#Chapter 69 - The Intruder

Neither Ada nor I recognize his smell. In a second’s passing, I’ve tagged Ada in. She growls and launches herself at the man, sending him tumbling onto his back. She’s standing on his chest and then she freezes. “It’s me! Karin, it’s me.” Ethan. I shift back, shaking my head, pulling my body off of his. He stands and pulls a hand through his tousled hair, and then smooths the clothes I’ve helped dishevel. “Ethan,” I say. “What in heaven’s name?” Then I say the second thing that’s bothering me - and Ada. “You don’t smell right.” Ethan pulls a sachet of dried twigs out of his pocket. “Little gift from a witchdoctor who owes me. It’s a disguise.” Ethan swallows and then he rushes towards me. “Karin, I’ve been worried about you. Especially after everything that’s come out in the news, but even before. Prince Ansel severed our connection. I haven’t been able to check on you.” He puts his arms on my shoulders. “I shouldn’t have given yo