Page 27 of Anwen of Primewood (The Eldentimber #2)

M y heart races—as much from Galinor’s nearness as his words.

He doesn’t seem to notice the way he affects me, and he only smiles before telling the driver we’re ready. Here in Triblue, where all the colors are amplified, his eyes shouldn’t be so startling.

But they are.

We drive through the city, and I take in the sights with shameful exuberance. There’s so much to see.

I can’t tell if there’s always this much hustle and bustle in the streets, or if the villagers are knee-deep in festival preparations.

Our driver moves slowly because of the foot traffic.

People dart this way and that, and children run across the street.

Everywhere, someone is calling a greeting to someone else.

It’s mesmerizing.

Galinor laughs, gently tugging me into my seat. “You’re going to fall out of the carriage.”

I hadn’t realized I was leaning so far over the side, but now I sit back, feeling foolish. “There’s so much going on. It’s entirely different from Primewood.”

“And Glendon,” Galinor agrees.

We pass the western pier, and when it seems we’re leaving Saltwreath altogether, I ask Galinor again where we’re going.

He sits back, stretching his legs in front of him. “I told you, it’s a surprise.”

Feeling brave, I nudge him with my shoulder. “You said you’ve never explored Triblue.”

“I haven’t, but Dristan mentioned something I think you might like.”

The suspense is killing me. I’ve never been good with surprises or secrets, and I can barely contain myself. I glance at Galinor, wondering if I can coax a hint out of him. He must read my thoughts, because he gives me a cocky grin and raises an eyebrow as if daring me to try.

I inhale softly. The change in him is remarkable. Just over a month ago, he was sullen, but now he’s open and happy and completely at ease. Apparently dining with fairies, traveling amongst the troupes, and being tossed out of a kingdom was all that was needed to raise his spirits.

This beautiful sunshine can’t hurt either.

Galinor tilts his head to the side. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Under that confident exterior, I think he might be as nervous as I am.

He smiles, waiting for my answer. My mind travels from thoughts of his smile to thoughts of soft kisses, and from soft kisses to soft embraces, and before I know it, I’ve flustered myself into forgetting what he said. I shake my head, acting as if I didn’t hear him properly.

“I asked why you are looking at me like that.”

Because I want you to kiss me, you beautiful idiot. Now. What are you waiting for?

I tap his chest, hoping to change the subject. “You’re better suited to tunics than vests and scarves.”

He laughs. “I wholeheartedly agree.”

“Are you glad you came with us?” I blurt out. The question takes Galinor by surprise, and I quickly add, “Forgetting about the parts where we traveled across the kingdoms in a wild goose chase and where we were kicked out of Lenrook in the middle of the night.”

“And when you were shot?”

“Most certainly forgetting when I was shot—but other than all that?”

“And the parts where I was forced to dress as a street performer against my will?”

I give him a wry look. “I didn’t force you.”

“You cut my tunic apart.”

“It wasn’t a bad look for you.” Heat swiftly returns to my cheeks, and I bite my lip as I look away.

Galinor leans close, and I wonder if it’s so our driver won’t overhear what he’s about to say. “You’re blushing.”

He smells good, too. The soap he used to bathe with before our outing must have been scented with citrus oils because he smells like ternfruit and tangerines.

“You realize that if you take that all away, you’ve discounted our entire trip,” he teases, bringing me back from my wandering thoughts .

I shake my head to argue, and then realize that, yes, he is correct.

“All right,” I say, preparing to amend my original question. “Are you glad you came with us despite all of that?”

“I am. Who knows what trouble you would have gotten into if I hadn’t been here.”

I give him a solemn nod. “I told you.”

He’s about to say something else, but the carriage stops, and the driver announces our arrival. We’ve reached the eastern pier. I look at Galinor in question. The area is all hustle, bustle, and excitement, but it wasn’t where I expected Galinor to bring me.

I accept his hand as he helps me down from the carriage. A little thrill passes through me when he doesn’t drop it once I’m on the ground.

Happy to make our way through the crowds with my hand in his, I follow him without question. Galinor passes the docked vessels, and he appears to be looking for something in particular.

He stops in front of a small sailing ship and nods to the captain. “Are you Jacques?”

The man looks over and acknowledges Galinor with a wave. He makes his way around boxes and coils of rope, and then he joins us on the pier.

“I was told by Prince Dristan that you would sail us to Isle Merrily.”

Sail?

It’s not lost on Jacques that Galinor has dropped Dristan’s name quite intentionally.

“You a friend of the prince?” the man asks .

“That’s right. I’ll pay you an extra gold piece if we can leave within the hour.”

Jacques scratches his chin, thinking it over. “I’ll take you, but it’s already late in the day, and I won’t be on that island after dusk. If you aren’t back by sunset, I’ll leave you.”

I’m startled by the captain’s words, but Galinor takes it in stride and agrees. Before I’ve had a chance to ask Galinor where exactly it is we’re going, we’ve set sail. Once we’re on the water, our destination no longer seems important.

I keep my eyes open for pods of dolphins, but what I would really love to see is one of the whales Dristan spoke of. Galinor joins me by the railing, and we stand together in comfortable silence.

“I’ve never been on the ocean,” Galinor says after several quiet moments. “It’s so vast.”

There’s a small island not too far in front of us, but around it, the sea stretches like it’s never-ending.

“I never tire of it,” I answer.

We stand so close my shoulders touch his arms, and we stay this way until we reach the tiny island.

