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)
His eyes flip to the wagon, its door propped open. Gesine stands on the step, accepting bread and cheese from Eden. “That you came up with on your own or with aid?”
“On my own. Gesine was too busy trying to teach me how to form balls of water.”
“And how did that go—”
“Terrible.” I glance around to make sure we’re alone. “Ianca said something about Malachi finding his skin. I couldn’t make sense of it before, but then I thought about what Gesine told me, about how the fates can only take on physical forms within the boundaries of the sanctum’s pillars. I think Malachi has plans to assume Elijah’s body. Don’t ask me how, but if he could do this to me, I’m sure he can figure out a way. Then he becomes king, and Sofie is his queen, whether she likes it or not.” Ianca alluded to Sofie having no idea of Malachi’s plans and no choice in accepting it.
How will Sofie react once she realizes Malachi never intends to truly release Elijah?
“That is … a theory,” Zander says slowly. “But for now, let us focus on fact. And the fact is, you still have much to learn.”
“You’re right, I do.” Which brings me to my second reason for marching over here. “I’m going to take this one.” I stroke the nearby horse’s flank. It’s a sleek, chocolate-colored beast, one from Freywich, and it’s already wearing a saddle.
“What do you mean, ‘take it’?”
“I mean ride it.”
“With whom?”
“Myself.”
He opens his mouth—
“Remember how you said I needed to learn? That day, when we were going to the crown hunt?” When you slipped your hands beneath my cloak to cop a feel?
The corner of Zander’s mouth curves. “I seem to recall something about that, yes. But we are moving at a brisk pace to reach Norcaster before that weather meets us. Now is probably not a good time for basic riding instruction.”
“I think now is the perfect time.” I throw my hands out toward the miles of flat ground, with no living soul in sight beyond our company. “There might not be a better time, based on what Abarrane said of the mountains.”
He pauses, his lips pursed as if looking for any excuse to deny me. “It is important that you spend as much time as possible with Gesine and Ianca—”
“All she does is sleep.” I drop my voice to add, “I keep wanting to check her pulse.”
He sighs. “Yes, that concern has crossed my mind.”
“I need a break from the wagon, and if the night of the attack taught us anything, I have a lot to learn about everything. Including how to ride a horse.”
“I agree.” Jarek strolls up to us, leading his white stallion by its reins. “I will ensure she remains in her saddle, Your Highness.”
Zander’s eyes narrow as if doubting Jarek’s intentions. As am I. But I see the moment his doubt shifts to acceptance. “Very well. Both you and Elisaf will ride at her flanks the entire journey. Should we fall under attack, your priority is getting her to the caster’s side.”
“Aye, Your Highness.” Jarek offers a curt bow.
With one last glance at me, Zander strolls away.
I watch his back a moment before spinning to face off against the warrior. “What are you up to?”
“I’m greeting the horse.” Jarek smooths a gentle hand over its snout. “You should do the same. It’s only polite before you climb onto his back.”
“No, I mean, why are you offering to protect me? You’ve always taken issue with it.”
“I cannot blame you for wanting to avoid that seer. She makes everyone uncomfortable.”
“Don’t try to make me believe you care about my comfort.” This is a guy who keeps throwing around his second-in-command status. Someone like that does not babysit.
“You are right. I don’t particularly care about that.” He seems to consider his answer. “Both the king and the commander believe you are vital to our success. The mortal Eden cannot stop singing your praises, and I’m certain Elisaf would eviscerate himself on his sword if you asked it of him.”
My face scrunches at the image that sparks.
“Either they’re all fools, or perhaps I am.”
And I would be the fool if I didn’t think he was trying to win my confidence for his gain. But sure, I’ll play along. “Is that a rhetorical question, or should I answer? Please, can I answer?”
My stomach growls noisily, ruining my clever moment.
With a smirk, Jarek pulls two apples from his saddle, tossing them to me.
“Seriously, how many more of those do you have?”
“One’s for you. One’s for Eros.”
“Who?”
“The horse you’re determined to ride. It’s best you make friends. Maybe he won’t throw you off.”
“Oh. Right.” I tuck my apple into a pocket in my cloak and venture over to offer the fruit to the beast, holding it in my open palm. He leans in to sniff first before collecting it with a snuffle, his lips feathering across my skin, stirring my giggle. “I’d never ridden a horse before I came here.”