Page 190 of Tale of the Heart Queen

“Here, eat this,” she says.

“We should save some,” I say. “We don’t know if there’s more coming.”

“We need to keep up our strength.”

“Lor,” I say.

“Just eat it. I don’t think we’re meant to be here long anyway.”

We exchange a meaningful look, and I know she’s right.

With a resigned nod, I tear into the apple’s flesh. We eat everything, refilling our canteens in the stream as the light outside dims.

“Is it supposed to be night?” she asks. “Is this real?”

I shake my head. “I think he’s just making it seem that way.”

“Do you think this will be worse in the dark?” she asks.

“I don’t know.”

“Do you think he can see us right now?” she asks, looking around while I scan the cave.

“Fuck, I hope not.”

“Herric?” Lor calls. “Can you see or hear us?”

Not surprisingly, there’s no answer.

We exchange another wary look.

“We should try to sleep,” I say. “Just for a few hours. I think we are better off waiting for daylight.” I draw her in close, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“I’ll keep the first watch.”

When I see she’s about to protest, I silence her with a kiss.

“Shh. I promise I’ll sleep after you do.”

She nods, and I can tell she’s desperately trying not to cry.

“I’m scared,” she whispers so softly that I barely hear it.

“I am, too,” I say, and she nods. I’ve never been more scared in my life. I don’t believe for one moment that Herric plans to allow either of us to walk out of here, nor will he allow her to leave without forcing her to destroy the ark, probably using me as leverage.

I take her hand and expose her palm and the silver marking Herric claimed would bind him to his promise. Sweeping it with my thumb, I assess it, not trusting him at all.

He will find a way to get what he wants and, in the process, get rid of us both.

Lor looks up at me, and I flip her hand over, touching her ring.

“Remember when I gave this to you? Do you remember what I said?” I ask, and she nods, her mouth pressing together.

I will follow you until the very end.

“I still mean every word.”

“I know,” she whispers. “I’ve never doubted you or your intentions for one moment.”