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“I know why you’re here,” I spat, trying to decide if I should get between Ruby and him. “You’re here to bring us all back so Asena can complete whatever evil plan she has.”
Rekker started to laugh. He guffawed until tears filled his eyes while I stood there awkwardly, glancing at Ruby whose head was tilted like he was hearing something high pitched.
“That’s a good one.” Rekker pointed at me with amusement and winked playfully.
Confused, I closed my mouth while I tried to get my stunned brain to work.
“You aren’t here to capture us and bring us back to Asena?” The words sounded preposterous, and I barely held back a snort.
“Can you think of no other reason for our presence here?” Rekker raised his eyebrows, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
“No. We escaped. I assumed you were after us because we’d gotten away.”
“As much as it did hurt my pride that you escaped, I have other reasons for pursuing you.” He remarked, his lips pulling into a smirk. “He hasn’t told you, has he?”
“Told me what?” I snapped, not willing to let him come between Einri and me. We promised to do this together as partners. I had to trust that he meant what he said.
“Haven’t you wondered how Einri and your father knew each other?”
“Yes, my father would send changed men to Einri for protection. He sent Thimmarians and Bruralians to him so he could help them handle their newly acquired beasts.” I said smugly, feeling like I had the upper hand now.
“Yes and no.” Rekker mused, and I gritted my teeth in aggravation.
“What does that mean?” I asked angrily.
Ruby crept to my side, pressing into me and letting me know I wasn’t alone. His touch helped to ease my anxiety about this situation. I had friends who wouldn’t leave without me. I’d be alright. Plus, Rekker didn’t seem menacing but I’d be on guard.
“It means, Lady Arrow, that there was an agreement between your father and Einri. One that went deeper than protection.” Rekker said, ominously.
“I'm not following.” I said, my brows furrowing trying to figure out what he was getting at.
“Haven’t you ever wondered why your father, a high-ranking nobleman, was sent to the frontline? A man who had no previous combat experience?”
My heart stuttered in my chest at his questions. It was the same question I asked myself. When I’d ask Father would skirt around the answer or change the subject. I chalked it up to him not wanting to bad mouth his friend and king.
“Yes, but the King trusted my father. There was a reason he sent him to the front.”
“Sent him to the front then brought his only daughter to the castle to be a ward. Why bring you to the castle if not to use you as leverage over your father? I assume a steward was assigned to take care of Loxley in your fathers’ absence. There’s no reason for you to be brought to the castle.”
“But why? My father questioned the King, but he always welcomed my father’s opinions and questions.”
“I asked around. Needed to know everything about you and I discovered the treacherous plan your father was involved in.” Rekker began, and the look on his face made me want to punch him.
“Don’t say another word!” I hissed, fists clenching anger. “My father was not a traitor.”
“Only at the end.” Rekker nodded, amusement still evident in his eyes.
I swung my bow off my shoulder and had an arrow nocked in a blink. I raised the weapon pointing it straight into Rekker’s eye. It would kill him at this range, no chance his wolf healing would save his life.
“Easy, Lady Arrow.” Rekker raised both his hands in surrender.
“Don’t call me that.” I ground out angrily. “I’m no longer a Lady. “
“You’re still the heir to Loxley.” He pointed out which made me freeze, blinking in disbelief. “The King is still deliberating on what to do about Loxley but right now it’s still yours.”
Why did he have to bring up Loxley? The rolling hills and fields of grains blowing in the wind. The woods that were right outside of my bedroom window, they called to me like no other place ever had. It’s been years since I was home, but the place would always have a piece of my heart and soul.
I gritted my teeth again, fighting the tears, the homesickness, and the grief. I’d lost my father and I thought I’d lost Loxley for good. The spark of hope lowered my bow as I blinked away the moisture from my eyes.
