Ginny Hartman Page 8

  “I figured my mother would as well. She would not be amused if I arrived in a dirty, crumpled gown.”

  Suddenly, Terric stiffened, his shoulders squaring as he took a step away from her. Rosalind wondered what she had said, what she had done to cause him to withdraw. Unsure of what to do to make the magical moment of promise return between them, she turned from him to hide the disappointment she could feel marring her face. “We should arrive in Peltis by nightfall, am I correct?”

  “Yes, Your Highness. But not if we don't hurry. I'll finish breaking camp then it'll be best if we get on our way.”

  “Aye,” she mumbled, “I agree.” But truthfully, she didn't. She wanted nothing more than to go back in time to the moment he had almost kissed her and make it happen, to finally know what his lips would feel like pressed against her own.

  ***

  Terric rode the first few miles furiously, angrily. That was the second time he had almost kissed Princess Rosalind but had been forbidden to taste her sweet lips. The first time he had sensed that his advances had frightened her, but this time she had seemed eager and willing. If it hadn't been for the comment about her mother, he would be holding her in his arms, kissing her the way he had been yearning to do since the night of her entrance, instead of galloping furiously across the forest.

  He cursed himself for wanting something that couldn't be his. There wasn't time in his life for a woman or for pleasures of the flesh, especially if that flesh belonged to a princess. No, he corrected himself, she was now a queen. Only she didn't know it, wouldn't know it until they reached Peltis and King Cedric informed her of her parent's deaths. Her mention of wanting to please her mother had sent him reeling—though he had been ordered not to tell her regarding their deaths, he suddenly felt dishonest for not correcting her when she spoke of her parents, of letting her continue on as if a major tragedy hadn't just occurred in her life.

  One part of him wanted to prolong their time together, to draw out their journey so that she could stay the carefree girl she was for just a while longer. Another part of him wanted to run Stephen into the ground, racing to Peltis as fast as he could so that he could be out of her presence, so he could stop thinking about her, stop worrying about how the knowledge she would soon receive would destroy her cheerful disposition. He wished to only ever see her as how she had been in the forest clearing—beautiful, confident, blithesome.

  Several times Rosalind tried to draw his attention, but he would kick Stephen in the flank, urging the horse to gallop faster all the while pretending as if he couldn't hear her. He knew he wasn't being fair to her, but he wasn't sure how he could possibly explain to her his sudden mood change without breaking his vow to King Cedric and telling her why he was really sent to fetch her.

  It wasn't until Rosalind had fallen asleep in the saddle, her slight body slumping against his chest peacefully, that he slowed Stephen to a trot. Clutching both reins in one hand, he used the other to gently brush stray strands of hair from her face. Her lips were slightly parted as she breathed, but she seemed completely unaware of his touch. He leaned down and boldly placed a tender kiss to her forehead, a sudden urge to protect her surging through his being.

  He continued to hold onto her tightly, until she roused in his arms, causing him to reluctantly let her go as he once more took a rein in each hand.

  “How long did I sleep?” she asked, looking up towards the sky to try and determine the length of time.

  Not long enough, he thought. “Only for a while. I'm about to stop for a spell so Stephen won't give out on us. We can take a few moments to stretch, but then we must be on our way again.”

  A small waterfall cascaded off of a jutting rock in the side of a hill, giving them a source of water to quench their thirst. Both he and Rosalind partook of the fresh spring water before leaving Stephen to lap up his fill. Terric stretched his legs then reached both hands high above him in the air as he tried to stretch out the stiffness that was settling into his bones. The sound of horse’s hooves in the near distance disrupted him, causing him to place his body in front of Rosalind's as a shield. He instinctively felt for his sword, one hand wrapping protectively around the hilt.

  He watched as a man approached. He recognized the horse immediately—it was his brother's destrier. Relaxing slightly, he waited as Aeden pulled the horse to a stop in front of him and dismounted. Aeden pulled off his helmet, revealing chestnut colored hair much lighter than his own dark locks. He wished he could be glad to see his brother, but something in his gut told him that this wasn't merely a pleasure visit.

