Jalomar shrugged. "Perhaps your predecessors were mistaken when they cast aside your obviously wiser forefathers' model."
She couldn’t help but snort. "What do you know about it anyway? You run a dictatorship here. Of course you'd be inclined to say democracy sucked."
He grinned. "Does that mean you want to overthrow me? I might be inclined to let you try…from beneath me." He stood and stretched. His muscular frame bulged against the thin fabric of his tunic, accentuated by the flickering candle light of the room.
Her pulse beat a little bit faster. It hadn’t even been a full day since their last passionate encounter in the very room they now occupied, and her body was already humming to feel his touch again. She remembered Megan once declaring good sex was like a drug. With the way her hormones were racing through her right now, she was on the verge of becoming intoxicated. “I suppose this society works for now,” she begrudgingly admitted.
“As long as people like Labelle and Sandread never ascend the throne, humanity will prevail.”
Ever since Clarissa Steele’s admission of killing Meg, Ramona had put Sandread from her mind. She’d gotten her revenge by lighting the bitch up and watching Lacaux stomp her brains out, acquitting the bad, albeit not totally evil, bastard brother. “He’s really not so bad.”
Jalomar threw his arms up. “A few weeks days ago, you were ready to let him hang. Is there something between you two that I do not understand?”
“Nothing. At least not on my end. I swear. I just think he’s misunderstood. Why can you two not get along?”
“Because he is allies with Labelle! Do you not understand who, what Labelle is?”
“Yes, I understand who Labelle is. I also understand that a house divided cannot win, and both sides lose.”
He crossed the library to where she stood with three strides, and towered above her, forcing her to crank her neck to maintain eye contact. “Oh? Do tell me more of your world’s politics, milady. It seems you’re a natural peace advisor.”
She crossed her arms. So much for getting along. It was only a matter of time before they clashed again. “I’m just saying violence doesn’t fix everything. Especially when family is involved. Why don’t you scrounge those books you so love and discover Abraham Lincoln? You could learn a thing or two about civil wars.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “There is nothing civil in this war, Ramona. You’re naive to believe so.”
She clicked her tongue and shook her head. Really? She turned to walk away, not even bothering to lash back at him with wasted sarcasm.
He captured her wrist. "There you go running off again the minute we disagree. Why?”
“I prefer to avoid the fight.”
“Why must we fight? It’s merely a difference in opinion, milady. Do you really think I am so barbarous that I would deny you an opinion?”
“You do have a habit of being less than understanding sometimes.”
He released her wrist and chuckled. “Explain so, my petite.”
“Well, like the whole Vespa thing. Remember? You dragged me to the middle of the forest against my will. Oh, and made me ride a horse when I was afraid.”
He shrugged. “I did it for your best interest. You gained proof of your destiny and got over your fear of riding. I believe that means it worked out well.”
“See what I mean? You think you always know best.”
“I usually do.”
“Of course you do, milord.” She performed a dramatic bow. “I humbly accept your superior knowledge as true gospel.”
He lifted his nose into the air and looked down on her with narrowed eyes. “It would be in your best interest to do so.”
She laughed so hard, her sides hurt. “You know what’s good for you? Getting me out of here before I go stir-crazy. Wanna go for a walk or something? I’ve been meaning to ask you about visiting the Great Crater. I only saw it momentarily and would love to study it. Ya know, without being on the run from you or your brother.”
He swept her up into his arms. “As I’ve said before. Anything milady desires. I shall have Gressy prepare a day’s worth of food upon the morning, while I make other arrangements.” He tossed a glance toward his desk. “Those reports will still be there tomorrow evening.”
She squealed when he headed for the door with her still cradled against him, wearing a telltale grin. “But first, I have other needs that need to be sated before then.”
Jalomar gently shook Ramona awake at the butt crack of dawn. “It’s time to wake up, sleepy. I’ve made arrangements with Miori to care for the children. If you want a full day of exploration, we need to leave soon.”
