He grunted, making me smile. Protective Casek was kind of adorable. “I’ll be fine, I promise. I’m pretty good at protecting myself at this point,” I said softly. “I’ve noticed.” He was quiet for several beats, his eyes studying me. “We’re not all like that, you know.” “I know,” I assured him softly. “I don’t want you to just know it. I want you to believe it. To see me and be certain that I am not him. I have my own issues that kept me from handling things the way I should have, but I’m not making that mistake again. I’m going to start being up front with you, and I expect the same in return.” He looked at me expectantly until I gave him a nod. “A woman arrived today at the Huntsman. Her name is Parisa.” I swallowed hard, wondering where this was going. “She’s one of the queen’s guards, bu