  Aeden tipped his head towards Rosalind, greeting her respectfully before turning towards Terric. “Brother, I'm so glad I caught you. I bring word from the king.”

  “Word from my uncle?” Rosalind asked, curiously, stepping out from behind Terric.

  “Aye, but tis for my brother's ears alone.” Aeden answered her with a smile.

  Turning to Rosalind, Terric informed her that he would only be but a moment before he walked a ways off from where she was standing, far enough away that she would not be able to overhear their conversation.

  As soon as he was convinced they were out of earshot, he turned to Aeden, “What is this about? Is King Cedric safe?”

  Aeden spoke lowly, “This isn't about the king; he's safe. There has been another attack. Just before we escorted King Cedric and his family from Brantonwall Castle, Princess Rosalind's little brother Colin was targeted.”

  Terric looked at his own brother oddly. “Is he hurt, or worse?”

  “Fortunately he's fine, albeit a little frightened. We're not entirely sure that the attack had anything to do with the one that killed the boy's parents.”

  “You think it's mere coincidence that on the heel of his parents getting killed, somebody comes after him?”

  “It does sound logical, but remember the first attack was on King Cedric. King Eustace and Queen Constance happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. King Cedric believes that the attack on Colin is a result of somebody being aware of the lesser king's death and seeking for a way to eliminate any heir entirely as a way of overthrowing the throne.”

  “Makes sense,” Terric conceded.

  “But that means that Princess Rosalind is not safe as well. Whomever wanted to see her brother dead could very well want her harmed too. It's not safe to bring her back this way. King Cedric sent me to instruct you to take her someplace safe. She has to go into hiding.”

  Terric sighed. “How am I supposed to explain the sudden change in plans to her? It's already a strange circumstance we are in. There's no way I can force her into hiding without a plausible explanation. She thinks we are going to Peltis to deliver her to her parents. And where do you suppose I take her? Drambil Castle will be too obvious a location.”

  Aeden nodded in acknowledgment. “King Lawrence is on his way back to his territory as we speak. His defense has been doubled, and once he arrives home, they will send for backup defenders. I believe she would be safe there, but King Cedric doesn't wish to risk it.”

  “Did he say where he'd like me to take her? I'm not comfortable being away from him at a time like this. The sooner I get back to him, the better.”

  “He was hoping you had some ideas,” Aeden said, hopefully.

  “Well I don't,” Terric growled. “My mind has been on other things.”

  The brother's stood in silence, Terric mulling his unfortunate luck and Aeden trying to think of a solution. After a few terse minutes, Aeden offered his suggestion, “Why not take her home?”

  Terric, still not thinking clearly, turned on his brother. “Are you daft? I just took her from there and can't very well take her back. That's likely the unsafest place she could go.”

  Aeden laughed, but Terric failed to see any humor in the situation. “Someone is irritable.”

  “With good reason,” Terric snapped.

  “Aye, I suppose you're right. But I wasn't speaking of returning her to her home, but rather
, why not take her to our home, Emerson Castle, to mother?” Terric's head snapped up, as he looked at Aeden curiously. “No one would think to look for her there and Mother and Gwendolyn would be grateful for the honor of housing a princess.”

  “Queen,” Terric interceded.

  “Aye, queen. That's going to take some getting used to.” Terric silently agreed. He still had a hard time remembering that she was no longer Princess Rosalind.

  Rubbing his scruffy jaw while he thought, Terric contemplated the idea of taking Rosalind to his mother. The idea had merit, for any enemy to the kingdom would not think to find her there. And, as Aeden had said, his mother and sister would be more than welcoming to Rosalind. Now, he would just need to think of a way to tell her that their plans had changed. He tried several ideas out in his head, but each one was more ridiculous than the last. Finally, he turned to Aeden, “I will do as you suggest. I will take her to our home. But I can't think of a single plausible excuse for our change of plans.”

