Page 75 of Frost Bound

“Yes. The center for trade and worship.”

“Will we go inside?” Her voice held a touch of tempered excitement.

“Not today,jaivelle.” Neve stiffened as the endearment flowed from his tongue. He barely managed to keep the frown off his face. Her shoulders slumped the smallest bit, but the smile never left her face. “Next time,” he offered gruffly.

They approached the town square, where the area bottlenecked right before it opened up. His Haunt had formed a loose circle around them, constantly searching the crowd. Olwen was grinning and waving, playing the part while Eyri occasionally waved shyly. Then there was Flyka. Not a smile anywhere near her face, her head on a swivel.

“What did your healersay?” he asked.

“She had to pack, but she will catch up to us tonight.”

“Does that please you?”

“It does.”

A shrill whistle passed his ear, and screams erupted around them.

“Ambush!” Olwen shouted.

“Protect thereillov!” Flyka roared.

The crowd burst into motion, everyone trying to get out of the way as another volley of arrows rained down on them. The Haunts closed in on them.

Neve hunched over Dahlia and dug his heels into Cessa. Therukhalbolted forward, people diving out of the way. The princess tried to look around his shoulder, but he shoved her back under him. “Don’t be stupid. Keep your head down.”

“Where are they coming from?” she shouted over the din as they fought to get off the main road.

“Don’t know.”

“Give me a weapon.”

“Everything I own is too bulky for you,” he roared, waving an arm for the citizens to move when an arrow grazed his left forearm. He hissed and pulled his arm back, scanning the rooftops for archers.

“Where’s my slingshot?”

For some reason, he’d kept the infernal thing. It looked old and well loved. He couldn’t trash it.

“Strapped to my bow—what are you doing?” he snarled as she pushed at his chest.

“Move,” she growled.

Thevallesdeftly maneuvered herself until she faced him, her legs thrown over his thighs. He wrapped his arm around her back and held on as her fingers reached around his cloak for her slingshot.

“Stones?” she muttered in his ear.

He huffed. “Why would I carry stones?”

“Fair enough.” She slid one hand down his chest, grabbed the top button of his tunic, and yanked it off. She leaned back against Cessa’s neck and notched the button in the sling. “Don’t let me fall,” was the last thing she said before leaning to his right, completely exposed.

An arrow whizzed by her head, lodging in the ground as Cessa sped by, Olwen and Eyri by their sides.

“Got him,” the princess murmured. She pulled back the slingshot and fired. “Godsteeth, I missed. Olwen, do you see him? Behind us, blue window, second story.”

“I see him,” Olwen growled, turning hisrukhalaround.

An assailant rushed them from an alleyway to the left. Neve yanked Dahlia upright. “Wrap your arms around me.” Sheobeyed as he pulled a dagger from the sheath at his chest and struck, hitting the giant in the jugular.

One down.

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