Vika's POV
I thought Asher was mad at me. I lifted my eyes and looked at his back. His shoulders and spine were stiff.
Now and then, his hand tightened uncomfortably on my wrist.
Was he mad at me?
'No, Vika, that is stupid! What would he be mad at you for?'
I couldn't comfort myself. Asher had come to my defense in front of the princess. My heart raced at the thought, but I didn't know why he wasn't looking at me or talking to me.
Asher brought me to a secluded clearing in the woods. I watched him glance around quickly before he faced me.
“Are you hurt?" he asked sharply.
“Nothing serious," I told him. He glared at me.
Asher took a step toward me and grabbed my arm. He pushed my sleeves up, inspecting me for any injuries.
“I said I was fine," I argued, trying to pull away.
