by Janeal Falor
I’ll send word to Carver and Shillian to see if they’re interested in joining me. Now the only one I need to talk to is Nash. What if he refuses to come? He needs to join us because that’s where all the guards will be. I want him safe from Daros’s clutches.
“I’d be happy to join you,” Nash says.
That was easier than I expected. “Good.”
“When do we leave?’
“As soon as arrangements can be made.”
He relaxes back into his seat. “Who will be coming with us?”
“Inkga, guards, Shillian, Carver, and anyone else who wishes to come.”
He sighs.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Something is. Tell me.”
He gives me a weak smile. “I’d like to spend some time alone with you. There are always others about.”
Which means I can’t pay much attention to him. The thought warms my cheeks and has me wanting to move closer. “You have me alone now.”
His gaze sends a blaze of fire through me. “And I intend to make full use of it, like I should have been doing all along.”
He leans in closer. My heart flutters. We’re going to kiss.
I haven’t felt his lips against mine in too long a time.
His breath is warm against my lips. Sweet. He is focused on me, no hint of fear clouding his eyes. I have waited for this to happen since he came back to me. There may be greater hope than I thought.
I can almost feel his kiss when there’s a knock on the door.
We bolt apart, heaving for air.
Nash takes a moment to look me over before answering the door. A servant says, “Shillian and Carver Nilmac, Your Majesty.”
The announced two come in, gushing about the trip. I want to shove them both outside, slam the door, and get back to our kiss. Why did they have to come now?
Shillian says, “I’m so grateful you invited us to tour the countryside with you. I’ve spent most of my life in Indell. It will be wonderful to see other areas for a change.”
She continues spouting off, but I have a hard time focusing. I'm only aware of him—Nash. The warmth that so abruptly left. The almost-kiss between us. That’s what I want—his lips against mine.
And if anyone knew, Nash would be dead.
Chapter 18
The morning dawns bright and early, but I spend most of it waiting.
Finally, a servant says, “Your carriage is ready, my lady.”
I thought it would never get here. “Thank you.”
I head out the front door, grateful for the pants Inkga designed for stashing daggers and poisons on my person. Whenever I've gone out of the city for a job, I like to feel prepared.
My carriage is surrounded by a good thirty guards on horseback. Someone is over-prepared. Jaku waits at the carriage door.
When I get to him, I say, “Going overboard, don’t you think?”
“Not when it comes to your safety.”
“Better be careful, or someone may think you believe I’m doing a good job.” I climb in the carriage before he can respond.
He mutters something under his breath.
“What was that?”
He closes the carriage door, talking through the window. “Nothing, Your Highness.”
I chuckle as he goes to a nearby unoccupied horse. I turn my attention to my carriage mates. I have a seat to myself, and we’re spaced farther apart than in a usual carriage, so no one is in danger of touching me. Across from me are Inkga and Inyi. My lady-in-waiting decided she wanted to join us, though she’s the only one. At least she said she wanted to go with us. More likely, it was believed proper.
“Ready for the long ride, Your Majesty?” Inyi asks.
“As much as one can be ready for such a thing.” I’d rather walk or ride.
Nash was lucky to get a horse despite being my Head Advisor. In another carriage, Shillian and Carver are coming along with Kada. As Head of Relations for the Queen, she deemed it necessary to join us.
Another council member joining us is Sidle, my Head of Military. He’s riding a horse with the guard. I don’t know what prompted this, and I probably won’t have much interaction with him. I’m glad to have some members of the council with me, though.
Several extra carriages were provided for all the luggage. I didn’t dare look at how much Inkga packed for me. Probably too much, and combined with everyone else’s things, it was a lot.
The ride is filled with chatter between Inyi and Inkga. I remain quiet, eager to get to our destination. Though it will be at a passing inn, I’m anxious to meet the people there. I’m even more anxious to meet people in the rest of the country. My stomach churns a little, and I wonder if it’s because of the apprehension of meeting the people or the carriage ride. Maybe both.
The countryside is beautiful, my mountains always in the distance. Their steep slopes and close proximity make for a breathtaking view. The fields leading up to them are golden and bright, their harvest ready to be picked.
When we get to the inn, the carriage door opens, and I’m the first to step out. Jaku is scanning the area, and I’m surrounded by guards and one other woman. She’s not plump enough to be considered fashionable in the capital, but she’s still more well-rounded than me. Her lips are painted a deep red, and her golden brown eyes seem friendly. That alone makes me not want to trust them.
At least I recognize I have trust issues?
“Welcome to my humble inn.” The woman curtsies. “I am Greeta. I’ve prepared rooms for you and your companions—the best we have to offer. I hope you enjoy them. Would you like dinner sent up or in the main room?”
“Sent up, if you would, Greeta. Thank you.”
She blushes a pretty pink that makes her look younger. “It is my pleasure. I will get your food ready. Please follow my serving girl to your rooms.” She motions to a crooked-toothed, brown-eyed girl, who gives a shy smile after a curtsy.
We follow the serving girl inside the inn and up the stairs as Greeta goes deeper into the main floor. The girl stops at a room three flights up and opens the door. “For Her Majesty.”
