Page 58 of The Throne Seeker (Vallorian #1)

F ollowing Rose’s conversation with her mother, she went to the stables, saddling her horse at lightning speed. She fought her trembling hands as she fastened the clasps, managing to stave off any and all emotion by keeping her hands busy.

It was the fastest she’d ever ridden as she let the wind carry her, wishing it could transport her to another time—hell, maybe another universe. Let it carry her high enough that she wouldn’t have to feel like this. Anything but this.

When she arrived at the small clearing where she and Zareb used to spar, she dismounted her horse and tied the beast by the small stream to let it drink, patting its white mane in thanks.

She uncovered her sword from its hiding spot amongst the leaves.

She wielded it like a wild storm, confronting a thick, towering oak tree that had become her new fighting companion.

With vigorous strikes, she slashed at it, releasing all the pent-up anger and frustration in a fury of swings while sweat dripped from her bow.

She was so focused, she didn’t hear someone coming up from behind until a twig snapped.

Not missing a beat, she whipped around and poised her sword at her attacker. Roman.

He immediately raised his hands, letting her know he had come in peace. His gaze fell to her sword, then back up to her. They stayed like that for a moment, with only her heavy breathing filling the silence.

Finally, she lowered her sword, ready for his scolding. Surely he’d come here to shame her, to be angry with her for thinking she was capable of wielding such a weapon, to lecture her on how dangerous it was.

Instead, he slowly lifted his arm, reaching for the hilt of the sword strapped to his back, drawing it while keeping his gaze fixed on her. He spread his stance, gripping the sword with both hands, waiting for her to advance.

She couldn’t believe what she was witnessing. She thought maybe she’d misinterpreted his body language, but there he was, waiting for her to come closer.

So she obliged.

She sprung forward, knowing she was nowhere near a match for his brute strength. She’d have to rely on her quick feet and wit to stand a chance.

He was barely able to deflect her attack as she came forward, caught off guard by her speed and skill. She pressed closer, never letting his feet find a good stance, pushing him back toward the tree line until she found her opening.

She stuck her foot out to knock a small rock to where his foot would land, then struck a blow on the same side. Roman lost his balance as his foot landed directly on the rock, falling flat on his back.

She struck again. Roman barely blocked it in time, but the action made him lose his grip on his sword. Before he could move to retrieve it, she pointed the tip of her sword to his throat.

She’d never forget the look he gave her on that rocky forest floor.

His dazzling gold eyes blazed with life, as though she held a match that had just ignited into pure flame—a flame that blazed fiercer the longer she stared.

It was a look similar to one she hadn’t seen from him since they were children.

She couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was until it hit her—Admiration.

With a start, Rose realized her blade was still pointed at the base of his throat. Gradually, she lowered it and held her hand out.

Roman’s eyes remained clamped on hers as she brought him to his feet. He brushed himself off, his eyes only leaving hers to retrieve his sword. “Where did you learn to spar like that?”

All coldness was gone from his voice. She didn’t realize how much she had missed his normal, rich tone. She’d grown so used to the new icy one that she had been sure it was gone forever. But there it was—as sweet as honey.

“Zareb,” she said, choosing not to lie. After all, he was already gone.

“Is that why he chose to leave?”

“Is that what Tristan told you?” she asked, appalled.

Roman’s confused expression answered her question.

She gripped her sword tighter. “Tristan forced him to leave because of it.”

His wide jaw set as his eyes cast downward. “I see,” he whispered, almost to himself.

Rose scanned the forest to make sure they were alone. “How’d you find me?”

“I followed you,” he confessed with a somewhat shameful look. “I saw you saddling your horse and curiosity got the better of me.” His eyes shifted down to the sword in her hands. “Did Zareb give you that, too?”

“Yes. He gave it to me when Tristan took the other I had.”

Roman’s eyes sharpened at the mention of his brother. “May I?” he asked, holding his hand out.

She handed over the sword, ignoring the hard thump in her chest as his hand brushed hers.

He inspected it closely, balancing it with his fingers. “It’s beautifully made. Perfectly sound. Rare craftsmanship. It’s a wonder how he came by it.”

“He told me it came from his homeland, from the mines of Semaria.”

“I wouldn’t hide a sword like that in the woods. If anyone found it, you’d never see it again.” He handed the sword back to her.

She took it. “Please don’t tell Tristan about the sword. Or any of this. If he found out…” She trailed off.

“I know.”

A long silence ensued until he looked downward, clearing his throat. “Tristan’s been unfair to you… He should’ve never told anyone about your circumstances.”

She shifted, unable to hold his gaze. “He’s angry with me for making him sign the treaty,” she said in a smaller voice than she wanted. “He thinks I don’t love him anymore.”

Another small silence followed. “Do you?”

“I always will.” Her throat dried admitting it. “But we can never be. For so many reasons… some he’ll never know.”

“Tell me.” Roman’s voice was so tender it almost sounded like a plea.

She blinked in surprise. “Tell you?”

“Tell me the reasons,” he clarified, searching her eyes.

Something foreign shifted within her as she managed to say, “Does it matter? It’s done.” Her gaze shifted away from those flaming eyes as she crouched to take a drink from the cold stream, dipping her hands into the frigid water before bringing it to her lips.

Roman bent his knees, lowering himself to the forest floor beside her. “It matters to me,” he said softly.

She lifted her gaze—he was closer than she’d expected. She was immediately thrown back in time as she stared into the eyes of her old best friend, crouching in the same forest they’d spent so many summers in. The memory alone was enough to soften her heart.

“I can’t be what he wants me to be. More importantly, I can’t be who he needs me to be. He needs a queen. I’ve discovered I’m anything but.” She kept her eyes on the water. “You know the other reasons… one I have you to thank for.”

Roman had the decency to look guilty, his eyes falling slightly. He didn’t respond for a heartbeat, as if considering his words. “I know you think it was cruel of me, but it was the best thing for everyone involved. Including you.”

Rose stood, wiping her wet hands on her dress. “Forgive me if I don’t thank you.”

He followed, standing. “What will you do?”

She paused. “There’s nothing I can do. Tristan has made it clear he has no intention of letting me go. So I suppose I’ll have to wait and see if anyone is brave enough to go against him. But it seems unlikely, since I have so little to tempt them with.”

Roman gazed at her with that unfamiliar look on his face again. “I’m sorry.” He said it as though her feelings mattered.

Rose shook off the clutch in her chest, going to the horses.

“Me, too,” she whispered to herself.