I look back at the men. They’re still debating how to move the log.
Quickly, I join his side, offering the pony a little pat. I don’t know what Fae magic he cast over her, but she undeniably trusts us now.
Tegwyn unfastens the canvas on the back of the cart with quick, deft fingers, tossing it aside once he’s finished. “Get under.”
There are heaps and heaps of apples, and I look his way curiously.
I genuinely thought he was going to steal the cart and the pony, but I was wrong.
I jumped to conclusions, and guilt for doing so floods my veins. “I thought you were really going to steal it. I’m so sorry, Teg—”
“Never mind that now. Inside, quickly,” he hisses, peering over his shoulder.
I follow his gaze. The men have finally figured out how to lift the log, and we’ve run out of time. So, I duck under the canvas, wincing when the apples poke into my ribs.
Tegwyn climbs in after me, re-fastening the strings of the canvas.
“Not the most comfortable,” I note.
He turns my way, eyes gleaming as bright as torches in the dim light. “You’re supposed to hide under the apples.”
My brows furrow. “Under?”
“Yes. The guards check every cart upon entry. If we hide, all they’ll see is apples.”
And so, he buries himself beneath the apples to demonstrate, leaving only his eyes exposed. They blink at me for a few moments, and I cover my mouth, resisting the urge to laugh. But then he rolls a few apples over his face and finally disappears—a true master of stealth.
I follow his example, and now apples poke me all over the place. Heavens, do they smell wonderful.
My stomach rumbles, and I just remembered that I skipped breakfast.
Tegwyn’s head pops up again, and I spy that juicy red apple inside his mouth. He holds out another for me. I gaze at the offering, mouth dripping in hunger. I’ve never seen one so round…
He waves the apple under my nose, and I snatch it from his grip, giving in to temptation at last. “You really are a bad influence on me.”
He chuckles, vanishing under the pile again, and just as I bite into the forbidden fruit, savouring its sweet juices, the cart rolls forward.
We’re moving.
I just hope our gamble pays off.
19
Tegwyn
Distantvoicesrendthenight air, and I hold my breath.
We’ve been on the move for eight hours, and with every bump on the road, I curse a little bit louder. This trip would’ve been far easier if I could have used my glamour, but that kind of magic would only drain my reserves. Besides, I’m still making up for the loss back at the roadside. Glamouring myselfand Ivy simultaneously took its toll, and it’s still costing me dearly. A good night’s rest should do the trick. We just have to find an inn willing to take us in. Fortunately, I know just the place.
Ivy is silent beside me. We haven’t spoken since we left the roadside.
I know it’s not the most dignified way to travel, but it was the only way I could smuggle us into the city without wasting magic.
We shouldn’t be too far now.
The voices grow stronger, and Ivy stirs uncomfortably. I feel my way through the apples until I find the warmth of her cloak. “Not long now.”
She sucks in a breath. “Okay.”
