Page 31 of Destiny of a King

“You are going whether I agree or not, aren’t you?”

Adira could not hear the question, but Feena suspected the look she gave her was answer enough.

Feena sighed heavily and reached for her own cloak. “I will not let you go alone. And if the king has my head for this, I will haunt you for the rest of your days.”

Adira smiled and hugged her.

“Aye, hug me now,” Feena grumbled as she returned the embrace. “You may not be so pleased with me when King Dravic learns of this.”

Feena opened the cottage door and immediately stopped, her smile vanishing.

The two warriors who had escorted Adira to the cottage were nowhere in sight, but then the king’s orders were that Adira remain there until he summoned her, so what need was there for them to remain?

Still, a feeling of unease settled over her.

She turned to Adira, who was already looking toward the forest. Feena took hold of her hand with no intention of letting go and Adira hurried them forward.

The forest swallowed them beneath bare branches and patches of evergreen weighed down with snow. The deeper they went, the less evidence there was that anyone had passed that way recently, and Feena found herself watching the ground for tracks while Adira continued to pull her along.

“Slow down,” Feena complained, tightening her grip on Adira’s hand. “These old bones do not move as quickly as yours.”

Adira glanced back at her and smiled but did not slow her pace.

Feena shook her head. Whatever had gotten into the lass had certainly given her purpose.

Adira suddenly stopped.

Feena nearly collided with her. “What is it?”

Adira stared ahead.

Feena followed her gaze but saw nothing except trees and snow, the forest stretching silently before them.

Adira took another step.

Feena tugged at her hand, stopping her. “Nay. I have followed you this far, but I will not have you wandering deeper into the forest when I do not know why we are here.” She shook her head the whole time she spoke so Adira would understand she would not take another step with her.

Adira pressed her free hand to her chest, then pointed ahead.

“I understand that you feel something,” Feena said. “But I feel something as well, and what I feel tells me we should turn around.” She peppered her words with gestures and knew Adira understood her when she frowned.

A branch snapped somewhere behind them, and Feena spun around but nothing moved. She searched between the trees, her unease growing as she tightened her grip on Adira’s hand.

“We are leaving,” Feena said, pointing toward the direction of the castle.

She turned ready to tug Adira along with her when she stopped.

A man stood several feet away.

Feena gasped and immediately pulled Adira close against her.

Another man stepped from behind a tree to their right.

Then another.

Adira gripped Feena’s arm, frightened and feeling foolish for placing them in danger.

“Who are you?” Feena demanded. “What do you want?”