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“They left just as the sun was rising. Did they not inform you?”

Suddenly, the cool morning air felt like a frigid slap to the face. “They won’t know the way back,” I said, not trying to pretend that I’d known their plan.

“The girl said as much, which is why we sent one of our very best scouts along with them. Tio is a good lad. He’ll make sure they get back safe.”

I found it hard to school my features into neutrality, grateful for the mask that covered my struggle. A rising feeling in my chest demanded I catch up to them, but it would take time to prepare to leave, and with my horse not likely to speed after them, I had to accept that she’d gone.

“I’m sure you have much to get back to, but please, have something to eat before you go. Alba makes the best breakfast baked goods.”

The woman from yesterday strode up to the firepit, a basket full of the goods Radhak had just described as if she’d been summoned by the wind’s whisper. She went about distributing them, handing me something admittedly delicious looking.

“Thank you,” I said, resenting each second I let pass that increased the distance between me and Nora.

“Don’t fret, dear. I also had the girls take some for their trip.” She patted my arm and then returned to her pastry distribution.

I was glad Nora had something to eat other than apples for her trip back. Her stomach would probably be more settled now, considering Melody was safe.

Ricks had actually selected Melody as a front runner for queen. He’d never pick Nora, despite her being my first dance at the ball, and the fact that I couldn’t take my eyes off her. His idea of a future queen was how mine used to be, before Nora suggested something different that altered my entire perception of ruling.

I’d have a harder time believing the badass fighter I’d felt so drawn to was Nora all along if it didn’t make so much damn sense. She was mesmerizing, in a head to toe concealing getup or pretty blue gown. Even in that shabby matching shirt and pants number she wore to the first luncheon.

And especially wrapped around my cock.

Oh gods, now I could pair that erotic memory with her stunning beauty and fiery personality. I cleared my throat and inconspicuously tugged my pants to the side. Luckily, no one seemed to be paying attention to the man dressed fully in black.

I kept the pastry in my grasp, not willing to remove my mask in front of Radhak’s men, even though some cool air would be nice right about now. Finding Ravinder and setting out as soon as possible was my next course of action when something glistened between the twirling fingertips of one of the men at the firepit.

My vision snagged on it, thinking I must be imagining something that wasn’t there. Still, I found myself unable to ignore it as I walked up to the man. “What’s that?” I gestured to the silver in his hand.

“It was mingling with the weapons. Finders keepers, I’d say. It’s not from either kingdom, I don’t think,” he said, studying the coin in his hand.

“No, it’s not.” My teeth ground together. I set off with rage stirring under my skin.

This golden mare full-on refused any instruction to pick up the pace, and every leisurely step was an insult, adding salt to the wound of my boiling anger.

“Some have a mind of their own. No matter how hard you try to break them, they’ll always remind you breaking is their choice. And they chose not to.” Ravinder chuckled at my difficulty with the stubborn horse.

Though I would have preferred to struggle with this horse in private, Radhak insisted his brother served as an escort. Ravinder assured me it was his honor to serve. He was the only other person at that camp to know of my true identity.

The reins remained tight in my gloves. I’d have to submit to the will of this damned horse, this female with a mind of her own.

Seemed pretty on theme for me lately.

As the hours went on, I didn’t care much about making conversation. Ravinder adjusted to the silence just fine.

I wanted to be mad at Nora. For leaving, for pulling back from me. For not trusting the things I’d shared with her in the cover of night without the looming presence of my mantle.

Craning my head back, I looked toward the clear sky. Spring had made her debut, the promise of new life, melting all things that weighed so heavily like winter’s thick snow. Nagging thoughts kept asking, what if that promise never came? What if frozen ground had become too impenetrable to soften?

No, I shook those thoughts away. The sun would win out, it had to…

“How far from the outskirts will you be heading in on foot?” Ravinder asked after a couple more hours of companionable silence.

“About a mile out.” A change of clothes courtesy of Radhak was tucked in a pack attached to the mare’s saddle. Best that I return promptly to the castle, and chances were we’d arrive before the sun had set.

Being myself would make it easier to stroll through the gates. For anyone who’d ask, I merely went out on a walk.

“I won’t forget the kindness you and your brother have shown me,” I said as we were concluding the final leg of our journey together.