Demetrius fell into step beside me as we crossed back over the border line, his hand resting comfortably on the small of my back. He was radiating smug satisfaction, completely unbothered by the fact that our guard detail was waiting just a few yards ahead, standing at ease beneath the towering pines.
Jake and the rest of the guards immediately stepped into formation around us as we hit the main trail, their heavy boots crunching in rhythmic unison against the packed dirt. I kept my chin held high and my gaze locked strictly on the stone path straight ahead, resolutely avoiding eye contact with every single one of them. My cheeks burned with a sudden, betraying flush, and no matter how much I tried to project effortless royal grace, I knew my posture was far too rigid.
I didn't need to l
