Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 83933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
What was everyone’s problem with runts? “Nugget deserves the same chance to live a wonderful, fulfilling life as his siblings,” I informed her, crouching to stroke the darling’s fur. He licked my cheek, and I fell deeper in love with him.
Other clucks came. “I stocked you up with everything on your list, soldier, plus a few extra must haves.” Greta hefted his now straining pack on the counter. “I also asked around, and no one has had contact with Anders.”
He stiffened but said, “Thank you for checking. And for the extras.” The two were obviously well acquainted and on friendly terms.
“He’s a sweet boy, that Anders. I hope you find him.” Finally, she regarded me fully, examining me with the kind of wisdom acquired only after decades of experience. “Come here, girl. Let me get a decent look at you.”
Out of respect for Jasher, I made my way over, not sure why a looky-loo bore any importance on our situation. Of course, Nugget remained close, growling when the old woman grabbed my hands and studied them in the light.
“Well, well. I’ll be. The princess in the flesh.” Those dark eyes pierced deep. “Stories of your mother’s kindness and your father’s great sacrifice are still whispered about in my family. They were not the monsters so many considered them.”
“You told her?” I swung to Jasher, though Greta maintained a tight hold on me.
His expression revealed nothing. “I did not.”
That meant… I rocked back on my heels and refocused on the other woman. “What makes you think the former royals are my parents?”
“You resemble them,” Greta said, releasing me at last. “Her hair and eyes and yet still his image.”
His image. The king’s. Can’t process. Don’t try. Not here, not now. “Did you meet the royals?”
“Only saw them once when they passed through my former village, but it was enough. A regal sight I will never forget.” She patted my cheek. “If you are interested in learning more about them, ask Leona about the prophecy.”
I perked up. Prophecy? “What prophecy?”
“Go on now.” Greta shooed us toward the door. “I’ve got a living to make.”
Jasher collected his pack and once again wound an arm around my waist, forcing me toward to the exit. Nugget followed. I dragged my feet until we passed the door, my mind repeating the same phrases over and over. Can’t process. Don’t try. Not here, not now.
We strode down the dirt path, heading in the opposite direction that we’d come. I didn’t mean to, but I leaned on Jasher, seeking comfort. He allowed it, even welcomed it, running his fingers up and down my side.
Inviting trouble…
We came the edge of the clearing, where women hurled insults at each other.
“You can’t do this.” Leona’s bellow rose above the others. “It’s not my fault my name was drawn again and again.”
Keren and Natalie stood among the throng. The first caught sight of Jasher and me and nudged the other. The remaining villagers noticed us and parted, revealing the mayor. They’d tied her wrists with rope. Honeyed mane in tangles, clothes streaked with dirt, she struggled for freedom without success.
“She’s all yours,” Keren said, tossing a pouch full of clinking coins at Jasher. He caught it with ease and stuffed in his pack.
“Half of that money is mine,” I reminded the executioner. I’d negotiated for it, and I expected my cut.
“Don’t ever come back,” Natalie warned the mayor.
“Oh, I’ll be back,” Leona snarled, throwing the words at everyone. “I’ll be back, and I’ll punish you all.” She flipped her mane over one shoulder, making me wonder if the cowardly lion was about to join my quest.
“First you have to survive the forest,” the clerk retorted, causing the mayor to pale. “And the royal guard.”
Jasher pursed his lips, saying nothing to anyone. He didn’t even slow his steps as he passed Leona, leaving her behind. Guess I’d have to handle this.
I approached her, unsure how to force someone to travel with me, while protecting an injured hand. Especially when I needed that someone to answer questions about a prophecy. Then Nugget solved the problem for me, growling at Miss Three Time Lottery Winner. With a yelp, Leona ran to catch up with Jasher and use him as a meat shield.
“Good boy,” I praised as I caught up with them. The precious fur-baby preened at me.
“By the way,” Leona said. “You’ll divide the take three ways. If not for me, you wouldn’t have a single coin.”
“You’ll get nothing and be grateful my dog doesn’t use you as a chew toy.”
“Hardly.” Leona lifted her nose. “I’ve been told I’m too bitter to eat.”
Nugget bounded ahead, disappearing here and there, occasionally stopping to tug on a winding root. “Be careful, my sweet.”
“Stay away from me, creature,” the mayor snapped when he neared her, chasing a bug.
“Or what?” I gave her a sugar sweet smile.