Jaku and Afet check the room, making sure there are no hidden issues. While we wait, I try not to tap my foot. I just want food and sleep. The day was longer day than I thought it would be. Plus I’ve become spoiled to the way of life at the palace. It’s no wonder I’ve put on weight.
Jaku and Afet exit the room. Jaku says, “It’s clear, Your Majesty.”
I nod my thanks before entering the room and searching it for myself. Inkga and Julina follow me in while the rest of the party moves on to find their own rooms. No sight of Nash, but I know he’s around. I’ll have to get used to seeing less of him.
As soon as I’m certain there's no threat, I plop down onto the bed. “Ow.”
“Are you all right?” Inkga asks.
I pull myself up and rub my lower back. “This bed is not fit for sleeping.” And it’s supposed to be the best in the inn. Hopefully, the others aren’t as picky as I’ve become. Comforts in life are something I do enjoy, but tonight it’ll be the floor.
“I can switch rooms,” Inkga says. “See if there’s something else that would be more to your liking.”
“It’s fine. I’ll manage.”
The food arrives, and thankfully, it’s better than the bed. Once we’ve all eaten, I go to the window and look out on the moons. The red one is out, but the others have yet to make an appearance. I focus my gaze on the stars, their twinkling light brighter here than in the city.
“They’re beautiful out here.” Inkga comes up beside me.
“Agreed.” I turn toward her. She has a gleam of happiness in her eyes. “You’ve never been out of Indell before? Not even a little ways?”
She doesn’t take her eyes off the sky. “Nope. I didn’t go into Indell that often either, so I know very few places around it. I know the palace well, though.”
“I’m glad I brought you along.”
She finally looks at me, the sparkle in her eyes brighter than ever. “I’m glad you brought me, too.”
I get my night gown on behind a dressing curtain while Inkga takes a turn in the bath. When she’s done, I ask Julina, “Aren’t you going to change?”
“Not right now.”
“Are you going to sleep in your clothes?”
“If that’s what it takes to keep you safe.” She’s so serious; I want to laugh. Of course, I don’t dare insult her.
“This was a spur-of-the-moment trip. I don’t think anyone will be expecting us to bring trouble yet. Besides, if they do, I can handle myself long enough for you to get in your sleep clothes.”
She puts a hand on the hilt of her sword but stays silent.
“Suit yourself.” I’m not going to force her to if she doesn’t want to.
Inkga pulls down the covers of the bed meant for me before going to a couch near a cold fireplace.
“You can sleep on the bed if you want. Either of you.” I grab a pillow from the bed and throw it on the ground. I lie down while Inkga’s eyes grow wide and Julina gives a small smile.
A moment later, Inkga says, “What are you doing?”
“Sleeping.”
“On the floor?” The horror in her voice sounds like she just woke up from a nightmare.
I shrug. “Better than that bed. Though maybe you’ll find it to your liking.”
“A queen can’t sleep on the floor.”
“I’ve done it before.”
“That was different. You’ve grown as a queen since then.”
I fluff the pillow behind my head and give her a grin. “Good night.”
She sputters before calming herself. “Well, if you’re going to leave me the bed, I’ll take it.” She walks to it and lies down. Julina makes herself a little bed under the window. Moments later, Inkga crawls off the bed. “You win. That thing is atrocious.”
“Maybe the couch is preferable?” I ask.
“You should sleep there, then.”
“No, the floor is fine.”
“All right.” She settles onto the couch and is breathing heavily before I have a chance to ask if it’s any better. It must be doing the job.
There’s a shifting outside my door. The guards, probably. I know Jaku planned on stationing at least four of them. Too many, but no one asked me. I suppose Jaku knows what he’s doing.
The night is warm enough that I don’t need a blanket, despite not having a fire and the lateness of the season. Still, I toss and turn. The hardness of the ground is worse than I remember, but that’s not what keeps me awake.
Daros.
Being on a wooden floor reminds me of him. Of the way he used to treat me.
I reach over, rip the blankets off the bed, and arrange them beneath me. When I lie back down, it’s not as bad. Despite that, I continue tossing and turning. When I turn toward the window, I find Julina’s gaze on me.
“Are you all right?” she whispers.
“You should be asleep.” By the light of the moons coming in the window, it’s gotten late.
“So should you.”
“Just thinking.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” she asks.
“No. Thank you.” Though something does come to mind. “Why did you choose to become a guard?”
She sighs. “No one has ever asked me that.”
“Never?”
She shakes her head. “I suppose it was obvious to those who came in around the same time as me. They either were from a rich family but not in a position to inherit or most of them were like me—from a family trying to recover from the famine. My parents made so little that, when I was old enough, I chose to join the guard. It was the only way to help them.”
“They must appreciate that.”
She stares at the ceiling. “The truth is, with ten children in my family, I’m barely missed, even if they do use my pay.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s the way things are.”
Doesn’t mean it's impossible to feel bad about her situation. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have brothers and sisters, but I know what it’s like to not be missed. To have no one who really cares.
She doesn’t look at me again, though she doesn't close her eyes.
