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From that moment, a pattern formed of Lara and Taryn coming down after breakfast to float on the water, rain or shine. At first, it was misery. The incessant bobbing up and down made Lara’s head spin and her stomach heave, but gradually the sickness began to ease, as did the surge of fear she felt stepping off dry land and into the boat.
The raids were endless, the music of the horns so constant, it seemed an endless song of war. Aren and his soldiers were continuously on the move, chasing off raiders, reinforcing defenses, and ensuring the countless watch stations and outposts were kept supplied. More often than not, their excursions turned into skirmishes, the boats returning full of wounded men and women, the faces of their comrades drawn and exhausted.
The worst of the injured went to the dozen healers stationed at Midwatch, but those needing only stitches or bandages were left in Lara’s boat for her to tend to. More often than not, one of her patients was Aren, which was theonlytime Taryn left her side.
“I’m starting to wonder,” she said as she applied a leech to the swelling on his cheek, smirking when he recoiled from the creature, “if you are purposefully trying to get yourself injured or if you are just that inept.”
He cringed as she lifted another leech out of the jar. “Is there a third option?”
“Sit still.” She applied the leech the way the healers had shown her, marveling at the way the swelling almost instantly reduced on his cheekbone, the engorged creatures dropping into her hands when they’d finished. Along with supplies, the healers had also insisted that she be given a better boat, returning her little canoe to its dry dock. She’d been sneaking out at nights to slowly move the vessel to the hiding place she’d selected near one of the cliffs, along with a number of stolen supplies, ready to facilitate her escape when the time was right.
“You seem to be doing better with the water.”
“I don’t get sick anymore. Though I suppose it might be different out in the open where the waves are larger.”
“Perhaps someday we’ll test that theory.”
Someday.Which meant no time soon. It was a struggle to keep the frown from her face because she was running out of ideas for winning him over. She had won his lust, that much was clear from the way his eyes skimmed over the unlaced neckline of her tunic. Winning his trust, however, was proving to be far more of a challenge.
She’d thought, for a time, it was because their marriage had yet to be consummated. That maybe he needed that step before he’d hand her the metaphorical keys to the kingdom, but she had since rejected that theory. Aren was not, judging from the offhand comments she’d heard from his soldiers, inexperienced with women, so it would take more than skill in the bedroom to make him fall for her.
And it would take more than him falling for her to make him trust her.
For as much as he might come to care for her, he loved his people more. His trust would only come if he believed she was as loyal to his people as he was.
“I’m not certain that leech deserves so much of your attention.” Aren’s voice pulled Lara from her thoughts, and she blinked, realizing that she’d been regarding the squirming creature in her hand for far too long.
“They just gave you back your handsome face, so perhaps you should give them the credit they deserve.”
Aren smiled and Lara realized what she’d said. With everyone else, she was strategic, but Aren flustered her. Things had a way of slipping out when he was around.
“It’s going to rain tonight. I thought I might take the opportunity to have a proper dinner at the house. With you.”
Her face was burning, heart a riot in her chest. “Tonight?”
He looked away from her. “My ability to predict the weather has its limits. But yes, tonight looks promising.”
Say yes,her inner voice screamed.Do what you need to do.Except being alone with him . . . Lara wasn’t sure what would happen. Or rather, shewassure and wanted to avoid it all costs.
Not because she didn’t want him to kiss her, because she did.
And not because she didn’t want him to peel the clothes from her body, because god, she’d envisioned that more than once.
It was because shedidwant him that she needed to avoid this situation, because betraying him was already going to be hard enough.
Horns blasted, and this time the rhythm wasn’t music, but an anxious rippling blare that tore at her ears. Aren stiffened, his expression intent. “What is it?” she demanded.
“Aela.”
“Who?”
“It’s one of the islands under Kestark’s watch. It’s being attacked.”
“Kestark?”
“The garrison south of us.” His eyes were distant, listening. “But Aela’s outpost is calling for Midwatch’s aid.”
Already soldiers were pouring down the beach, pushing boats out into the water. More horns sounded, and Aren’s face paled.