Jacques docks the ship, and Galinor helps me onto the wooden planks.

The firm ground feels odd under my feet, and I hope my balance returns soon.

I would hate to ruin this gown by falling in the water.

“Remember,” Jacques says. “If you don’t return by sunset, I’ll leave you.”

Galinor nods, takes me by the elbow, and guides me off the dock and onto the white shore .

“He’s said that twice now.” I look around, feeling vaguely uneasy. “What’s out here?”

“Dristan mentioned it.” Galinor gives me a smile, and we continue to follow the beach. “It’s not what’s on the island—it’s the rocks we passed on the way here. They’re hard to spot at night and dangerous to sail around.”

That isn’t nearly as ominous as I imagined.

Feeling a little more at ease, I look around. The island is lush, and there are even more vibrant flowers blooming here than in Triblue. Tropical birds call to us from the trees, and a brave one flits forward to say hello.

I motion at the scenery. “This is lovely.”

“It is,” Galinor agrees. “But that’s not why I’ve brought you here.”

I raise my eyebrows, waiting for him to elaborate. Instead, he leads me down the shore. We’ve walked far enough the ship is well behind us now and no longer in view.

Galinor’s hand moves from my elbow to the small of my back. He points ahead and whispers, “There.”

I look up, and my hand rises to my chest. Over a dozen dazzlingly white horses dance in the spray of the sea. They run in and out of the waves, tossing their manes as they call to each other.

“They’re called Altiers, and they are native to the island,” Galinor informs me, obviously pleased with my reaction. “According to Dristan, there are none like them in the known kingdoms.”

If they weren’t so large, and obviously hornless, I would swear they were unicorns. Their perfection is unparalleled .

“Bran and Dristan’s horses looked just like these,” I whisper.

Galinor nods. “They are almost impossible to break. Only the royal family in Triblue may claim them, and they are captured as foals.”

“Do you think I could approach them?” I take a few steps forward, wondering if I dare.

“You’ve enchanted a glasseln, Anwen. I think you have a fair chance with a horse.”

I scowl at him. “I didn’t enchant Pika, Galinor. I’ve never enchanted anything.”

He offers me a lopsided grin. “You’ve enchanted me.”

My heart slams in my chest even though I know he’s only teasing. I forget any desire I had to see the horses—I barely remember they exist. In my mind, now would be the perfect time for Galinor to take me into his arms.

Oblivious, he steps toward the Altiers and motions me on. I study him for a moment and then brush past him with a sigh, mildly irritated.

But the horses are remarkable, and I quickly forget my frustration.

They look up when I whistle at them. Though hesitant, they are curious.

It doesn’t take long to coax them to me.

I laugh, stroking a silky mane, and look at Galinor, delighted.

He stands a fair distance away, not wanting to spook them.

His deep blue eyes crinkle as he smiles.

I glance toward the horizon, realizing the hour is growing late. The sun is already sinking, turning the clouds gold and the sky pink. I don’t want to leave yet, but we don’t have a choice. Jacques seemed sincere when he said he’d leave us if we were late .

Wishing I had more time, I pull myself from the herd.

“Dristan and Bran would do well to keep you around,” Galinor says when I return to him. He motions to the horses. “They’re already besotted with you.”

I steal one last glance over my shoulder. “They’re beautiful, Galinor. Thank you for bringing me today.”

Feeling brave, I brush my hand next to his. I hold my breath, waiting to see if he will mistake it for an accident and not the invitation it is. I look at the ocean and bite back my grin when his fingers twine through mine.

He pauses and then turns toward me. “Anwen?”

“Yes?” I step forward. My heart races almost as quickly as the sun sets.

His eyes are on me, and he looks as if he’s struggling with something. Finally, his gaze drifts to the horizon. “We need to hurry or we won’t be back to the ship in time.”

I nod. “Right.”

He doesn’t move…and neither do I.

The sunset, the golden ocean water—it feels like we’re in our own world, and though I know the ship is waiting on the other side of the cove, I can almost imagine this island is ours alone.

“Galinor,” I whisper.

The feelings churning in me are indescribable. Galinor is so perfect—and not just because he’s absurdly handsome. He’s kind and generous, and he’s come all this way just to help me.

But the sun has almost set.

I laugh, nervous. “I suppose we should go. ”

What might be disappointment passes over his face, but he smiles. “Jacques will leave us if we’re not careful.”

I shiver. Despite Galinor’s reassurances, I still feel the captain’s warnings were a little ominous.

“How’s your leg?” he asks, motioning to the one that was shot.

“It aches a little, but it’s not horrible,” I admit. “I’m not used to walking in sand.”

He takes my arm, pulling me close to his side. “I’ll help you.”

We hurry back around the island, and with growing dread, I acknowledge we tarried too long. The sky is on fire now, and the sun just peeks out of the sea.

“We need to hurry,” Galinor urges.

I try to pick up my pace, but it’s nearly impossible to keep up with Galinor’s much longer legs. My foot catches in the sand, and I stumble forward. Before I can right myself, Galinor leans down and scoops me into his arms.

Oh, this is nice.

I wrap my hands around his neck, and he continues down the beach, much faster now that he’s not waiting for me. We turn past the last tree-lined cove, and the dock finally comes into view. Directly above us, the sky is velvet indigo, and the horizon has morphed to a fading red.

The ship is nothing more than a silhouette far out at sea.