The smell of freshly baked bread filled the room and teased Ramona’s nose. She yawned as she sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. A lazy smile curled her lips when she spotted the picnic basket on the nightstand beside the bed. “I say we just eat it all now.”
Jalomar chuckled. “I would be lying if I said I hadn’t considered it. I had Greselda garner you some decent clothing for the outing.”
She raised a questioning brow. “It better not be a dress.”
“Of course not, milady. Why ever would a woman be caught in one of those dreadful contraptions. A woman such as yourself deserves nothing but the manliest trousers available!”
She threw one of the several pillows from the bed at him. “You’re an ass. You know that?”
He winked at her. “So I have been told before. Now be dressed, woman. Before you tempt me to cancel our trek and remain abed all day. I shall return for you shortly.” He left her to her privacy.
Ramona tossed the blankets aside and reluctantly left the warmth of the bed. After a satisfying morning pee, she dressed in a hurry, stealing bites of bread from the basket as she did. A heavy cloak and thick soled boots completed her ensemble. She lifted her foot and gave it a little wiggle under the weight of the heavy leather. Definitely not my flip-flops.
Jalomar returned. He extended a gentlemanly arm and smiled when he saw she was ready. “Shall we?”
Arm in arm, they made their way through the castle, passing several whispering and giggling maids along the winding corridors. Jalomar grunted. “It seems we are the talk of the castle.”
Ramona laughed. “It’s not the first time this week. Be lucky you’ve never experienced high school.”
Greselda met them at the front hall. “I expect to see you two return in the same manner you’re leaving.”
Jalomar acknowledged the matron with curt nod and mischievous grin. “I shall do my best to thwart the lady’s wicked advances and return home as honorable as I left, milady.”
Greselda and Ramona both rolled their eyes. “Whateves,” Ramona said as she followed Jalomar out into the courtyard. “I promise to keep him safe!” she yelled over her shoulder.
It was a matter of securing the basket to Lacaux’s saddle, and giving Ramona a boost onto her own brown mare, before they were trotting out of Dilseacht’s gates due east, where the Great Crater burrowed into the Earth less than three miles away. They reached their destination faster than Ramona expected. After retrieving their supplies from the horses, Ramona prepared their campsite while Jalomar guided their mounts to a nearby drink hole.
The serenity of the scene engulfed her as she sat upon the blanket Greselda had generously packed inside the food basket. The smell of natural fresh air had yet to grow stale to her nose. If she had to pick one thing in this new world as her favorite, it would be the clean air free of her world’s pollution. She stared into the blue sky, admiring the clearness of the atmosphere. Everything was so peaceful, undisturbed by the people of her generation who would gladly bulldoze this forest down and erect a shopping mall. Or build a tourist plaza around the crater. She inhaled deeply and smiled. For the first time since her arrival, she realized she didn’t miss her era anymore. Not in the least.
The thick bushes behind her rustled. “Are you trying to sneak up on me, Lord Jalomar?” Something bumped up against
her back, followed by a fierce, low pitched growl. She slowly turned her head, coming face to face with a salivating wild dog. Oh holy rabies. Every part of her wanted to run into the trees screaming for Jalomar, but common sense—or maybe terror—kept her rooted in place. She swallowed a whimper when another dog appeared on the other side and sniffed at her.
“Nice doggies,” she managed to squeak out. “Why don’t you guys go find a tree to pee on while I conjure a nice little fireball?” She cautiously raised her hands, summoning a Ping-Pong sized ball of fire between her palms. Both canines growled their disapproval loudly. One of them nipped at her arm, its fangs piercing her flesh even through the layers of clothing. Crimson seeped through the small holes as pain shot through her arm. It was only a warning; tears streamed down her cheeks at the thought of a real bite. “Please, please…. don’t kill me,” she cried.
Both dogs lunged.
Chapter Thirty-three
Jalomar tethered their mounts to the tree nearest the watering spring, leaving enough slack in the rope to guarantee an easy reach as the horses drank. He stroked Lacaux’s dark mane, paying extra attention to the spot behind his ears. “Make sure you watch over the little mare.” Lacaux snorted and shook his head in understanding. “Good boy.”
