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“I’m sure she understands.”
“I hope so.”
I guided Feyla down toward the ground to land in an open meadow not far from the fortress, where we slid off her back.
Rhoslyn stroked Feyla’s long snout and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “No one has ever returned from the hunt.”
“Which must make it seem even more terrifying.”
“You wouldn’t believe the horrible things my people say about orcs, the stories they tell about what might happen to the unfortunate women who run through the woods with orcs chasing them.”
I wrapped my arms around her from behind. “They must think we harm them when all we wish to do is love them.”
“At least I can tell them the truth about that.”
I turned her in my embrace and kissed her gently. “Are you ready, my little one?”
Biting down on her lower lip, she nodded.
Holding hands, we traveled through the woods, taking a wide path that mostly let us walk side by side. When we reached the edge of the forest, we stopped, gazing across the big open field between here and the fortress.
Then we stepped out into the sunshine together.
As we drew closer, shouts rang out from the top of the wall, and a smile grew on my pretty mate’s face.
“It’s going to be all right,” she said. “I’m so excited!”
We stopped before we reached the gate. When the guards pointed bows our way, I was tempted to pull my mace, but I resisted. They’d be foolish to fire upon us. That would risk the treaty we’d signed that gave them the protection they needed.
“It’s Rhoslyn,” a male cried out.
Rhoslyn startled. “Kael? Is that you, Kael?”
“Is that orc harming you, Rhoslyn?” Kael shouted. “Because I’ll . . .” His voice softened. “Please tell me he hasn’t hurt you.”
She squeezed my hand. “This is my mate, Jaus. We met during the Hunt, and I couldn’t be happier that he found me.”
My low chuckle rang out. “You fought me from the moment we met, love,” I said softly. “You were not happy then.”
She shot me a grin. “I fought you because you were grumpy and growly.”
“Not any longer.”
“You’re my cinnamon roll hero now.”
“Forever,” I vowed.
She turned back to the gate. “I’ve come to see my sister. Could you send Lyneth out?”
“It’s not a trick, is it?” Kael asked, his grim gaze meeting mine. He was old, but I suspected he was a seasoned warrior. He’d be no match for an orc, but I respected that he wanted to protect my Rhoslyn.
“No trick. We’re here for a peaceful visit. Please, can I speak with Lyneth?” Rhoslyn asked. “Send her out.”
“We’ll see if she wants to speak with you,” someone yelled.
Shortly after that, a woman’s voice rang out from behind the gate. “Let me see her. Rhoslyn. Rhoslyn! Please tell me she’s safe.”
Rhoslyn leaned into my side. “It’s my sister. She’s coming.” She lifted her voice. “I’m safe. Come out to see me, Lyneth!”
