”

“No,” he said, saving her from her ramblings.

Her hope sank, his hasty answer making her falter. “I know it’s a small risk?—”

“Asmall risk?” Zareb exclaimed in an mock-whisper, looking over his shoulder at the empty forest. “You have more enemies here than you think. The council does not want you on that throne. If they find I’m aiding your chances in the succession,and if you don’t win, I could lose my position and title here. Not to mention, it’s not customary to train a lady of the court.”

She understood his hesitation. To rise to Zareb’s title and rank within Cathan’s guard was no small feat, especially coming from an outside province. If he went against the council’s wishes and they saw it as disobedience, he could lose the home he’d worked a lifetime to earn. He had to keep the favor of the council if he wished to remain in Cathan.

“I’m the first woman of the court to be nominated for the succession in nearly fifty years,” she said, challenging his rebuttal. “I would say customs and traditions are damned at this point, wouldn’t you? If I join the succession, how will I stand a chance at the throne without proper training?”

“Then ask the king to get you a proper teacher. I’m not the one you need.” He tried to sidestep her, but she blocked him.

“You’re the only one people won’t be suspicious of if we spend time alone together. Please, Zareb… You’re the only one I trust.”

He paused, searching her eyes that were sure to be reeking with desperation.

“I promise I won’t be wasting your time,” she added, just on the off chance that it was one of his reservations.

Zareb’s stern brow grew together like she’d offended him. “I’m not worried about time or money.” Another long silence followed as Rose patiently waited for him to think. But to her utter dismay, he shook his head. “I’m sorry, Rose, but I have my own reasons. You’ll have to find a different teacher.”

She tucked in her chin, trying to hide her crestfallen face. She had no choice but to accept his answer this time. “Of course. It was too much to ask in the first place.”

Zareb studied her a moment longer, looking like he was about to say something, then thought better of it. He cleared histhroat, gesturing to the horses. “Come on… We should get you back.”

CHAPTER 17

At dinner, Rose looked for Tristan, but with a multitude of unfamiliar faces swarming the grand hall, he was nowhere to be seen. She, her mother, and Zareb were confined to a cramped corner, far from where they normally sat.

Rose managed to steer clear of any social interaction by indulging in wild turkey and roasted asparagus, making sure to save room for the raspberry tart she’d been eyeing—so delectable that her taste buds demanded a second helping.

She was just about to retreat to her room when Grant appeared out of thin air.

“Rose.” His infamous handsome grin was plastered on his face. Didn’t he ever get sick of smiling all the time? “I’m glad I caught you. I saw that the gardens are lit tonight. What do you say about that tour?”

She wanted, with every fiber of her being, to say no, but before she could answer, her mother put a hand on her forearm, digging her fingers in to keep her from denying him. “Oh, I’m sure she would love that! She was just telling me how she needed to stretch her legs.”

Rose forced a smile. “Why not?”

She let Grant lead the way, weaving them through the crowd and out through the double doors.