Page 43 of Pure Magic
She gives me a curt nod. “I do. The king is in London, which is a blessing. Even so, we’ll defend Windsor and all within her borders.”
I give her hand a squeeze and rush out the back door to the alley.
Minerva must have cast a spell to keep prying eyes away. The local folk would normally be interested in two fine horses held in the small alley for so long with witches standing by. They’d want to know who was taking a journey. However, no one seems to even notice the witches or the horses.
Already mounted, Adam won’t meet my gaze. “That was fast. Are you sure about this?”
“Of course.” I hook my bag to the saddle.
Jonah lifts me as though I’m featherlight and places me in the saddle.
I’ll ride sidesaddle until we’re out of town. No need to look suspicious if anyone sees beyond the spells and protection.
Jonah says, “This girl is called Zephyr. The black is Pilot. Be safe, high priestess. Keep Adam safe too.”
“I will. Thank you, Jonah.” I look down at my dearest friend. “Minerva, I’ll pray to Goddess to keep you safe.”
Reaching up, she takes my hand. “I’ll pray the same for you. The blinder spell should keep prying eyes away from you to the city’s edge, but beyond that, I can’t be sure.”
The sun dips below the horizon. “It’s time.”
Adam still hasn’t looked at me since I mounted, but he turns his horse, and we walk through the streets away from coven house to the main road out of Windsor.
When we’re out of the city, it’s mostly dark. “Even in the dark, I know you’re avoiding my gaze, Adam.”
“I’m afraid, Beth. I could bear to leave you behind to keep you safe. I don’t think I will survive if you come to harm.” His mind opens to mine.
“I understand, but I couldn’t let you go alone. I need you safe just as much.”
The depth of his emotion is almost too much to receive. “The horses can see, but how do we keep them on the road to wherever we’re going?”
“Throw your leg over the saddle, and we’ll let fate take hold of us, sweetheart.” He guides his horse closer.
“How do I stay with you?” My nerves bubble to the top. I’ve never left Windsor for long or gone away with no destination.
Even in the dark, his eyes are bright. “Perhaps this moment is why Goddess linked our minds. Stay with me.” He points to the side of his head.
Inside, I feel his warmth. “Maybe you’re right.” Somehow the idea that our link might be for practical reasons, and not emotional ones, hurts. Pushing that aside, I say, “We’d better go.”
He kicks his horse into a trot and is soon out of my sight.
Panic boils to the surface.
I nudge my horse to follow, but I don’t see him.
Then his voice is in my head. “Don’t be afraid, Beth. I’m right here.”
Excitement flows through me as I nudge my mare into a gallop. Adam is just ahead, and no one else is on the dark road for miles.
Twenty minutes later, he slows, and I pull back on the reins. “What is it?”
“I think we should trot a while. Then we’ll get off the road before daylight. Maybe find a place to rest for a few hours at dawn.” He touches my knee. “You ride well.”
“It would be a shame if I didn’t, and you haven’t thought to ask until now.” I laugh as we fall into a comfortable trot.
I hear the words in my head before he says them. “I suspected you’d have said if it was a problem.”
I also hear his faith in me. “I don’t ride often anymore. I suspect I’ll be sore tomorrow.” My thighs are already aching from the gallop. “How long before Ariana and Kaden find us?”
