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He fell on his rear in the mud. “Remind me not to anger immortals.”
We’d found the caravan, and Seren had landed in the front, halting the line.
Arnall pulled Owein to his feet. The company had drawn around to see why I was abusing one of their captains. They were still in awe over Seren too. Some of them couldn’t get around the fact that Owein and I lied to them about Seren. The farce had been exposed when Seren picked up Owein earlier.
“All right, everybody. Show’s over,” Arnall said. “Niawen, give the man a break. You were engrossed in the prince. A guy can tell when he’s not wanted.”
What? Engrossed in the prince? I shook my head. “Please give us a minute, Arnall.”
He rolled his eyes but left us.
I wagged my head side to side. “Owein, you’re mistaken. I read your letter. The prince—”
“Can offer you every opportunity I cannot. Don’t you understand? I have to return home anyway. I’m a wanderer. If you stayed with me, yes, you’d see the world, but I live by the bow on my back. You’d be dirty and cold—”
“I would never be cold.”
“Fine. Scratch that one,” he said. “But my life is not the life I’d want to drag you on. You deserve more. Comforts. Nobility. Rich foods. Prince Kelyn can give you all that.”
“Owein… dear sweet Owein. I would have followed you on an adventure. Discomfort or loss of luxury doesn’t bother me, but you stole away. You didn’t even say goodbye.”
“I thought it would be easier.” He rubbed his shoulder. “I couldn’t have been more wrong.”
Why was saying goodbye so difficult? I curled my lip against my teeth, fidgeting. My brow felt twisted in a dozen knots.
“You’re going back though,” he said. “It’s all right. It’s where you belong.”
“There’s a kingdom of people who could use my help. I’ll visit. I swear.”
“I know you will, Niawen. And when you do, I’ll show you the sea. It’s Prince Brenin’s kingdom. I see how that boy is fond of you too. You’ll want to visit Queen Tiwlip and Prince Brenin once they return. My village is a day’s journey south from the capital, but I can’t say—”
“—you’ll be there,” I said. “I know. I’ll find you.”
“So this is it, then. Niawen. I don’t have to tell you how you dazzle everyone. I don’t have to tell you to take care and watch your back, nor do I have to tell you how amazing you are.” He shook his head. “Amazing. The furthest thing from a Gwyll imaginable.”
“If you ever become sick, send a message.” That sounded so stupid.
“Of course, with my dragon, naturally.”
I wrung my hands. Sending a message was hopeless. Mortal travel was too slow.
“Come on, woman.” Owein pulled me into an embrace.
I melted against him. His heart. His heart. Oh, the thump branded my soul. Lub dub, lub dub. Don’t forget. Don’t forget. Don’t forget me.
I inhaled sharply and wrapped my arms around him. As I squeezed, I tried not to hurt Owein. I pushed light into his body, wanting to heal the bruises I’d caused.
Owein pulled away. He must have felt the heat gathering in his injuries. “Nope. Don’t. I want the reminders.”
He’d never forget me. And I’d never forget him.
Not ever.
TWENTY
Seren landed in the palace yard. Everyone was busy, except Kelyn, who had waited anxiously for my return.
I didn’t dismount. Seren and I had taken a roundabout way to the palace, glorying in the stretch of her wings and the radiant sun on my face. For fall, the air was a delight.
