Across the way, Tucker and the woman worked to unload the carriage. I’d told them all I was fine, but my weak legs trembled when I moved them, and my heartbeat was sluggish. It also did an odd little double beat that occasionally slammed it against my ribs.
I wouldn’t die; it would take a lot more than this to kill me, but I was weak when I should be strong.If something attacks now…
Then I’ll do what’s necessary to protect Ellery.
I’d lost too much blood, and it would take some time to recover, but I could still kill anything that tried to harm her. Beneath the growing moonlight, I studied the curve of her back as she undid her hair and dunked it into the water.
She washed out the thick mass before throwing her head back. Drops of water flew off her hair; they turned silver beneath the moon. She was so beautiful.
She shook her hair out before tying it in a knot on top of her head. Lifting the pail, she went to the horses to give them each a drink before returning to the river.
She gathered more water and returned to me. Beads of water still slid from her hair and down her cheeks as she stopped before me.
“How are you doing?” she asked.
“I’m fine. You should help them.”
Ellery set the clean bucket of water down beside me. “You should probably drink something.”
“I will. They need help.”
She shot me an aggravated glance before striding away. I felt a little better having her with the others; there was safety in numbers.
CHAPTEREIGHTY-FOUR
Ellery
The moon washigh in the sky when Scarlet, the last of our small robbing party, returned. By then, I was pacing between the trees, muttering, and convinced something bad had happened to her.
I was also ready to do whatever it took to save her. Tucker had told me to have more patience a dozen times, but I was trying to formulate a plan to save her from the king when she arrived.
Her sudden appearance caused me to skid to a halt, and for a second, I didn’t think she was real. When she gave a small wave, I cried out as I ran to her and threw my arms around her.
She chuckled as she embraced me back. “I’m fine, Lery.”
“Where have you been?” I demanded.
“Hiding in a hole in the ground. The guards were swarming all over the area until an hour ago. I waited to make sure they were gone before finally emerging.”
I hugged her again as I battled the tears flooding my eyes. If something had happened to her, I never would have forgiven myself.
When I looked over at Ryker, he remained sitting against the tree, but a small smile curved his mouth. He nodded to me before taking the piece of meat one of the women offered him.
I released Scarlet and stepped back to inspect her. “It’s time for you to go home.”
She frowned at me. “What about you?”
“I’m going to stay and help them with the money, but you have to return. You’ve been in enough danger. Plus, one of us has to let our parents know we’re safe. They’re probably worried sick by now.”
“Your mother would love to see you.”
“I know, but I have to stay.” I glanced at Ryker. “He’s injured, and I need to make sure he’s okay.”
Her eyes went past me to Ryker, and her jaw tightened. “Maybe it would be better if you left too.”
“You know I can’t.”
“You’re hurting yourself more and more by staying around him.”
