“I should get back to work,” I say, pulling my hand away from Zane’s reach as we stand near the fountain in the palace gardens.
His jaw tightens, frustration flickering across his handsome features. “Work? Selene, we’ve barely had an hour together.”
“I know, but—” I clutch my satchel closer, manufacturing apologetic regret I don’t feel. “My schedule has changed. I have some daytime duties now, so I can only sneak away for short periods.”
“That’s ridiculous.” His voice sharpens before he catches himself, smoothing it back into concern. “Surely, as a royal healer, you have some flexibility?”
“Not as much as you’d think.” The lie tastes bitter, but I force a smile. “I’m lucky to get even this much time.”
“What about your friends?” Zane steps closer, his cologne overwhelming in the warm a
