“We’re not splitting up,” Raven insisted. “I will not lose my family. Not again.”
“Willow won’t cross the Channel,” Christian stated. “And I’m not leaving her.”
She was denying Christian the opportunity, as well as the rest of them. Even though she was grateful to him for offering to stay with her, she was consumed with guilt.
Sage closed her eyes, her frustration palpable. “So that’s it? It’s all over? We’ll never figure out what’s at the end of this quest. Or why so many were after the book.”
“I can teach her,” Marcus said.
“England would be safer for us than France,” Landyn stated. “At least it’s out of Philip’s grasp.”
But Sage shook her head vehemently. “But Will won’t cross the water!”
“There must be another way,” Raven pondered.
“Right,” Sage answered sarcastically. “We can fly!”
“I can teach her to swim,” Marcus offered.
Raven whirled on him. “What?”
“I can teach her to swim,” Marcus repeated.
Everyone looked at him. The light of the moon filtered through the trees. A slight breeze ruffled the leaves on the ground around them, and the branches of the trees shook gently.
A lock of Marcus’s blond hair fell forward, and he brushed it back. “I’m a strong swimmer, and I can teach her.”
“No,” the growl issued from Christian’s throat.
Willow stepped toward Marcus, hope blossoming in her heart. “Can you really teach me not to be afraid of the water?”
Marcus smiled gently. “I can’t teach you not to be afraid, but I can give you skills to combat your fear.”
It was something her father would say. She had to overcome her fear. “Yes,” she agreed. “Teach me.”
The starlight above weakly illuminated the pond, and the sliver orb of the moon reflected on the smooth surface of the water. The night air was damp and sweet. Croaks sounded from nearby frogs, and an owl hooted in the forest.
Marcus stood beside Willow in ankle-deep water. Both had taken off their boots, and Willow had rolled up her leggings to just above her knees, removed her armor and dress, and donned Christian’s tunic.
Christian stood with his arms crossed beside a tall tree, his gaze intense. He didn’t like Marcus teaching Willow anything, let alone seeing any portion of her flesh. He ground his teeth and narrowed his eyes. Despite his misgivings, he had to admit that it was smart for Marcus to take Mercy into the pond. The horse stood beside Willow and gave her confidence. He watched them both, but deep inside, he was raging.
Marcus and Willow moved forward until the water was at Willow’s knees. She stiffened and gazed out into the pond at the smooth surface before reaching a hand to Mercy. When she touched the horse, she seemed to relax slightly.
Christian shook his head. Don’t rush her, he thought. Let her get used to it.
“It’s wonderful that Marcus can teach her to swim,” Raven commented, coming up behind Christian.
Christian grunted.
“We should all be taking lessons,” she added.
“If that ship goes down in the middle of the Channel, swimming lessons won’t save us.”
Raven said, “But swimming lessons will help Willow feel more comfortable during the crossing.”
Christian growled slightly. He wished it could have been him making Willow feel more comfortable instead of Marcus de Nogaret.
“You really love her,” Raven mumbled in awe. “Maybe this time you won’t abandon her.”
