Page 46 of Legacy of Thorns
Fin noticed his brother’s reaction and turned, looking to see what had caught Archer’s attention. He froze at sight of Daphne, and the look that sprang into his eyes filled her with something far more potent than amusement.
“You look beautiful.” He spoke as if they were the only two present, and she flushed.
“You look well yourself.” It was an understatement. Despite six months in the Sovaran court around well-dressed courtiers, Fin in formalwear took her breath away.
Morrow gave a single resounding clap, finally breaking Fin and Daphne’s locked gaze.
“You both look just the thing!” he exclaimed. “No one will question that you’re guests of a lord. But has anyone thought to ask if Fin can dance?”
Fin threw him a look. “Of course I can dance.”
“If that’s what you call it,” Archer sniggered, but Fin ignored him.
Nisha handed Daphne the mask, and Daphne tied it securely in place so that it fit snugly across her eyes and nose. Next came a cloak—her own original one, handed to her by Nisha.
“Are you sure…?” Fin asked, but Nisha didn’t hesitate as she handed over his cloak.
“You’re posing as guests—ones who’ve traveled from out of town for the ball—so you shouldn’t be wearing local cloaks. But you have to wear something. Daphne can’t go strolling through the forest in a ballgown.”
Morrow clapped Fin on the shoulder. “Don’t argue, lad. Nisha’s the one with the expertise. Besides, we should be going.”
“We?” Daphne looked from him to Finley.
“I’ll be walking you as far as the edge of the forest,” Morrow said implacably.
“But then you’ll come back?” Fin asked, glancing meaningfully toward Archie.
“Aye, I’ll be back.” Morrow gave him a steady, reassuring look. “And we won’t be listening to his pleading this time, don’t you worry.”
“Very well.” Fin gave his brother a stern look. “Archie, behave. We’ll be back before you know it.”
“Will you?” Archer looked and sounded more serious than usual.
Fin’s voice softened. “Don’t worry. Daphne and I can do this. We’ll be back, along with some answers.”
Archer sighed and looked away. Finley continued to gaze at him for a moment before shrugging and turning to Daphne.
He offered his arm with a flourish, but she ignored it and swept out of the cabin ahead of him. Her heart was already conflicted enough without walking through the forest with her arm through his.
Fin sighed behind her but said nothing. Was she hurting him with her attitude? She didn’t want to hurt him, but she was caught in a maelstrom not of her own making, and without a proper foundation—the kind that came with truly knowing yourself—she didn’t know where she was being blown. It was better by far for Finley to keep himself free of her.
They walked through the forest mostly in silence, Morrow’s presence ensuring there was no opportunity for private talk anyway. Daphne tried to focus on the upcoming mission, but her mind kept slipping sideways to Fin before circling around to her worries about the Legacy. They had to stop twice on the walk for her to nap, lightning fast sleeps that left her less and less refreshed.
What if the unknown man wasn’t at the ball? What if he was there, and he recognized Finley? Fin had never seen the man before, only his hired ruffians, but could they be sure the man hadn’t seen Finley?
At the edge of the trees, they gave their cloaks to Morrow. Fin gave him a nod and received one in return, and then the large figure of their friend disappeared into the gathering darkness, heading back for the forest.
Fin offered his arm to Daphne again, and this time she took it. It made no logical sense, but Daphne could almost feel the Legacy’s whirlwind sweeping her in. And yet, she couldn’t draw back. The only way past it was through.
“Are you all right?” Finley asked softly, watching her with concern as they walked through the manor gates.
Daphne didn’t even try to put her feeling into words.
“Are you sure we haven’t forgotten anything?” she asked instead. “I feel like we’ve forgotten something important.”
Fin chuckled. “That’s perfectly normal, don’t worry. It’s a trick of the brain. I’ve felt like that often enough myself.”
“And had you forgotten something?”
