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“Yes,” I said vaguely, wondering why I was telling him all this. I definitely wasn’t putting my best foot forward, was I? Two seconds into trying to describe myself to my one true love, and I was already confessing I was a murderer and that I’d been raised in a castle full of other murderers.
Not my brightest moment.
But he didn’t seem disturbed by any of it, so I said, “And now my second brother, Brentley, is the king, where no one’s tried to assassinate anyone at all in the castle since his reign began.”
There, that sounded better.
“And peace rules again.” Farrow sighed softly, his voice distant and wistful as if he hadn’t been talking to me at all. “That must be nice.”
I had to agree. “Indeed. And all because I turned one evil woman to dust.”
“Then you should be hailed a heroine, my lady.”
I gave a bitter laugh. “Hardly. I was just a young, foolish girl, more like it.”
I kind of still was, but maybe I shouldn’t mention that, either.
“It’s ironic,” he said a moment later, “how some actions that seem unwise at the time actually make things better. I was told not so long ago by a mad soothsayer that my worst engagements were going to save a kingdom as well as bring peace to many.”
I straightened in surprise. “Really? That is ironic. And incredible. Do you know what you’re supposed to do?”
“Not at all.” Stoic, he gave a depressed sigh. “The mage didn’t get that far. But I have a bad feeling I may be in the process of doing it right now.”
I paused before sucking in a surprised breath. “You mean me?” When he didn’t respond, I wondered, “But how could coming for your mate and taking her back to your homeland with you be considered bad?”
It seemed like the only right thing to do, if you wanted my opinion.
“You’re royalty,” he reminded me. “And Donnellean. I’m risking my life to appropriate you, crossing over into an enemy land where they would kill me on site if they discovered who I was. Do you consider that wise? And then, once we enter Far Shore, it’ll be your life in danger. Plus, what if your brother came for you and started a war with us just to get you back?”
I swallowed painfully. “G-good point. I hadn’t thought about that. But I’ll just talk to Brentley and explain everything. It’ll be okay. Besides, if a soothsayer specifically told you this would save a nation and bring peace to their people, then wouldn’t that mean everything will end up well?”
Expecting him to take comfort from my words, I was confused when he only gave a dark, cryptic, “I hope so.”
I waved a hand. “Of course, it will,” I said with more certainty. “Though I do wonder...” Lowering my brow, I tapped my chin in thought. “How would you and I bring peace to many, unless—oh! Do you come from royalty or rank in Far Shore, too? Maybe our marriage could align—”
When he answered, “No, my lady. I’m no one,” I flushed, remembering he had no wealth. No horse, no occupation outside soldiering, no nothing.
In a small voice, I said, “Oh. Well, I’m sure we’ll figure the riddle out soon enough, once we reach our destination.”
I swore he groaned, “That’s what I’m afraid of,” under his breath.
Frowning, I blinked. “What was that you said?”
But when he lifted his voice and repeated himself, what he repeated was, “I’m sure you’re right, princess.”
I gave a stiff nod. “I’m sure I am too.”
Just under the flesh, however, my nerves gave a quiver, tightening with an uneasiness that felt as if it hadn’t come from me at all. I went quiet, deciding maybe talking wouldn’t calm my anxieties after all.
9
Farrow
The princess had been dozing on Caramel for over an hour now. I could tell by the way she would gasp herself awake and jerk upright every time she started to lose her balance and began to topple from her saddle.
I knew I should’ve had mercy, called it a night long ago, and set up camp for us. But my quest was half-filled now; I just wanted to get us home so I could drag Sable out of the damn dungeon. Besides, we were still far too close to Donnelly’s castle for my comfort, so I pushed us onward.
And she hadn’t protested the grueling pace once.
