Page 108

“Are you certain?” he heard himself ask, though he wondered if he was still connected to his body.

Tarley squeezed his hand, bringing him back to earth.

He squeezed hers back. “I need a horse.” He couldn’t rein in his thoughts. He was a bundle of emotion. First Tarley and her love. Now his people. Ollie!

“Why is there an Ollie Berkman waiting at The Copper Pot?” Tomas asked. He was scowling, the family’s faces varying between shock, trepidation, and mistrust.

Lachlan opened his mouth, but Tarley stepped forward, between them. “I lied.”

“We lied,” Lachlan said, drawing her back to his side. “We thought it would be best.”

“Why would it ever be best to lie?” Mattias asked.

“Someone tried to kill him,” Tarley said. “Like the queen.” She paused, glanced at Lachlan before adding, “So it seemed like the right thing to do—to protect him.”

“We?”

“Us. The queen.”

Her family looked at one another, and Scarlett asked, “The queen knows? What is the truth? Who are you?”

“Lachlan Nikolas, Mrs. Fareview,” he admitted, dipping his head toward her.

Brinna squealed, “The Crown Prince of Jast?”

Nixus snorted. “Is that all?”

“Nix.” Auri bumped against him.

Lachlan looked at Tarley. “You did say Brinna would be excited.”

“See?” Tarley grinned.

“I don’t see how this is funny,” Scarlett snapped, facing Tarley. “You knew this whole time?”

Tarley nodded, gripping Lachlan’s hand tightly. “There’s more to tell you–”

“More?” Tomas asked.

Lachlan cleared his throat. As much as he wanted to tell them, to reveal the wonderful news, he knew he was needed immediately. “I need to get back to the inn as quickly as possible. There’s so much to say.” He looked at Tarley, hoping she’d understand his duty. “And–”

“The queen.” Tarley nodded.

“Take Ferdi,” Mattias offered, holding out the reins to the gelding.

Lachlan took them. “Thank you, Mattias.”

Tarley stepped back, toward her family. “I’ll be right behind you. I can tell them.”

Lachlan hesitated, not wanting to be apart from her for that announcement. Needing her with him because he didn’t know what he was riding toward at the inn. He stepped toward Tarley, wanting to grab hold of her and keep her with him but also aware he needed to honor her needs in addition to his own.

She seemed to sense his indecision. “Do you need me with you?”

“I’d like you with me,” he said.

Brinna audibly sighed behind them.

“We should tell them,” Tarley said, stepping closer.