Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 145704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
And I can’t help but smile as I listen quietly. We’ve only been away from Freywich for a few days, and already she seems different from that frightful girl sitting at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for a bell to ring.
“I was told we’re not setting up tents, and that you will be sleeping in the wagon?”
That explains the lack of a real camp. “Zander wants to keep our stay short.”
Jarek’s deep laughter draws Eden’s attention back to him. He’s with Horik, their stances casual, like two regular men sharing an amusing tale.
“I didn’t think you liked him.”
“Who, Jarek?” She bites her bottom lip. “I’ve talked to him a few times since Freywich. He’s much nicer than he looks. Sweet, even.”
Jarek? Sweet? Alarm bells ring in my head. There’s only one reason any woman would call him that. “Has he tried to feed off you?”
“No. I offered, but he said you have forbidden it.”
My eyebrows pop. “You offered?”
Panic stirs across Eden’s face. “I didn’t think … I’m sorry, I did not realize I shouldn’t …” She stammers, her face paling.
“Oh my God, no, Eden.” I squeeze her forearm for reassurance. My reaction must be harsher than I intended. “You don’t need to be afraid of me. I’m not angry.” That damn Lady Danthrin. If I ever see her again, I might strangle her for what she’s done to this girl. “You don’t need to be anyone’s tributary anymore. We’re not going to force you to do that. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
She nods slowly, as if allowing that to sink in. “But I do not mind, Your Highness. Not for the warriors who keep us safe, like Jarek. They need their strength to protect us.”
“Which is why Lord Rengard sent us some.”
“Not enough,” she counters. “And with this poison, it’s dangerous for them to go looking. Why should the other mortals be required and not me?”
Because you’ve been through enough? But the truth is, they probably all have.
“I do not mind, honestly. It is something they need that I can provide.” She says they, but her eyes wander to where Jarek unsaddles his horse.
I stifle my groan.
“They were preparing a platter of cheese, fruits, and bread for you when I left. Shall I bring it to the wagon when it is ready?”
“Please. The sooner the better for Ianca.”
With a curtsy, Eden hurries away, stealing several sideways glances at the warrior.
I march over. “What are you doing?”
“Checking for any swelling or possible injury.” Jarek smooths his palm along his horse’s legs. “You can’t ride a horse all day and then turn your back on it.”
“I mean with Eden.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I saw you over here, laughing with her.”
He pauses in his ministrations to give me an incredulous look. “I’m not permitted to laugh?”
“Not with her. I know your kind. I know what you’re up to.”
He stands, towering over me. His lips twist with thoughts he doesn’t share.
“She offered herself to you.”
“And I declined.”
“Why?”
“Because you forbade it.”
“No, that can’t be why.”
He snorts. “And why can’t it?”
Because it would mean Jarek’s not as horrible as I’ve made him out to be.
“Romeria?” Zander’s voice grabs my attention. It looks like he was halfway to my wagon when he saw me here.
“Please tell me, then, who am I permitted to approach?” Jarek asks with mock innocence. “Since you seem to be the one dictating.”
“You can feed off Pan.” Satisfaction swells inside me as I stroll toward Zander, Jarek’s gruff laughter following me most of the way.
“What was that about?” Zander’s gaze is unreadable.
“Nothing much. Told him to stay away from Eden and then wished him dead. I didn’t mean it, though.”
He grunts. “That is an improvement.”
“I guess?” I fight the urge to lean into Zander’s broad chest, to inhale his woodsy scent. All I want to do is pick up where we left off last night. “Did we make good time today?”
“Adequate, but we will not stay long. Just enough to rest the horses, and then we will continue. Do not be surprised if your wagon is moving before daybreak.”
Considering the bumpy road on the way here, I assume that won’t be a restful sleep.
Zander’s eyes wander over my face. “How was your time spent today?”
“Ianca slept the whole day, so Gesine and I talked.”
“And did you learn anything?”
I frown. “Actually, no. It was mainly me doing all the talking and Gesine asking a lot of questions.”
His lips purse in thought. “Abarrane has agreed to train you, but I would prefer you spend your time honing your affinities.”
Dealing with Abarrane this morning was enough for one day. I’d like to hone other skills. “Where are you sleeping tonight?”
A crooked smile curls his lips. “Why do you ask?”
“No reason.” On impulse, I step closer.
He doesn’t back away, his lengthy, slow sigh kissing my cheek. “Who says I will sleep tonight?” A devilish twinkle glints in his eye. A dare, almost.