18
The cool air of the forest outside the palace was all I needed. My horse trotted alongside the one Gideon was riding, the one that he'd swapped with Prince Jonathan for his own. Riki followed behind us, serving as protection. I was surprised the palace guard hadn't put up more of a fuss to stop me leaving the palace on our own. But that was their problem to deal with if I got hurt.
"Do you think it's safe to speak openly here?" Gideon asked.
"Unless the trees have ears." It was possible that they might, but it was a risk we had to take to some extent.
"I've been thinking about how to get you out of the palace, once everything comes to a head."
I tugged on the reins of my mare, moving her in the direction of one of the many hunting trails that made their way through the forest. No
