29

~Tove

Today, my father has invited Caspian over.

It took a lot to get Ark to back off and give us some time to ourselves for a walk by the river.

Ark was not impressed.

First he insisted Caspian wasn’t capable of protecting me if someone attacked while we were on the border of the estate. Then he shifted his argument to saying Caspian cannot be trusted to be kind to me if he decides to make a move.

Regardless, he hasn’t gotten his way, and has remained at the manor while Caspian and I walk together.

“You intrigue me, Kiva,” he says after a few minutes of silence.

My head turns. “Really? Why?”

“I’ve met many Princesses, and yet none are like you.” He keeps his hands politely clasped behind his back, although I get the feeling he is itching to hold my hand.

I refrain from giggling. That feels like what most men say when seducing a woman.

“Is this because I tried to draw you into my bed upon meeting you?” I ask. It’s easy to joke about it. If I don’t, I’ll be raked with embarrassment.

C