Which meant she had to spend time with him, had to endure the pain. So she sat outside in the bitter wind, waiting for the sword competition to begin. It had been planned as an award for the soldiers. For saving Tredare – and as entertainment for everyone else. There was even a prize: A day spent with Lady Kira. Daric had wanted Maren instead, but the minute she’d seen the look on Philip’s face – as if a day spent with her was the last thing on a very long list of things he didn’t want to do – she’d refused. At which point Teige had withdrawn, saying there was no motivation if Maren wasn’t to be the reward, and that he’d keep her company instead. She should have been flattered. At least it gave her the opportunity to talk to him in relative privacy. If she were completely honest with herself, she hadn’t just come to get information from Teige. She also wanted to watch Philip. To see how good he really was. A moment later, she sucked in a quick breath as Lord Teige approached her.
