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you?”
    “I am used to it.” I shrug. “I accept your apology,” I continue, to change the subject.
    “Will you also accept my solemn promise not to do it again?” he asks. I nod. He steps forward to grab one of my hands. “I am not sure I could so easily forgive my stupidity, but I thank you. I hope I have not lost your trust.” He hints at a question, and I know he has purposely poised it this way, so I can choose not to answer him. I also know discretion is not one of his strengths, but he has proved himself in other ways.
    I recollect my intent to see Aquin and a grin spreads on my face as a plan forms in my mind.
    Brushing aside thoughts of what Olandon will say when he finds out, I step up to the Prince.
    “There is something I’ve never told you.” I walk a little from him. “Something very important to me, but something which will also endanger another’s life if anyone else were to ever find out about it.”
    A crack resounds through the forest to our left, I drop low, and feel Kedrick do the same.  I peer through the trees and wait, holding my breath. We both wait several minutes, but there is no further sound. It was probably just a fallen branch. I back away and pull close to Kedrick, whispering to him while keeping one eye on the forest in front of me just in case.
    “We must leave Malir and Rhone behind, unless you trust them not to tell King Jovan.”
    He nods. “Let’s go,” he says, his warm breath tickling my ear.
    We keep out of sight, going around the outside of the village before ducking between buildings and slipping into the orphanage through an opening. I wave out to the matron and greet children as we go, weaving my way to the back of the building. This should keep anyone following off our track.
    I crack open the back door and look out to the Kaur forest. There’s no one in sight.
    I turn to the Prince. He opens his mouth, but I put a finger to his lips. He grips my hand and kisses my finger, before turning my palm over and placing another on the back of my hand. The hot shivers I’m starting to like, run down my body.
    Pulling free, I duck out the door and run to the forest, Kedrick trails closely behind. After ten minutes, I stop and wait for Kedrick to catch up. I can hear him crashing closer after a minute.
    “Why all the running and orphanage stuff?” He gasps. His limbs are long, but I know he’s not as graceful as he first appears, and he is unused to jumping over the vines which are yet to drop off the Kaur trees.
    “The orphanage is a cover for what I really am doing,” I explain.
    “And the running?” He has his hands on top of his head, drawing in huge breaths.
    I laugh, not out of breath at all.
    “Because I am able to get to Aquin faster.” I take off at another run, ignoring a weird growling sound from him. He stays closer this time.
    I don’t stop until I break into a clearing. The clearing holds several large Kaur buildings.
    My trainer was revered as the best of the Elite guards in his time. Olandon and I had heard the guards talking of him once. I think of him as my father, my advisor and a great friend. I used to pretend he and his wife were my grandparents. It was easy because they had no children of their own.
    I slow to a walk so Kedrick can catch up. He is dripping with sweat when he does. I forget he is not as accustomed to this heat, and feel some small guilt at making him run all the way here. He does not talk, just looks around while he catches his breath.
    “This Aquin is rich,” he gasps, as though he is disgusted by the fact, a bit hypocritical considering he is a Prince himself.
    We round a corner and I spot Aquin sitting on his favourite bench in the shade. Both of his hands rest on top of his cane and his head is bowed. I stop in front of him. Kedrick looks at me with a raised eyebrow. I smile. He probably thinks Aquin is asleep
    “You have brought company with you Lina,” Aquin says, astonishment colours his words. His voice would