  “I can't help you there. I had the entire journey here to try to think of a course of action for you both, but I too failed to think of a valid explanation.”

  “Then there's no other way. I'm going to have to tell her the truth.”

  Aeden sighed. “The King thought you might say that.”

  “Well what does he expect? His niece is a smart girl; she will not tolerate gallivanting all over Darth without a valid explanation. Nor would she be confident with my decision to abandon her at a stranger’s home without good excuse.” When Aeden glanced over his shoulder, Terric realized that the tone of his voice had risen and that, if he wasn't careful, Rosalind was sure to hear him. Softening his voice, he continued, “I see no other way.”

  “In that case, King Cedric told me to tell you that he grants you his blessing in telling her. You are relieved of your oath.”

  A strange combination of relief and dread furled within Terric—he was grateful to not have to lie to Rosalind anymore, but dreaded more than almost anything telling her the truth. She should never have had to hear such awful news from him, somebody she hardly knew.

  Once more Aeden was speaking, and Terric was grateful that his brother had a clear head and could think rationally at this time, for his own head was occupied, his heart in turmoil. “The quickest way for you to get her to Mother will be for you to cut across Darth. It would take entirely too long to try and go around.”

  “I can't ride the princess across the kingdom without causing suspicion. The entire kingdom would be alerted that something was amiss.

  “Tis true. I will ride into town and fetch you some disguises while you inform Princess Rosalind of her parents’ demise. Then I must be on my way back to Peltis and to the king. As soon as you get her safely tucked away, you must come to Peltis, but be careful. Be discreet.”

  “Yes,” Terric was speaking, agreeing to his brother's directions, but his mind was far away. He watched absently as Aeden mounted his destrier and rode off into the forest, trying to muster up enough strength to do the hardest thing he had ever been required to do.

  Chapter 11

  With a Heavy Heart

  Terric watched Aeden until he could no longer see him amidst the thick trees of the forest. Inhaling deeply, he forced himself to turn around and walk towards Rosalind. She was standing next to Stephen, rubbing his neck and mane with her soft, delicate hands. Terric paused, watching as the sun filtered over her from above. Her dark hair shimmered in the sun; her skin looked healthy and golden. A faint smile played at her lips. She appeared content. He tried to memorize the way she looked at that exact moment, knowing that in seconds, that girl would no longer exist. Hating himself for the task he was about to perform, Terric took a hesitant step forward.

  Rosalind peered over her shoulder as he drew near, her face breaking into a heart stopping smile. Terric paused, reaching up and rubbing the back of his neck nervously. He wasn't sure how to start, where to begin. How did one tell somebody that both their parents were dead? For the first time since becoming a defender, he hated his job, hated the position that he found himself in.

  “Your brother already left?” Rosalind asked, breaking the silence.

  “Aye,” he choked out in response, unable to say more. His throat felt as if it was constricting.

  “Did he bring good news with him?” she asked innocently, oblivious to what the visit had really been about.

  Terric stood rooted in his spot. “Nay, he did not.”

  Rosalind's hands stilled. After a brief pause, she let them fall to her sides, as she walked slowly towards Terric, her eyebrows scrunched together. “Is everything well with my uncle?”

  “Rosalind,” he squeaked, hardly able to speak, his throat was so dry, “your uncle is fine. For now.”

  She exhaled in relief, “Then what could be wrong?”

  Again, she was so oblivious it physically hurt Terric. “There was an attack a few days ago at Brantonwall Castle; your uncle was targeted...”

  “I thought you said he was fine,” confusion marred her pretty face.

  “Please, let me finish. Your uncle and I were alone in the council room, at least we thought we were alone. Somebody was hiding in the tower, ready to pounce. While I was fighting off the attacker, your parents came to see what the commotion was about, having barely left the council room themselves. As I was holding off the attacker, another man suddenly appeared and...” Terric had to stop speaking as the grisly images assaulted his memory. How could he share that nightmare with Rosalind?

