Page 64 of Blood Weaver
“Uh … I do,” Silas stuttered and started to peer over his shoulder.
“Look away!” Ronan commanded.
Silas looked straight at the entrance of the tent. “Ronan, the spies we sent to the Valorian camp were found floating in the river … dead,” Silas said nervously.
“Damnit!” Ronan climbed off me to stand, then stepped into his trousers and buttoned them in a flash. “Meet me in my tent in ten minutes,” he commanded.
“Yes sir!” Silas peered over at us as Ronan looked away, but I didn’t miss the heated glare he sent my way before he disappeared from my tent.
Ronan dropped to his knees beside the bed and brushed my tangled hair away from my face. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I—”
“I know,” I cut him off. “Go do what you have to do. I understand.”
He nodded and grabbed his torn shirt from the floor before rushing out of my tent.
I released a deep breath, my body trembling from the sudden coldness as I laid under the covers, completely bare.
If Silas hadn’t interrupted us … I would have given my virginity to Ronan. I didn’t know if the idea made me happy or not. A whirlpool of emotions swirled in my gut until I no longer knew what was right or wrong.
But what Ididknow was that tomorrow, Silas would demand I leave. My three-day grace period had just been voided.
20
The next morning, Ronan didn’t come to see me. Henry told me he left camp in the middle of the night with a small group of warriors and appointed Silas to look over the camp. I knew Silas would come to see me soon.
Someone cleared their throat outside my tent.Speak of the devil. “It’s me.”
I looked over at Henry and whispered, “When Ronan returns tonight, give him this letter.” I handed him an envelope and clenched his hand around it. “Promise me.”
Henry nodded. “Yes, Miss Leila.”
I tried to convey my earnestness as quietly as I could so Silas wouldn’t know Henry had my letter. “Make sure no one knows you have it,” I said, glancing at the outside of my tent where Silas lingered.
“Yes, ma’am.” He stuffed the envelope into his vest where no one could see.
“Thank you,” I whispered. Then I straightened and called out for Silas to come in.
Silas entered my tent with a scowl and shooed Henry away. After sending one last look at me over his shoulder, the young boy ducked outside my tent.
Now, it was just me and the hulking Crimson Clan warrior. I stood and met him with straightened shoulders. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
Silas grunted. “I’m glad I didn’t need to force you out.”
I chuckled. “After last night, I figured your patience had run out.”
His eyes flashed dangerously. “I warned you, Healer, and you didn’t listen.”
I smirked. “Yeah, I have a hard time listening sometimes. But you have nothing to worry about. Ronan only loves the lost princess.” I grinned knowingly. “He won’t settle for anyone less.”
Silas frowned, confused. He walked in on us last night, so in his mind, Ronan was about to settle for someone far less than the princess. But I wasn’t going to explain. He would find out soon enough.
“Come on,” he said, ignoring me. “Patrol shifts are changing in ten minutes. This is your only chance to escape.”
“After you.”
Leavingthe camp was far easier with Silas by my side than if I would’ve had to do it alone. His presence lent legitimacy to our errand. With a cloak wrapped around me and the hood pulled low over my face, no one knew or questioned who I was. Even when we were stopped by Crimson Clan guards, Silas easily explained away our errand. In a matter of minutes, we were leaving camp and stepping onto a nearby road where a carriage was already waiting.
I’d be lying if I said Silas’ desire to be rid of me didn’t sting a little. “I guess you had it all planned out,” I noted wryly.