Satisfied the horses would graze comfortably, Jalomar lifted his saddlebag from Lacaux and pushed his way through the knee-high vegetation toward where he instructed Ramona to set up camp. He couldn’t wait to get her alone. After a restless night of sleep and constant nagging thoughts regarding he and Ramona’s relationship, Jalomar reached the ultimate decision. One that was a longtime coming. She would become his wife. Their expedition today would be a proper setting for his announcement. The Great Crater had ended her world and brought her to his, and now it would signify a new beginning for them both.
Jalomar absentmindedly felt the outside of the saddlebag for the bulgy box containing his mother’s ring. He smiled when he wrapped his palm around it. Aye. Today would be a day to remember—but first thing first—getting Ramona to accept his proposal. He chuckled as he thought about her upcoming reaction. He’d spent all night anticipating all the questions and reasons she would say nay…at first.
Ramona was more than a carefree spirit. Aye, she was stubborn as a mule and as mean as a bee when swatted at, but she was also the epitome of goodness. Despite her jagged outer edges, she represented more than a light at the end of a dark tunnel in an even darker era. She was the Maiden of Fire, a warrior soul sent to save all of mankind in its darkest hours. But in truth, it was him she had saved, and that is exactly what he planned to tell her. Her arrival—nay, her very being— had shown him there was so much more to life than duty and obligation. He shuddered as he recalled the visions bestowed upon him by the Vespa. Ramona was fated to die, and it was his duty to fulfil her destiny. In the words of his wise, but oh so vulgar intended, fuck it. This prophesy shit wasn’t happening. Not at the cost of Ramona’s life. He would find another way.
For the first time in his dutiful existence, he was prepared to go after what he desired, and not what was required.
The foliage thinned as he neared the beaten path leading to the crater. Ramona’s shrieks carried on the wind. By the Vespa. What has she started on fire now? He chuckled and increased his pace to a light jog. Thank the stars she was immune to her own flames.
His chest constricted as he cleared the brush and came to a dead stop. Two coyotes trapped Ramona between them. The larger of the two clamped down on her arm. Blood bubbled to the surface and trickled down her arm like a stream of crimson veins. Her screams rent the air, striking his heart with fear.
Jalomar unsheathed his sword and threw his head back; a war cry reverberated deep in his chest and tore from his lips as he charged the mangy beasts. His sudden appearance forced them to release Ramona and crouch low in defense. Both coyotes bared their teeth, their energy focused on the new threat. He spared a glance toward Ramona. She held her wounded arm to her chest and slowly backed away, wild-eyed and shaking.
The two feral canines continued to approach, their growls rising in pitch as they closed in from either side. He waved his sword threateningly to keep their attention. “Run, Ramona!”
Her bottom lip trembled as she stared stupidly at Jalomar, her gaze bouncing between him and the coyotes. He couldn’t concentrate with her so close to the danger. “Dammit, woman! Run!”
“Where am I supposed to go?” she cried.
“Follow the trail due west. I will find you. Now go!”
He focused his attention back on the advancing coyotes. The rustling of leaves and broken twigs crunching beneath booted feet, followed by a final sob, told him Ramona had retreated into the safety of the trees. Jalomar lunged for the larger male beast, plunging his sword straight through its head. It never had the chance to yelp.
Spurred by anger for his fallen companion, the second coyote pounced, aiming his saliva dripping fangs for Jalomar’s throat. Jalomar managed to turn before the vicious animal’s teeth could connect with the soft tissue of his neck, but lost his balance against the impact of the coyote’s weight. Both man and beast tumbled to the ground. Jalomar’s sword flew out of his hand, landing just out of reach. He wrestled with the coyote for dominance, ultimately using his size as an advantage to straddle it. He then unsheathed the hidden dagger in his boot and plunged it through the creature’s heart. For several long moments after the coyote went limp, Jalomar lie upon the ground gasping as he tried to catch his breath. The respite was short lived as ear-piercing howls in the near distance urged him to his feet. “Ramona!”
