Page 28 of Veiled Flames
Prince Tynan has been traveling either ahead or behind us, on his stallion, but always finds us when it’s time for the evening meal.
Tonight, as we sit to eat, the arrogant prince ignores me, per usual, barely glancing my way. Not that I want him to. I have many reasons to avoid his company, beyond the fear of recognition.
I can’t deny the physical attraction I felt the night I believed him to be my intended, but I since discovered that he’s arrogant and rude and all together unpleasant. Physical beauty is shallow and fleeting, and I’m determined to look upon Tynan as the ugly man he’s revealed himself to be, beneath his undeniably appealing external attributes.
Tonight, Tynan rode in on his horse just before we sat to eat and pushed one of the smaller boys off his seat to claim it. I was about to say something, but my breath and attention were stolen as Saxon and Surath flew above us. They circled a few times and landed in the large field beside our wagons. Luckily, my personal excitement was matched by that of my fellow travelers, and no one took notice of my flushed cheeks and rapidly beating heart.
Saxon and Tynan now sit together, at the end of the low dining table the servants construct each night, using planks stored atop the wagons.
Tynan catches me looking. When our eyes meet, his fill with derision, and I quickly cast mine away.
“How many more day’s travels do you think it will be?” Samyull asks from beside me. The only other candidate close to my size, Samyull has seven and ten years and has become the closest thing I have to a friend. The first real friend I’ve had in my life.
“I have no idea.” My response is mostly true. Traveling both night and day has me confused, and I’ve lost track of the distance, but I’m certain we’re close to Verax by now if not already inside that kingdom. It’s clear that my fellow candidates have had little schooling, most can’t even read—so I don’t want to share more knowledge than the son of a stable master should possess.
“Attention candidate recruits.” Saxon’s commanding voice draws our attention.
Tynan stands at Saxon’s side, as if he’s his Second. And while I don’t know anything of Tynan’s status at camp, I suppose that, in this group, TynanisSecond to the Master, and for some reason that irks me.
“We shall camp here overnight,” Saxon says. “And from now on, we won’t travel in darkness. The upcoming terrain is more treacherous, and the horses will require more rest. We shall depart at sunrise.”
Cheers ring through the group.
“Any questions?” Saxon asks.
“Do we need to sleep in the wagons?” a large boy called Egon asks. He’s riding in another wagon and is someone I’ve decided to avoid.
“It’s your choice,” Saxon answers. “Surath’s presence should keep predators at a distance.”
The group murmurs, clearly debating whether to face the usual stuffiness of the wagons, including the snores and farts of the others, or face being devoured by a bear or wildcat—or worse, a creature of Darkness.
“How much farther?” asks another man, whose name I’ve forgotten, if I ever knew it.
“With good fortune,” Saxon replies, “we should arrive at camp after five more sunrises, perhaps six.”
Cheers flow again. Many men rise from the table, and the servants start to clear it.
“Isn’t it grand having servants to cook our sup?” Samyull asks.
I nod, only just now realizing I’m likely the only candidate who has never lifted a finger in support of their own upkeep.
“Are you going to sleep outdoors?” I ask Samyull.
He rapidly shakes his head. “No. I don’t trust the dragon to keep the beasties away.”
A warm hand lands heavily on my shoulder, and I’m enveloped by Saxon’s distinctive and captivating scent. My entire body heats as if he’s a raging fire behind me. Why does this man affect me so?
“Rosshall.” Saxon’s luxuriously deep voice washes over me. “I’d like a word with you.”
I start to stand, but he keeps his hand firmly on my shoulder, holding me against the cushion.
“Come by my tent,” he says. “I have an important matter to discuss. News of your family.”
He moves his lips very close to my ear. “Come after everyone else is asleep.”
Eleven
Saxon
