“Like a charm,” Artemus says, looking slightly past me.
Ryder turns and wraps his arms around my lower back. The last time he held me like this, it felt too intimate, but now it feels natural, more comfortable. He looks down at me through his long black eyelashes.
“You don’t leave my side, and if I tell you to run, you run. Got it?”
I nod, accepting his demands. I’ll give up control if it means I’ll get the chance to help.
When we reach our destination, we’re greeted by strong gusts of wind. My eyes immediately start to water from the cold air smacking my face.
“You good?” Ryder asks, removing his hands from my waist.
“Yeah, I’m good.” I look around at our surroundings in awe. “I’ve never seen the sea before.”
“Oh, this is nothing. You should see the beaches in the Southern Territories. Those put this one to shame.”
“Maybe one day I’ll get to see for myself.”
Ryder dips his head, pulling my gaze from the crashing waves. “If you help me find this scepter, I’ll make sure you do.”
“It’s a deal.”
He takes my hand and begins leading us down the rocky beach. Every step is deliberate as we make our way closer to the bottom of the cliffs. I can spot the opening to the caves up ahead, but we’re still pretty far away.
Once we’re a bit closer, Ryder pulls me into an opening in the side of the cliff that resembles a small cave.
“We’ll wait here until they’ve broken through the wards. In the meantime, you mind starting a fire?”
“Coming right up.”
I collect some of the smaller rocks scattered around and arrange them in a circle, creating a sort of firepit. Once the fire is going, it doesn’t take long for the small cave to warm.
Ryder takes off his cloak before taking a seat on one of the boulders. There’s a slightly awkward energy between us as we sit in silence.
“Do you know when they’re coming?” I finally ask.
“As soon as the sun goes down. I had a tracking spell put on Demetri, so I’ll know the moment they get to the caves.”
“Who’s Demetri?”
“He’s another one of the Circle members. My father is sending him and two others from the Royal Guard to find the scepter. Any more than that would draw too much attention.”
“So, what’s the plan exactly? Go in after them and try to find it before they do? What happens if they find it first?”
“I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
“Perfect,” I say sarcastically.
“Either way, they won’t be leaving with it.”
I lie down on my side, propping myself up on my elbow. I might as well get comfortable if it’s going to be a while. My eyes become entranced, watching the flames of the fire bounce around. Their shadows flicker along the cave walls, creating a sort of show. My mind begins to drift and suddenly, I’m no longer in the cave, but back at the palace. Guilt rushes in as I remember the look on Agatha’s face when she told me to be strong.
“What are you thinking about?”
When I look up from the fire, shadows dance across Ryder’s face, making him look even more mysterious.
“I was thinking about Agatha,” I admit, running my hand through the flames. “Do you know what your father did to her?”
“I do.” He leans forward, putting his elbows on his knees. When he lifts his head, there’s a regretful look on his face.
