章 20: Chapter 20

Kallaar blew out a loud breath. "I am starting to truly appreciate why my mother always looks as though she has a headache. I've always had some inkling, but Sun, I am happy to leave these troubles to others and be the faithful protector."

"I'm the faithful protector," Ahmla said. "You're the useless prince."

Kallaar scowled. "Protectors should be respectful at all times."

"Ha!"

Shanna laughed, but the amusement faded as both men turned to look at her. "Pardon. You've been so formal since you arrived, it's nice to see you lapse back into the way you behaved when you were pretending to be merchants. It's obvious you're very close; I envy it."

They both looked amused, but the confession that they were lovers, which she both dreaded and hoped for, did not come. They did not want her to know. And she could think of no good reason not to tell her.

Nonsense. Subterfuge. The words hurt more with every recollection.