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“You should go see a healer, if they have one.” I didn’t want to reveal how badly I cared that he was alright. After seeing him take that hit on the ship…

“I’ll be fine.” He blew it off, casually glancing into the distance.

“Hey, what did you whisper to that guy before you tossed him over the edge? I didn’t expect him to give up information that readily.”

He firmed up his stance on his feet. “I might have promised him something I didn’t plan on delivering.”

“Which was?”

“I think we all knew he’d never walk on that foot again after you sliced the tendon at his heel. I promised I’d heal him if he told me where to find your sister.”

I released a single, breathy laugh. “I’m not sure even your castle healers could have done that. His fault for believing you.”

He hummed in agreement. A moment passed. “I’m glad we got her back. I wouldn’t have left until we did. I would have camped by that river for a week.”

I swallowed the emotions building in my throat. He would, everything in me knew he meant it. Part of me still held that trust we’d developed over these few weeks, which made this situation all the more painful.

“I need to speak to Ro, to help get Melody settled,” I lied.

“I’ll go find her and send her back to your tent. You stay here with her.”

I nodded, dropping my gaze to my feet, kicking at the grass silvered by starlight.

He hesitated, but said, “Goodnight, Nora.”

I couldn’t look back up at him. He’d see my emotions betraying me at the sound of my name on his lips. Instead, I whispered, “Goodnight, Nick.” and returned to the tent.

45

Nicholas

Iawoke, my back extremely stiff from sleeping on the cold ground. Ravinder had been kind enough to allow me the protection of his tent, but we’d agreed that we weren’t close enough to share a bed.

His cot was empty, a testament to his stealth and training to have left me undisturbed. I took up most of the gods damned floor space here. An unintentional groan escaped me as I sat up. The smell coming off of me was the second blow. Going on day two in these clothes lined with leathers did me no favors. Maybe I’d get lucky and have time to bathe before we departed.

The morning sun filtered through the lightly swaying leaves, many already risen for the day going about their chores. A calm had settled over the world. I was still adjusting to Ella being Nora, and her knowing my identity.

Something seemed to shift, though, after we’d settled here. And now that her sister was safe and we could return home, I had no idea how to picture our relationship going forward.

My heart told me there’d still be one, and I held onto that.

Despite many being awake, everyone kept their morning tasks fairly quieted, knowing others still slept. The sun had probably been up for an hour, and even though I hadn’t been able to sleep much last night, I aimed to procure some breakfast for the three of us before our return trip home.

I walked to Radhak’s tent to find a group of the men from last night’s rescue gathered around the open firepit in front. One of the open trunks held weapons, just as I’d said. Obviously, we hadn’t prevented the kidnappers from collecting all of their cargo the other night, but it boded in my favor since I used their promise as a bargaining chip.

I joined their quieted revelry. “Fine craftsmanship, aren’t they?” I clapped a hand on Radhak’s shoulder before crossing my arms in shared assessment.

He turned to me with a smile, the cup of coffee in his hand sending the decadent aroma swirling through the air. “Fine, indeed. And just as you said. I’d keep these if they weren’t iron, but I’m sure your steel ones are equally formidable.” He clapped a hand on my back. “Will you be taking the day to rest?”

“No, thank you. I fear I’ve overstayed my welcome already.”

He chuckled over his brew. “A day of your company for a fishing ship? Close call, but I’ll say it was worth it. We’ve pulled it from the water and tucked it into the trees for now. Can’t make out the ship’s name, looks like it’s been scratched off. But from the letters that remain visible, I’m thankful for your donation of Te Ack Arlin.” He gave me a sly smirk. “I’m thinking about keeping the name. Sounds rather regal.” He clapped my shoulder. “I’ll have Ravinder show you to the horse you’ll be taking back with you. She’s a good mare, not very skittish, but she doesn’t like to travel too fast, so bear that in mind.”

“Thank you. I’m sure Melody will appreciate a gentle ride. I know N-Ella will.” Clearing my throat, I massaged my neck as though still warming up for the day to excuse the near slip.

“Oh, no, the mare is for you.”

I froze, furrowing my brow.