Ten steps into the forest, her bravery waned. Ramona heard the yipping and howling of nearby dogs, which she soon realized were coyotes. Having lived in a city her entire life, she never expected to see such a fierce beast up close, much less almost become one’s lunch. Their shrill cries closed in, no doubt smelling the blood trail from her open wounds. She ripped a chunk of her tunic off and wrapped her arm, hoping it would at least slow the bleeding down and reduce the fresh-meat-come-and-eat-me aroma she surely broadcasted.
The howls came from every direction, except toward the Great Crater. The coyotes no doubt lined the trees, waiting for her to wander into their territory. Jalomar had told her to go west, but she had no choice but to head toward the crater, and stay out in the open where there was little chance of ambush. She tore away several more chunks of fabric from the hem of her tunic and began dropping pieces as she walked. Leaving a trail would guarantee Jalomar found her sooner rather than later. Another terror inducing howl went off, and Ramona made a mad dash for the crater.
Ramona ran until every muscle burned from exertion and her lungs felt like they were going to implode from lack of air. When she finally came to a stop, she collapsed to the charred ground, stirring up a cloud of dust to complicate her breathing. She scanned the horizon in all directions, only able to see blackened Earth. She assumed she’d reached the middle, or close to it. A quick look at her wrist reminded her she’d left her watch on Jalomar’s nightstand. It wasn't like telling the exact time was important anymore; everything was governed by the position of the sun. Not that it mattered anyway. She wasn’t moving until Jalomar found her. She stretched her legs and settled in for the wait. If anything, she’d have a few hours of rest.
Sandread couldn’t believe his luck when he stumbled upon the maiden and her protector. Jalomar had left her unattended while he took care of the horses, leaving the perfect opening to steal a few minutes alone with her. However, his plans were interrupted as two lurking coyotes crept out from beneath a nearby pile of brush. He’d withdrawn his sword, preparing to rescue Ramona when Jalomar rushed in, distracting the wild dogs and giving her the chance to run away. He watched as she escaped toward the Great Crater. After realizing Jalomar would prevail against the beasts, Sandread followed Ramona’s tracks and breadcrumbs, picking them up and hiding her footprints with foliage. He then created a false trial leading west. Deep laughter rumbled from
deep in his chest as his ruse worked, and he watched a bloody and torn Jalomar speed off into the woodlands on foot, following the false trail. Now to make sure Jalomar had a long walk ahead of him.
Sandread strolled across the cozy little picnic he watched Ramona lay out, stopping to snag a partially warm muffin from the basket on his way to the waterhole where the horses were tied. He untethered Jalomar’s prized mount and gave the magnificent midnight stallion a swat on the rump, sending it sprinting off back toward Dilseacht. Taking the nervous brown mare by the reins, he guided her behind him and tied her leather reins to his own horse’s saddle before mounting. Seconds from emerging from the greenery at the crater’s edge, he spotted bright red locks glistening in the sunlight. Ramona stumbled toward the cover of the trees. Sweat covered her flushed and dirt smeared face.
“Jalomar! Jalo!” she yelled as she pushed the thick brush aside.
He reined his horse to a stop; the mare neighed anxiously, alerting the maiden to his presence.
Sandread expected her to bolt. Instead, her gaze fell to the ground as her shoulders slumped in defeat. “Whatever,” she mumbled.
He momentarily faltered in thought, but quickly regathered his wits and unmounted. Digging through his saddlebag, he located his water canteen and handed it to her.
Her lips quivered. “I don’t want anything from you.”
It took all of Sandread’s willpower to refrain from sweeping her up and carrying her off into the shade of the trees behind them. “Of course you don’t,” he agreed with a smirk. “But you do need it. Drink, Ramona. Pride will not keep you alive to continue vexing me.”
She scrutinized the container before twisting the lid open and drinking greedily. “I’ll thank you later—after I’m sure you didn’t poison or drug me.” She handed him the flask back.
Maiden of Fire Page 19
