‘The lakes become frozen enough to walk across them, although if it’s too soon or too late in winter, you can fall right through the ice.’
He turned his gaze from the stag to me.Seeing that he had gained my attention, he continued.‘In the mountains, it snows so much that it can come up to a fully grown man’s waist.’
‘Are there snow-capped mountains?Like in your drawings?’
‘My drawings?’He tilted his head in question.
‘Yes, I have them in my bags.’
‘Why?’
I shrugged.‘I liked them.’
‘What else did you bring from our room?’
A warmth spread through me at the way he saidourroom.‘A few things,’ I admitted, my face flushing.
The sight of his incredibly elusive dimples filled me with butterflies.Stars, he was breathtaking when he smiled.
When the sounds of the camp coming awake reached us, we hiked back and lit the morning fire together.Over coffee, we discussed with the others what the plan would be now that we were close to Capita.Everyone agreed to stop for one last night in the township of Danu, though its proximity to Capita – the king’s city – would mean we needed to be cautious.
I was to change into my lady-in-waiting clothing, and Cillian was to keep a low profile.Those tasked to rescue the queen needed to stay out of sight until we separated.My heart felt heavy at the thought of the farewell to come.
Cillian, Tomas and Tomas’s lover – Rhett – were to take up aplace in Capita.They would wait until Torgrin gave them the signal to enter the castle’s dungeon to rescue Queen Yaris.
The rest of us would have rooms in the castle.Due to her station, it would be appropriate for Bethel to have a personal guard, especially considering what happened to her mother in Capita Castle.Having Torgrin and a few soldiers guarding her and her rooms wouldn’t raise any suspicions.Torgrin would gather information at the castle, such as when the guard shifts changed over and who might look the other way for the right price.
We packed up camp and left woods for the nearby township of Danu.The absence of a great wall or fortress made the town feel inviting.The houses looked much grander than the grey stone houses of Murus.White plastered walls reflected light in the streets, and flower boxes were filled with winter blooms under each leadlight window.Like Murus, there was a gathering area in the city centre, and Danu was overflowing with people preparing for a celebration.The townsfolk were brightly dressed, carrying trays of food and drink, laughing and chattering with excitement.
From his horse, Torgrin asked a local man what festivity was underway.
‘It’s a Danu tradition to observe a blue frost moon.’The man pointed to the darkening sky, where a blue moon was already showing.‘It’s been twenty-one years since we saw one, and tonight, we will dance and feast to keep misfortune away!’he declared loudly.‘Make sure you wear masks to trick the blue moon!You don’t want a year of bad luck, do you?’The man cackled as he pushed a cart laden with firewood across the cobblestones.
Visitors for the celebration made it challenging to find a place to stay, but with a generous amount of gold changing hands, Torgrin secured us three rooms in the historic district.
The entrance steps extended towards a cathedral adorned with old-fashioned carvings of gnarled trees and untamed woodland creatures.
Inside the dimly lit inn, tarnished iron candelabras cast a golden glow, illuminating the antiquated tapestry that adorned the main wall.The tapestry depicted a regal red dragon, its scales shimmering in the light, fiercely battling a golden knight’s sword.To my eyes, the scene evoked a sense of unease, as if the ancient tale depicted within the tapestry could come to life at any moment.
Torgrin led us past the peculiar tapestry to the empty corridors where our rooms were located.The air carried a subtle scent of candle wax, mingled with a hint of aged wood.Only the slap of our travel-worn boots on old wooden floors sounded through the empty hallway.
Tomas and Rhett were to have one room, and Cillian and I would be next door to them.Bethel and Torgrin were sharing the room at the end of the hallway.
I clenched my teeth, refraining from saying anything as I saw Torgrin slip Bethel a room key.Our job was to guard Bethel, but surely a locked door and us filling the other rooms in this wing of the inn gave her enough protection?I knew I was being unreasonably jealous, and shame forced me to look away from them.
Relaxing my jaw and taking a calming breath, I reminded myself to be thankful that I was getting to spend one last night with Cillian and not guarding Bethel.
The other soldiers had received coins from Torgrin to find whatever humble accommodation was left in Danu.Many planned to spend the coins on drinks and perhaps find a free bed for the night with a special someone.Torgrin had given his men a night of freedom, and then surprised us all by offering to escort us to the festival.
Bethel and I spent time preparing in the room she would share with Torgrin tonight.I helped her with her hair and tried not to think about the sizeable four-poster bed that dominated the room.This would be the first time in weeks that I didn’t have Torgrin within reaching distance of me while I slept.Maybe he would sleep on the floor next to her bed?I knew what Bethel would prefer.
We were to wear simple veils over our heads until Torgrin surprised us with festival masks from a vendor outside our inn.He left us to change in the room next door with Cillian.
‘I can do your hair if you’d like?’Bethel grudgingly offered.
After her near kidnapping, she seemed to tolerate my presence more.She might have recognised the positive aspect of having someone ready to risk endangerment for her wellbeing.
‘You should change first,’ she said.‘I think the red gown would be lovely on you.’I changed into the gown Bethel suggested and sat at the dressing table.
