Page 7 of Legacy of Thorns
Morrow took the new information in stride more easily than Nisha had. Despite his appearance, he had always been more attuned to emotional nuance than she was.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Morrow held out his hand to Daphne, and she took it slowly.
“And you.” Her eyes traveled up and down his vast bulk, and she gave a sudden laugh.
The musical sound made Finley smile involuntarily.
“I can see why we aren’t traveling in the public coach,” she said.
“Ha!” Morrow joined in her laughter with an easy smile. “I would have to buy out all the seats, and then where would my friends be?”
“I heard you’re an associate of Lorne’s,” Daphne said. “Are you a traveler like him? My parents were also, which is how I came to know him as a child. But they found it too difficult and returned to Glandore twelve years ago, so I’ve been living there ever since.”
“Glandore?” Nisha shot a look at Finley. “I thought you were from Sovar?”
He glared at her. It was still early days and any questions needed to be handled with finesse. Daphne wasn’t easily charmed, and they all needed to tread carefully.
Finley did want to know the answer, though. If he’d brought the wrong girl, they’d have to find a way to shake her off. And then they’d be back where they started—worse than where they’d started, in fact, because at least they’d started with the hope of finding Lorne’s houseguest.
“Glandore is my home,” Daphne said, “but I’ve been in Sovar for the last six months. My family has an unusual history of traveling between kingdoms—my grandfather was originally from Sovar before he moved to Glandore and had my mother. Then when she was grown, she decided to move to Oakden.” Daphne shrugged. “It didn’t stick in her case, but I was born during the ten years they spent here. I always intended to come back after I turned eighteen, but I made an extended detour to Sovar on the way at the request of my cousin, Olivia. She and I have always been close, despite living in different kingdoms.”
“Ah, Princess Olivia that would be,” Morrow said with enthusiasm.
“Yes.” Daphne shook her head. “I’m still getting used to that.” She gave Finley a sidelong look. “It seems Lorne made particular mention of that part.”
Finley grinned apologetically. “Apologies. I hope you don’t mind that I told them about you. Grandfather was very proud to have a royal guest coming to stay.”
Daphne snorted. “I’m not royalty.”
Nisha and Morrow exchanged worried looks that Finley hoped Daphne didn’t see.
“Royalty-adjacent, then?” he suggested with a grin. “Close enough by my book.” That’s what he was counting on, at any rate.
“If you say so.” Daphne sounded like she certainly didn’t say so but also couldn’t be bothered arguing the point. “Are we starting out immediately?”
“Food first!” Morrow declared authoritatively, and Daphne brightened.
“You’re a sensible man with excellent priorities,” she told Morrow gravely and put her pack down next to their pile.
Finley felt a ridiculous pang of jealousy. Why did she seem to approve of Morrow more than she did him? New acquaintances always liked Finley—he’d worked for years to ensure that.
He tried to tamp down the feeling while he listened to Morrow and Daphne discuss the food supplies. Apparently Morrow had already prepared a meal and was refusing all Daphne’s efforts to contribute. Finley’s spirits lifted somewhat. The portions were always generous when Morrow was on food duty.
As long as Daphne stayed with them, it didn’t matter what she thought of Finley. In fact, it might be better if she didn’t like him too much. The better she liked him, the greater her sense of betrayal would be when she found out the truth.
He might find her interesting, but there was no point getting attached in any way. She was going to hate the lot of them soon enough. And that wouldn’t matter either—as long as she saved Archie.
Morrow soon had them seated in a circle, eating the bowls of stew he handed out.
“So you’re Oakdenian, but Glandore is home,” he said through a mouthful. “Sounds confusing.”
Daphne sighed. “Most people seem to find it so.”
“Do you miss Glandore?” Morrow asked. “You’ve already been away six months.”
Daphne’s lips tightened slightly. “Sometimes.” She sighed. “My best friend, Rosalie, is still there, and it’s been strange not to spend every day with her. She’s more like a sister than a friend, in truth. But she’s married now, so I’m sure she’s busy enough without me.”
Finley watched her closely, trying to read the air of melancholy that hung around her.