  Rosalind was before him, her voice shaking as she spoke, “What happened? Tell me.”

  Terric looked down into her violet eyes and mustered enough strength to continue. “I couldn't stop the man in time; I couldn't save them.”

  Rosalind's face paled. “Tell me what happened,” she demanded.

  “I just did.” Clearly she didn't register what he had just told her, she needed clarification, but he was loathe to give it.

  “Tell me,” she urged.

  “I had the first attacker backed into the wall, my sword at his throat. I knew if I let him go to defend your parents, he'd kill King Cedric. Your father was killed first. I immediately killed the man I held captive and rushed to your mother. But I,” he paused to swallow. “I was too late. I slayed their murderer, but it was too late.”

  Terric watched as Rosalind searched his face, shaky hands going up to cover her mouth as a stifled sob escaped. “Nay!” she cried, shaking her head violently.

  Terric reached for her, clasping her shoulders in his hands before pulling her forcefully into his chest. Both arms went around her as her sorrow bubbled forth, manifesting itself in large tears that cascaded down her face. She pulled her hands into small fists and angrily pounded against his chest as she cried, but Terric's grip tightened, holding her firmly to him. Her punches didn't physically hurt him at all, but he felt the anger and pain behind each blow, and it hurt him emotionally. It multiplied the guilt he already felt at the situation.

  As she sobbed and flailed in his arms, Terric replayed that fateful day over in his mind. He knew at the time that there was nothing he could have done differently that would have made it so that he had been able to save her parents’ lives. If there had been, he was sure he would have done it. But as he listened to her strangled cries, he started to doubt himself. He started to wonder if maybe there was more that he could have done. Could he have prevented the heartache the girl was feeling? He didn't think so then, but now he wasn't sure.

  Rosalind's fists fell to her sides, as her sobs began to quiet, though the tears continued streaming steadily from her eyes. “Why didn't you tell me? Why did you say you were taking me to see them in Peltis, that they had requested my presence?”

  “I couldn't, I had sworn an oath to King Cedric. He wanted to be the one to tell you.”

  “What about Colin, is he dead too?”

  “No, but Aeden just informed me that there has been an attempt to end his life since I left to
fetch you. Your brother has fled with King Cedric and his family to Peltis, seeking protection. I was to see you safely there, but it's not wise to take you there anymore.”

  “So now what? Am I to stay in the forest with you indefinitely?”

  “Nay, you have to go into hiding. You are now Queen of the southwestern territory and must be kept safe. King Cedric believes that the enemy might try to target you now in an attempt to overthrow your territory.”

  Tears still leaked out of the corners of her eyes, rolling down her cheeks and falling into the bodice of her dress. Her voice was shaky with emotion as she spoke, “Where will you take me? Can't I go to stay with Uncle Lawrence at Drambil Castle?”

  “It's too obvious. I'm going to take you to my mother. She will hide you until we can figure out who is behind these attacks. You will be safe at our home.”

  “And I am to trust you after...”

  “After I wasn't able to save your parents?” He asked for her, not sure he could stand hearing her accusations against him. “It all happened so fast. If there had been something, anything I could have done, I promise you that I would have done it.” His voice was insistent, almost vehement as he spoke. He wanted her to believe him.

  “I guess I only have your word for it,” she said icily, her admission cutting him to the core.

  “Please don't do this to me,” he begged.

  “Why?” she screamed. “Why should I care what I do to you? You lied to me; you let my parents die. Why should I do anything for you?” she spat angrily.

  Terric was shocked. He had expected her grief, her sadness, but he had not expected the anger she directed at him. He slid his hands from around her, loosening his hold on her completely. His arms felt cold without her in them, and the smoldering look she was giving him completed the chill in his heart. He turned from her, unable to see the hate in her eyes. “Aeden went to fetch us some disguises so we can travel across Darth undetected. I will see you safely to my mother's then will return to protect King Cedric. You will never have to see me again after that. I'm sorry I failed you.”