104 The Third Prince

Al and I exchanged a look and a troubled expression crossed his face. He knew what he had to do but didn't want to do it. Telling the terrible truth about where he had been all this time.

"I'm sorry, Ayana. We were under house arrest for a while because of all the chaos with the royals and couldn't even send word to you because of how closely we were being watched," he said regretfully.

Nyla, who was standing nearby, furrowed her brow. "Why would you be under such intense scrutiny because of what's happening with the royals?"

His shoulders slumped and he looked like he would rather do anything in the world than explain himself. I squeezed his hand in a show of support as he began to speak, not meeting anyone's eyes.