Chapter 19
I talk to the First Queen about politics and what I should expect while visiting other cities in Valcora. It’s nice to rest and have someone to talk these things over with who won’t judge me and can’t tell others my inner thoughts.
The next morning Inkga packs up, and Julina disappears. Eldim comes in her stead. We have breakfast, get back into the carriage, and head out to our destination. The ride is much like yesterday’s, with me staring out the window while the other two talk.
About an hour from our destination, we stop at a little house, where I change out of my traveling clothes and into something more fitting what people expect a queen to be wearing. It’s still too subdued for Inyi, but I like it. No flounces, giant skirts, or lace.
Back in the carriage, I eagerly stare at the changing scenery, the houses growing more and more frequent. Will the citizens like me? Will they have heard bad things about me and want to kill me so they can have a new queen? A better one?
I shove the thoughts from my mind.
When we arrive, my fingers are sore from being pinched and unpinched. The door to the carriage opens, and I steel myself before pasting a smile on my face and climbing out.
The first thing I notice is Nash. I let my gaze slide over him, not wanting to show favoritism. The scenery is full of wild colors. People wearing bright blues, greens, reds, yellows, and purples are watching my every move as I climb out of the carriage.
It’s surprisingly silent, gazes intent on me. I step carefully. No sense tripping in front of this huge gathering. As soon as I get both feet on the ground, they all bow low to the ground. They move like a ripple, almost as far as I can see.
“Please rise.” The people are everywhere. This is supposed to be one of the biggest cities on my royal tour. I believe it. Riding in, we saw lots of buildings and crowds watching us from the side of the road. This isn’t a city I’ve been to as the Shadow Wraith. It’s a pleasant thought. The first time I’m here, it’s as Ryn. Queen Ryn, unfortunately, but much better than as an assassin.
My guards admit a woman before closing the gap back up. She has her hair done up in an elaborate braid and wears a shocking-yellow dress, her green eyes taking in more than I’d like. She bows to me, and I motion for her to get up.
“Welcome to Pulfa, Queen Ryn,” she says. “We are honored by your presence. I am Opla Kindor, ruler of this fine city.”
“Thank you for hosting us.” For once, I’m grateful for all the time I spent with my ladies-in-waiting.
“I assure you, it is our pleasure. Please come and get yourself situated before we host a dinner for you this evening.”
Is it my imagination, or are her hands shaking? “That would be nice.”
She points to the building on our left. “This is our finest inn. The innkeeper has prepared a room for you and your company.”
“We’re thankful for your generosity,” Nash says from my left side.
When did he move closer? How did I not notice? There are too many people here. Too much going on. I’ll be grateful to get to my room.
I introduce Nash to Opla. She holds out her hand for him to kiss. A surge of jealousy rips through me, but I force my expression to remain neutral. Nash is trustworthy, even if that’s hard for me to comprehend.
It’s that she can openly have his kisses, when I can have nothing.
I tear myself away from those thoughts. They’ll do me no good. Nor will they do her any good, since I feel like punching her in the face.
My smile is tight, but at least it’s there.
I slink my way forward, careful not to touch anyone. Opla and Nash traipse behind me, guards surrounding us. I hope Inkga i
s coming, but I don’t glance back and show the weakness of wanting a certain person by me.
As we come to the inn, a man stands to one side of the door, a woman beside him. The rest of the crowd moves out of the way of my guards, but those two stay in place. They’re both round, with green tunics on. They’re about the same height—a little taller than me. The woman scowls at me, but the man grins ear to ear.
When we reach them, the man says, “Welcome to the Boar’s Inn. It’s a pleasure to serve you, my lady. Your rooms are ready and we've drawn baths in all of them. Please, feel free freshen up and then we will have a celebration of your arrival.”
“Thank you.” My mouth is tired of saying that. I’ll probably have to keep saying it as long as I’m traveling. I’d much rather have reason to pull my daggers out. Even Daros would be a welcome relief. Not really, everything just feels different than I'm used to. Did he follow us out here once he learned of my coming, or is he waiting like a tiger to spring on Indell while I’m gone?
There’s no reason to fret. Jem and Wilric will take good care of the place while I am gone. I trust them. They’ve earned at least that much.
The inn is what I anticipated—lots dull brown wood, tables surrounded by chairs all over the ground floor, and a staircase up the side. The only thing missing is customers, but that’s because I’m here.
The innkeeper and who I assume is his wife lead the way up the stairs. We pass by several doors. When we come to one in the middle of the hallway, the innkeeper pulls out a key and unlocks it.
“This is your room, Your Majesty,” the innkeeper says.
He hands the key to Inkga, who appeared out of nowhere. Julina scouts out the room before motioning us inside.
I can feel Nash’s gaze on my back, but I don’t turn and acknowledge him. As much as I want to, I can’t.
There’s a sense of relief that comes with the door closing. The only ones I have to perform for are Julina and Inkga, and the two of them are hardly a concern. I plop down on the nearest chair, wishing I didn’t change into a dress before we got here. Inkga insisted it would look better if I didn’t arrive in my traveling clothes, but it’s so much more restrictive than a good pair of pants.
