Chapter 23
“How are you enjoying your stay so far, princess?”
Thankfully, my mother didn’t notice us sneaking out before the party ended.
Neither did our guards. It’s the first time I’ve been without them in what feels like ages, and while it feels like a relief, it also sets me on edge.
Many of the extra guards my mother placed on me left during the event.
That wouldn’t have happened without a reason.
For now, I need to focus on the woman at my side, and whether or not she can be an ally in my plight.
We swim next to each other as I guide her slowly toward my quarters, taking my time while I try to figure out a plausible excuse as to why she cannot enter my rooms. I don’t think my starfish would like another woman, much less one who’s supposed to be my betrothed, in my private spaces.
But the solitude could be the opportunity I need to win her over and explain the predicament I’m in.
I just have to figure out if I can trust her.
If she shares anything I say with my mother, it could be dangerous for Madi.
Farrasea laughs, a light tinkling sound. “Well, I haven’t been here long, but—”
Urgent sounding voices cause her to cut off abruptly. We drift to a stop, unsure what is happening up ahead. They get louder as they come closer, whoever it is quickly approaching from the west corridor that leads away from the banquet hall. My mother’s voice cuts through the conversation.
“No. Leave them with Caspian’s pet. Make sure they don’t interfere with the wedding. We’ll deal with all of them as soon as the treaty is signed and bites are exchanged.”
Her captain of the guard makes a sound of assent and swims through the intersection without looking over to see us, thank the gods. Their words sweep through my thoughts like a rapid current. Who is she leaving with Madi? Is my starfish alright?
I need to get to her. This might be my only opportunity without guards for the foreseeable future.
As much as I’d like to gain Princess Farrasea’s help, if something is going on with my mate, I can’t stay here a minute longer.
I’m about to beg my leave when another familiar voice calls out from behind us.
“Brother! Farra!” Nero’s smile is bright as he approaches us, though his eyes are only for her.
Farrasea returns his grin. “Prince Nerocaitan, I thought you were enjoying the party.”
My brother rubs the back of his neck. “You may call me Nero. In fact, I prefer it.” He glances behind us to see what made us pause, but the commotion is gone. He clears his throat. “I was hoping to show you one of our latest technology projects. Your expertise would be most welcome.”
The princess looks between my brother and me, and I see my opening. “Please, go. As my brother is painfully aware, technology is not a strong interest of mine. I’ve been feeling a bit off after all that socializing and could use some time to decompress anyway.”
That’s all it takes for her to abandon my side and take up post next to my brother, both of them chattering excitedly as they swim off. If I were a different alpha, I’d feel slighted, but as it stands, all I feel is relief.
I wait a few moments after they disappear from view before moving swiftly through the water.
When I break out of the palace, I head straight for the gates.
It’s still early in the day, so the streets are crowded with people.
I weave between them, not stopping to say hello to those I recognize or the few that call out to me. Whatever is going on, I can’t delay.
The closest exit out of the city is the main gate, but when it comes into view, I know I’ve made an error. There are twice as many guards blocking the doors. No one seems to take note of them, probably assuming the heightened security is because of the visiting princess.
I duck behind a hedge of seaweed, narrowly avoiding being seen.
Staying low, I backtrack along the city wall.
There are a few secret entrances known only to the royal house and inner circle.
I discovered most of them when I was quite young, gallivanting around with my brothers, back when we took comfort in each other’s friendship.
This gate is unguarded. I slip out without being noticed, and swim as fast as I can toward my Madi, hoping she’s alright, no harm has come to her, and that whoever, or whatever, my mother imprisoned with her isn’t dangerous.