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I wanted to let their reunion give me hope that when I saw Graham, the past would be as easily forgiven. But instead, I promised myself to abandon all expectations. I was only going to save Graham, to set him free and give him back his throne. I had no faith that he could love me, not after my betrayal. And even if there was a tiny chance he could, there would be no ground for that love to grow upon.
He belonged in Cambria, as king. And I belonged nowhere.
Chapter
Two
I carriedmy barrel of fresh water away from the village well, heading back to our boat.
Lachlan was saying his goodbyes, then he and Cait planned to meet me in the cove.
I hurried through the forest, seabirds calling overhead as I skirted the shallow river and made my way toward the shore. The bubbling roll of water soothed my anxiety, if only a little.
“Bryn Yarrow?” a strong voice asked from behind me.
My muscles tensed as I turned to see Rowan following me, her eyebrows drawn in a question.
“Was that your name?” she asked.
“It was,” I said.
She stopped at the river’s edge. “Is the young Brennin king yet?”
I sighed and set down my barrel. I couldn’t avoid answering her simply because I was ashamed. It was best, for my own safety, that she didn’t find out who I really was, but she could know at least part of the truth. “Not yet.”
“Why not?” She studied my face. “Is his father still alive?”
“No. The heir has been stalled on Tramore,” I said. “I’m on my way to retrieve him.”
“Stalled?” She crossed her arms. “How?”
I nodded, afraid to speak anything but the truth for fear that she could see through my lies. “I was manipulated,” I finally said, “by someone I thought I could trust. But I have it under control, so please, for the sake of your people, be patient.” I looked at the rounded gray stones lining the bottom of the river so I wouldn’t have to face her. “I know this is disappointing, and I’m sorry.”
“Are you?” She stepped closer, her imposing figure only inches from me. “You made us believe we could see our families again. People here have been hopeful since you came, but now it seems it was too good to be true.”
I looked away from the churning river and met her intimidating glare. “Graham wasn’t pretending. He meant every word of his promise. He fully intends to reunite you with your loved ones.”
“His intentions are nothing if he isn’t on the throne,” said Rowan.
“He will be,” I said.
She raised an eyebrow. “The villagers won’t like this. Some of us will do anything to get into the city, even joining the uprising.”
“No.” I held up my hands. “There is no uprising.”
“So you lied to us.” Rowan frowned. “Or are you lying now?”
“I’m telling you the truth!” I said. “I was deceived into believing there was an uprising, but I turned out to be a pawn in somebody else’s game.” My hands squeezed into fists as I thought of my father, the “somebody else” who’d made me do his selfish bidding.
Her jaw clenched and she leaned in toward me. “If Brennin doesn’t return to Cambria and keep his word, therewillbe an uprising. And this time, you have not been deceived.”
I swallowed, wishing I’d stayed back at the boat and never stepped foot in this village. Rowan was threatening to initiate the very war I’d sacrificed so much to prevent. It hadn’t been real, but now—thanks to my actions—it might be.
“An uprising won’t be necessary,” I said. “Graham Brenninwilltake the throne. And hewillkeep his promise.”
Rowan unclenched her fists and backed away, but her frown remained.
I turned around, hoisting the barrel in my arms, and stepped into the river, the cold water rushing into my boots.
