Apollo wasn’t a murderer—he didn’t kill unless it was absolutely necessary. But he was tempted to take his sword and run it through Joff’s stomach.
There was no one else in the tent with them, and on a day like this, it would be easy to dispose of the body by simply leaving it in the Cursed Forest. Accidents always happened during the Hunt.
But Apollo needed answers, not more bloodshed. He leveled a cool look at the soldier. “Where is my wife?”
“She’s with Lord Belleflower, Your Highness.” “Why on earth would you leave her with him?”
“She told me to, Your Highness. Princess Evangeline wasn’t sure where your camp was, so she had Hale and I split up.”
“Your job is to stay by her side,” Apollo interrupted. “Regardless of what she wants.”
“I know, Your Highness.” Joff bowed his head. “I’m sorry I failed.” “Get out,” Apollo said, “before I run you through with my sword.”
“There’s just one more thing, Your Highness.” A bead of sweat dripped down Joff’s brow. “The princess asked me to tell you not to join the Hunt until she found you.”
“Did she say why?”
Joff shook his head. “No, but she seemed very determined.”
“She’s always determined.”
“Your Highness!” cried a breathless, high-pitched voice as a small child burst into the tent.
“Stop, runt!” screamed a guard, but the child was quick.
“The princess, she’s in trouble!” said the child. “I just saw a man trying to murder her. Now she’s run into the Cursed Forest!”
