Page 158 of Ashborne Forged

‘Thank you, Kham. I wouldn’t ever have gotten here without you.’

‘I know.’

I spluttered a shocked laugh. Kham screamed again. And I screamed with him. And fervently prayed that this was the last time either of us would ever have to fly away from our mates.

52. New Plan

SOUNDTRACK: I Hate Everything About You by Three Days Grace

~ VOSKI ~

“There you are.”

I turned from the horse I’d been brushing to face my furious mother, wondering if my breathing had slowed enough that she wouldn’t notice.

I’d only barely made it back. She was usually a late riser when she had a comfortable bed. I’d assumed we’d begin travel after the breakfast meal. But first I’d dragged my feet getting out of the castle to Kham, because it was so hard to lose that link to Grace, even when she was asleep. Then, it was lighter than we would have liked for his landing, so he had to land a mile further from the estate house to be certain no one would see us.

I’d run the whole way, which wouldn’t usually be a problem. But after days of travel and a full night without sleep, my body dragged.

I’d made it into the stable just minutes before, and chosen not to return to the house for this specific reason: The carriages and horses were already being prepared. Which meant she was already up, and would have expected to see me by now.

My only hope was to be out here, and let myself be discovered.

I’d expected her to be annoyed. I hadn’t expected the flash of relief in her gaze when I turned. “Worried about me?” I taunted.

“Where have you been?”

I looked around the stable, then widened my eyes at her. “Isn’t it obvious?”

She was unimpressed. “Your bed wasn’t slept in. We were supposed to speak last night.”

“I was busy.” I turned back to brushing the horse with a wicked grin. “I found a noblewoman in need of masculine reassurance. It was delightful.”

I kept brushing the horse, praying she wouldn’t press. I was a very good liar, but she’d known me since birth, and I was very tired. If there were any circumstances under which I’d fail to deceive, these were ripe for it.

I didn’t react when it took her some time to respond. She was adept at leaving uncomfortable silences. And besides, I’d had the last word.

“Well, perhaps it’s for the best,” she said airily a moment later. “I was weary last night as well. Still, I needed to warn you to bring your common clothes. No one is aware my son has returned. Yet.” She bit the word off, smiling to show her teeth. “If you hadn’t been stupid enough to show your face to Breckon, we might have gotten away with simply letting the court fuss over you. But he, of all of them, must not know that you’re present.”

I hadn’t planned to parade myself in front of the man, but it was easy to hide in plain sight in a busy ballroom, for example. And I didn’t trust my mother. This hadn’t been discussed earlier. If she waited until now, it was because she wanted me committed before she placed a barrier in my way. Which meant, she was up to something.

I looked aside to ensure all the stablehands and footmen were busy with other tasks, then leaned over her, letting her see the anger and mistrust in my eyes. “I am fully capable of staying out of Breckon’s eyeline, whether I’m dressed commonly or not. He will not be looking for me in these circles.”

“There will be no or not, Vane. You must remain invisible to all until we have removed him. I cannot risk you being uncovered. Not until he’s removed.”

My jaw clenched. “More evidence that perhaps you aren’t as in control of these circumstances as I believed—”

“Oh pish. You and I both know I have far greater sway in these circles than you—it’s why you came to me.”

“If you’re so certain, why not mention this when you outlined your plan?”

“Because I didn’t want to spend the week arguing,” she said, waving me off with one elegant hand. “If you’d met with me last night, we could have discussed it. But we both know you’ll have more freedom on the grounds as a servant, and are far less likely to be noticed by anyone of import. It only stops you interacting with Grace in public.”

“And I’ll also, conveniently, have far less influence and be far more reliant on you.”

She huffed. “If you believe you hold any sway in these circles without acknowledging your birthright, you are far more naïve than I thought.”

I frowned. “You underestimate my ability to—”