I didn’t dare look at him, but I felt his presence like heat against my back.
More guards meant more witnesses. Less freedom. Every move we made would be watched and reported back to my father. There would be no hidden alcoves to escape into, no way to get to Thorne’s property without it being reported back to my father.
The risk had just increased exponentially.
“Thank you.” I kept my voice steady. “That’s very considerate of you.”
“I can’t have anything happening to you.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re far too precious to risk.”
I was a commodity to be protected, not a daughter to be loved.
“Tomorrow will be soon enough.” He waved a hand my way. “Be in the foyer immediately after lunch. Do not spend too long there. My security staff have better things to do than escort you on a stroll around the village.”
“Of course.”
His gaze shifted, landing on my shoulder where Pherin sat, her feathers fluffed with indignation on my behalf. “Do you have to bring that thing everywhere?”
Pherin bristled, and I sent her a wave of calm before she could do something foolish, like shift into a firecat and eat my father.
“She’s easily frightened,” I said, lifting my chin. “She feels safe with me. She’s not a bother though, is she?”
The subtle challenge hung in the air.
My father’s eyes narrowed. “For now.” He looked between me and Pherin, his expression cold. “Do not bring it to the dining room or formal functions. I won’t have a common bird disrupting important events.”
A demand, not a request, and we both knew it.
I dipped my head, swallowing the retort that was clawing its way up my throat.
“Was there anything else?” my father asked.
“Actually, yes.” I made my voice sound casual. “I didn’t see Commander Thorne while giving Blain a tour of the castle. Is he unwell?”
My father’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes darkened. I spied calculation there. Suspicion. “Commander Thorne departed rather suddenly.”
He paused, studying my face with an intensity that made my skin crawl.
“Leaving was an unexpected decision on his part, and I am not…pleased.” He paused, still watching my every move and expression. “Loyalty means everything in these uncertain times. Those who betray that loyalty learn the cost.” His gaze sharpened on my face. “Why this interest? He was merely one of my guards.”
Heknewhow close I was to the Commander. Yet here he was, demeaning how much I’d cared.
I couldn’t reveal that I’d received a letter from Thorne. Couldn’t let Father know I suspected Addie was alive. Couldn’t show that I knew more than a sheltered princess should.
“I noticed his absence, that’s all.” I kept my tone mild. “You know we were friends.”
Thorne had been more of a father to me than the man sitting across this desk. He’d taught me to fight, to think strategically, and to be more than the decorative princess my father wanted.
But I couldn’t say any of that.
My father’s eyes bored into mine for another long moment before he grunted. “Don’t concern yourself with the comings and goings of staff, daughter. You have more important matters to attend to. Speaking of which, be sure to dress well for dinner tonight. I have special guests who are looking forward to meeting you.”
My stomach clenched.
I forced a smile though it felt like it might crack my face. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“That’s my girl.” He turned back to his papers, already dismissing us. “You may go.”
I curtsied and left, feeling his gaze on my back until the door closed behind us.