Josselyn raised her eyebrows. “Are we talking about the same person? Cause I don't think I've ever seen Alex lose his cool. He's got ice in his veins.” And fire in his eyes... burning you up with every glance he throws your way.She scooped up a handful of cold water and dowsed her face with it. Alex's eyes were of no concern to her. She had Edmund. Sweet, loyal Edmund. Her fiance, damn it.
“That's not what it looked like when you two were dancing the other night. The word passionate comes to mind...”
Josselyn covered her face with her hands as heat blossomed in her cheeks. She'd forgotten there'd been witnesses. What had she been thinking, kissing Alex right in the middle of the terrace? You weren't, obviously.
“Okay, so there was that. But you know, he is Kalo, so music probably effects him differently than most people. He just got caught up in the moment. I'm sure it didn't have anything to do with me personally.”
Lily snorted. “Nice try, but I'm not buying it. If you ask me, that boy is in love with you.” She leveled Josselyn with a look. “And what's more, I think some part of you knows it.”
Josselyn stood, brushing off the back of her pants. “I think you're a sweet romantic who sees what she wants to see. The truth is, it doesn't matter what Alex does or doesn't feel about me, not anymore. I made Edmund a promise, and I plan to honor that promise. Once this mess with the Antoski is resolved, I'll marry Edmund and make him my king. End of story.”
“And you really think that'll make you happy? Make Edmund happy?” Lily stood up beside her, reaching out to take one of her hands and giving it a squeeze. “Do you even love Edmund?”
Josselyn pulled her hand free and wrapped her arms around her torso, trying to dampen the sudden ache that threatened to overwhelm her.
“I love him in my own way.”
“Okay, you love him, but are you in love with him?” Lily persisted, placing her hands on Josselyn's elbows. Josselyn squeezed her eyes closed, letting her head fall forward until her forehead rested against Lily's.
“Please don't ask me that,” she whispered. “I've made my decision. I can't afford to waver. I have to be strong, and I can't do that when I'm constantly second guessing myself. Just let it go, okay? Please?”
Lily's hands slipped upward, enveloping Josselyn in a hug before releasing her. She wiped a hand over her glistening eyes. “Your wish is my command, Your Highness. I won't bring it up again.”
Josselyn gave her a sad smile. “Thank you.”
Turning back toward the camp, Lily put a skip into her step, swinging her arms as she danced along. “So how are we going to oust the evil prince from the fair princess's castle? Got any ideas?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.” Josselyn's smile brightened at the change of topic. “And I'm going to need the help of a certain little bird I know, if you think you're up for it?”
“Oh, I'm up for it. Look at these arms.” She flexed her thin arms, wrinkling her nose and furrowing her brow in an attempt to look ferocious. “They were made for taking out bad guys.”
“Easy there, pussy cat. I was thinking more of eyes in the sky than kitten on the ground.”
Lily sighed, kicking at the ground in mock disappointment. “Figures. Do I at least get to hold a knife or something?”
“Promise not to stick yourself with it?”
“Um... yes?”
“Well, that was convincing. Let's wait until we meet with the general and go over the plan. Then we'll discuss weapons, all right?”
“As you say, Your Highness.”
Josselyn grinned, feeling some of the weight lift off her shoulders as she walked beside the fair-haired girl. Lily was definitely the silver lining in this tragic mess. Bonded by their shared gift, they were more sisters than friends, and she was grateful to have her by her side.
“Ah, so you haven't lost your smile, after all. I was starting to wonder.”
Alex walked over to meet them, holding a tin cup in his hand. He held it out to Josselyn, amusement dancing in his eyes as he held her gaze. Josselyn felt herself starting to flush, and she hastened to take the proffered cup, holding it in front of her face in the pretense of smelling the warm beverage. Lily, the traitor, slunk off toward the campfire, murmuring some nonsense about speaking with her father before bed.
“What's this? Some kind of tea?”
Alex smirked. “Hiram made chamomile, in the hopes it would help you get some rest tonight.” His smirk faded to concern, as his eyes traced a path over her bruised face. “You've been on edge all day, although you seem a bit more relaxed now.”
Josselyn took a sip of her tea, careful to avoid making eye contact lest her traitorous body decide to betray the agitation she felt just being close to him.
“I suppose I have been rather distracted, thinking about meeting with the general and working on a plan to retake the capital.”
Alex took a step closer, the faint smell of leather and grass invading Josselyn's senses. It invited her to close the gap between them, to reach up and wrap her arms around his neck, to bury her face in his neck and just breathe him in.
He's not for you.
“So it's not just me, then, that's putting you on edge? Because you've been acting strange all day. Either avoiding me altogether or speaking to me as a princess would to her guard.”
Josselyn raised an eyebrow. “I am a princess, and you are my guard.”
Alex's lips twitched, and he took another step closer, his voice low. “True, but you've never acted like it before now.” His hand reached out to brush a stray hair out of her face, and she felt a shiver run through her body at his touch. His voice caught as he whispered her name.
“Josselyn.”
And then he was leaning in, his
