Page 75 of A Kingdom Restored

Heath chuckled. “I promise.” His expression sobered as he glanced at their companions. “Everyone ready?”

Bianca nodded from the closest horse, the rest of Heath’s cousins copying. There was quite an array of them, and Heath’s father and sister were planning to follow afterward in a carriage, as soon as they could get everything in order. The duchess was going to stay behind so as not to fully abandon her imprisoned oldest son.

“I see Brody has positioned himself as far from me as possible,” Heath commented lightly to Bianca.

The friendly girl sent a long-suffering look toward her twin. “He thinks he’s still sore over what he calls Percival’s ingratitude, but in actual fact he’s becoming more convinced by the minute that you’re right about everything,” Bianca informed Heath.

Heath shook his head, but he was smiling a little. Merletta squeezed his waist. Knowing everything that had passed between Heath and his brother, she’d shared Heath’s satisfaction at hearing Percival’s reaction to the plan. Apparently the prisoner had no sooner grasped the basics than he’d unequivocally insisted they abandon any break-out attempt and follow Heath’s plan. He hadn’t even wanted to hear the details—he’d just told them to stop wasting time and go do whatever Heath had instructed them to do.

Merletta didn’t have magic that allowed her to see inside people, but she knew Heath well enough to read the pride in his bearing when he’d learned of his brother’s support.

They were just trotting across the courtyard when a group of royal guards appeared in Merletta’s peripheral vision. She glanced uncertainly at Heath, who had pulled up and was watching them warily. His tension turned to surprise when a lean figure on a large chestnut emerged from the center of the group.

“Lachlan,” Heath said blankly. “Where are you going?”

“Same place as you,” said the prince calmly. “Which I’m assuming is Arinton. We had an appointment to speak about important matters, didn’t we?”

Heath bit his lip. “I’m sorry to run out on you, Lachlan,” he told his cousin. “I did intend to speak to you about…everything. But something urgent came up.”

“So I apprehend,” said the prince, still unruffled. “So I will accompany you.”

“But surely you can’t just leave,” Heath protested.

The prince gave him a look which bordered on exasperated—it made him seem younger, and much more approachable. “I’m not a fool, Heath. Clearly something big is about to go down, and I intend to be present for it.”

Merletta could feel Heath wavering, but he made one more attempt to fight it. “It’s a long journey. We’ll have to stop overnight, and—”

“Thank you, Heath, I am fairly familiar with the geography of my own kingdom.” The prince’s tone made it clear the matter was closed, and Heath gave up. No doubt he was as impatient to be on the way as Merletta was.

The group left the city swiftly, taking few provisions. Heath explained to Merletta that the prince would no doubt have carriages following with servants and supplies, similar to the group currently being organized by the duke. Once she would have been rattled by the reminder of the dramatic difference in station between her and Heath, but all that seemed foolish now. It was the least of their obstacles, and yet—in spite of all barriers—they were together now. At least for the moment.

Merletta spared a thought for Sage, who had no such comfort. Everyone she loved, everything she’d ever known, was still in great peril back in the triple kingdoms. At least she wasn’t being left behind in Bryford. She was going to follow in the carriage with Heath’s sister—who had kindly taken Sage under her fins. So to speak.

The first day was long and tedious, and every muscle in Merletta’s body was sore long before they stopped for the night. Her arms were weary from clinging on, and one of her legs kept bumping painfully against Heath’s bow, which was attached to the horse’s saddle.

They’d traveled as quickly as the horses could manage. It had been necessary for Merletta to take turns riding double with others throughout the day, to give Heath’s horse a break. When they made camp for the night—the prince’s retinue having sidetracked to spend the night at the manor of an accommodating noble—Merletta stumbled gratefully from Max’s horse toward Heath.

“Maybe we should have considered Lachlan’s offer more seriously, about asking the earl to let us stay as well,” Heath said, casting a concerned look over her.

She shook her head. “I’m fine. Just in need of sleep.” She groaned as she plopped down onto the grass, her back against a boulder. “Shame we’re so far from the coast,” she muttered. “I’d be tempted to slip into the water to sleep otherwise. So much more comfortable.”

“Is it?” Heath asked, sounding intrigued. “What’s it like?” He settled beside her and placed his hand next to hers.

She shifted slightly so their fingers were entwined. “The current rocks you to sleep. It’s amazing.”

For a moment they sat in companionable silence, watching one of the guards who’d accompanied the group building a fire.

“You should ride with me the whole time tomorrow,” Heath said suddenly.

Merletta looked at him in surprise. “I’d prefer that, of course, but what about your horse?”

“Never mind my horse,” said Heath curtly. “I’m more worried about Max.”

“Why?” Merletta asked. “He seemed happy enough to me.”

“Exactly,” nodded Heath. “He was muchtoohappy to have a pretty girl clinging on to him and sharing his horse.”

Merletta laughed. “Surely you’re not jealous, Lord Heath.”

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