Page 30 of Destiny of a King

Feena’s eyes widened in surprise and she shrugged in question. “How?”

It took a few gestures before Feena understood and nodded. “Bria.”

Feena’s expression told Adira she understood.

Feena returned her attention to the new piece and the strange etchings on it. She knew the other one well. Adira had possessed it since she had found her, though she was never able to discover what it was or why Adira had it.

Curious, Feena picked up both pieces, holding them close together, and looked at Adira. She would not connect the pieces without permission from Adira.

Adira nodded, having already joined the pieces and seeing how perfectly they fit together.

Feena studied the two pieces, turning them slowly in her fingers before bringing them together. They fit perfectly. She stared at it for a while, then handed the necklace back to Adira.

Feena smiled. “It is beautiful.”

Her smile told Adira she was pleased and she smiled as well.

“Now for a nice hot brew,” Feena said, pointing to the small cauldron bubbling over the hearth’s flames.

Adira nodded eagerly as a chill suddenly settled over her.

As Feena prepared the brew, a strange restlessness replaced the chill Adira felt and she glanced toward the window.

The morning dawned gray and had grown colder as the day went on. It was a good day to seek the warmth and comfort of one’s cottage. Yet Adira could not help but think of the forest just beyond the village where snow still covered much of the ground.

Adira looked back at Feena, then again toward the window, and stood.

Feena watched her slip the joined pieces into the pouch and tuck it securely into her skirt pocket before reaching for her cloak.

“Nay,” Feena called out and was surprised Adira turned around. She shook her head, pointed to the floor, and then toward Adira. “You stay here.”

Adira glanced toward the window, then back at Feena as if unsure.

Feena used the gesture to signify the king and to remind Adira that he had ordered them to remain in the cottage until he sent for her.

“We stay here.”

Feena knew Adira could not hear her, but the sharp gesture toward the cottage door followed by an equally firm shake of her head made her meaning clear.

Adira stared at her, then she grabbed her cloak off the peg.

Feena caught her arm.

Adira looked down at Feena’s hand before lifting her eyes to meet hers.

The Adira she had raised would have lowered her gaze. She would have accepted Feena’s refusal without protest and returned to her chair.

This Adira did neither.

She held Feena’s gaze and gently removed her hand from her arm.

Feena stared at her. There was no anger in Adira. No defiance. Only determination.

Adira pointed toward the forest, then pressed her hand against her chest, letting Feena know that she needed to go.

Feena shook her head again.

Adira draped her cloak over her shoulders.