One last glance showed me everyone was mounted and in line, awaiting orders. Jax and Cal would take the lead back through the forest while Lex and I would take the rear.
We can’t waste any more time. If she was coming, she’d be here by now.
“WAIT!” I heard the sound of a feminine voice yell out and I spun in my saddle toward the direction of the noise. “I’m coming with, just hold on a second!”
There she was, clean, rested, and looking happier than I’d ever seen her. Faylinn practically ran to us, her back burdened by a large pack stuffed full. Her arms were clutching a carrier of some kind, and she was panting and sweating.
As soon as she got to the line of horses, she set down the carrier in her arms and threw the bag off her back. It hit the ground with a largethud, and I was suddenly extremely concerned about what she was carrying.
“What is in those bags, Faylinn?” I asked her, my tone sharper than I desired.
What was it about this woman that made me simultaneously want to shake her and hold her?
“Just . . . give me a minute,” she panted. She was bent in half, hands on her knees, and she held up a finger at me. There was a tittering sound from the Mages and Vessels in front of me, and I shot a warning look that hadtheir laughs quickly sobering. After a few seconds, Faylinn got her breathing under control and stood up, taking a few heavy gulps of air.
“You weren’t kidding when you said the dawn, huh? I thought I’d have a minute or two of wiggle room, but good thing I ran the whole way here! I would’ve been here earlier, but Cotton really didn’t want to go in his carrier.” I stared blankly at her. She just uttered more words in one drag-on sentence than I had ever heard her say.
“Do I need to wear black to be a part of this whole thing?” She gestured at our outfits. “Because I’m fresh out of black, as you can see.”
I could see. She was wearing an off-white shirt that was shaped to her body, showing off every hard-fought curve, with dark-brown pants. Her hair was down, and the natural soft curls cascaded to her shoulders. The wind blew her hair slightly across her eyes that were fierce and determined but bouncing with joy and excitement for the first time ever, at least that I’d seen.
She’s here. She’s coming with us! She’s going to live at the palace . . . oh gods, she’s going to live at the palace. Why am I so obsessed with her?
I couldn’t formulate any words as I stared at her.
“Why aren’t you wearing shoes?”
I thought I heard someone groan from up ahead.
Seriously, that’s what I asked?
Faylinn just blinked at me before wiggling her toes in the grass. “I like to feel the earth beneath my feet. I hate shoes. And socks. If they’re a requirement to come on this journey, then I’ll just . . .” She poked her thumb over her shoulder, and I practically leapt out of my saddle.
“No, shoes are not required. Can you ride?” I gestured to my saddle, but was thoroughly confused, and then embarrassed, when her cheeks pinked, and I looked down . . . to see I was gesturing at my dick.
Oh, holy fuck.
I quickly grabbed Balios’ reins and ground my teeth together.
“I meant a horse.” This time there was absolutely laughter from my Mages, and Faylinn joined in. “Extra conditioning for you all when we get back,” I barked, which did nothing to stop their mirth.
“Worth it!” Ilyas called, which was met by a few more chuckles.
I turned my glare to Faylinn who rolled her eyes. “Yes, I can ride.”
Don’t think inappropriate thoughts . ..
“But Cotton can’t.” She picked up the carrier, and a loud meow and hissing sound emanated from it.
“Is that . . . a cat?” I was dumbfounded.
“Yep! He’s a great cat. Totally housebroken. Waited for me to get back and everything. I can’t leave him here alone. He’s too attached to me now. And I can’t ride a horse and hold onto Cotton. Plus, I have my bag!” She kicked the heavy pack and muttered “ow” as she hopped on her opposite foot.
“Faylinn, what is in there?” I was tired and we hadn’t even started riding yet.
She shrugged. “Books. A few pieces of clothing. A cactus. But mainly books.”
A cactus?
