Page 7 of Heart of the Raven
I jerked, my chin wobbling as I flashed the back of his head a furious stare. “What makes you think I desire you?” I demanded.
“Back there when we saw the outlaws.” He faced me. “You wanted me to hold you.”
“I was upset,” I sputtered, wiping signs of tears off my already grimy face. “And seeking comfort. You are the only one here.”
His somber eyes narrowed. “Yes, I am well aware. But I am dangerous. Just because I’ve reformed doesn’t mean I’m not. . . tempted.”
He drew out the last word slowly while his heated gazed flickered across my body.
For a moment I saw a flash of how dangerous he could truly be. I swallowed hard, my cheeks burning. “Okay.” I had to keep my resolve. “Then why did you agree to help me?”
“It’s a deal I cannot pass up, just keep your distance.” With that final warning, he strode on.
Chapter Seven
I thoughtthe skin would peel off the bottom of my feet by the time we stopped. My throat was so choked and dry I wasn’t sure I could manage words.
“Wait here,” Raven instructed, then disappeared around a tree.
I slumped to my knees and bit back a sob as the events of the day sunk in. I was alone, and even worst, destitute. The jewels I’d packed away were in my lost bundles. I’d have to live like a peasant and survive by the goodwill of others. Once I left the forest, I could send a note to Lord Cedric. He’d been against my journey from the start, and while it would be embarrassing to crawl back into his good graces, it was the only home I had left. Until I found Mother Misha in Capern. And could I trust Raven to lead me?
I remembered Mari and her laughing eyes. What would she have done in my place? Gone on, no doubt. But was I risking my life in the wildwood? Would it be better to return to the road where Lord Brecken could find me again?
That’s the one thing I did not understand. Even if Lord Brecken heard about my journey, why would he come after me? He was betrothed to another. Unless it was solely because I embarrassed him. He was a lord used to getting what he wanted. And for the first time, I questioned whether my mother had been forced to suffer for my disappearance. A fluttering began in my stomach. Something was within me. The sooner I reached Capern, the better. I needed to speak to Mother Misha and understand my future.
“Lady Sasha?” Raven had returned, and his brow furrowed when he saw me kneeling on the ground. He stepped closed and held out what looked like a pouch of water. “Drink. The hot springs are near and it is safe. You can wash, then sleep.”
Hot springs. At the sound of it, my entire body ached. I snatched the water out of his hand and guzzled it down, some of it spilling over my lips and dripping down my chin, much to my chagrin.
Raven had the decency to look away, although I detected the smirk on his arrogant face. His warning came back to me, but I needed him right now. As soon as I regained my strength and sense of direction, I’d be on my way.
“How far to the springs?” I asked, the water bringing vibrancy back to my veins. I wanted to stand, but my body was unwilling, unused as it was to such abuse.
The trees swayed above us, and the faint scent of water hung in the air. Raven glanced up and put a hand on a tree, his face tight with. . .irritation? “Must you always eavesdrop and share my deeds?” he muttered, raking a hand through his wavy locks.
My chest tightened, and suddenly the air felt thick. I lowered my voice. “Who do you speak to?”
“It is of no concern.” His face brightened. “Come, can you walk?”
I attempted to rise to my feet and sharp shards of pain tingled up and down my legs. I grimaced and sat back, frustrated. I feared if I were too much of a nuisance he’d leave me in the wildwood, and I desperately did not want to be left alone where the unfriendly trees loomed over my head and shut out the sunlight.
Raven was by my side without waiting for an answer. He scooped me up in his arms as if I weighed nothing. Despite his earlier warning, I leaned into him, eyes closed.
When I opened my eyes, the shadows of the green wood had grown stronger and we walked between the yawning walls of a rock. They towered above us, signs and symbols carved into them. The ground beneath Raven’s feet was nothing but a path of rich green moss, adding a softness to the harsh gray stones. A chill I could not shake rose within me, and then I heard the voice of water bubbling in the deep.
I gasped at the sight which came into view. It seemed as if we were in a cave and yet not in a cave. Although the rocks rose as high as the trees on either side, they were open to the sky, where sunlight created a green haze. The path of moss over rocks and boulders led right up to a pool of water, embedded in what looked like the rock wall, with a circle of stone surrounding it like an altar. The stones glistened, wet, while others shone like jewels in the light, winking at me as though we were old friends.
“No one will bother you here,” Raven said. “I’m going hunting and will return shortly. But I’ll call out before I come near.” He placed me down on a nearby boulder. And then, as if he had a second thought, handed me the water. “Drink it sparingly, I’ll return with more.”
A numbness came over me at his considerateness. He’d warned me that he was a dark knight, and yet he’d done me a small kindness by bringing me to this place. “Thank you,” I said, hoping to catch his eye.
But he did not look at me. With a quick nod, he was off, and I watched until his shape was nothing more than a dark smudge before rising. Nervous at being left alone, and unsure whether to trust his words that no one would sneak up and surprise me here, I tip-toed toward the pool like a thief, casting furtive glances in each direction. When a bird flew off the rock wall high above me, I stiffened. Glancing around, I picked up a few rocks and stacked them near the pool. I felt better knowing I had rocks to throw, even should a wild animal venture near. I’d heard enough stories about the wildwood.
My slippers had holes in them and were thick with dirt and bramble. I peeled them off my feet, dismayed at how useless my beautiful shoes were in the forest. Oh, how I missed Lotus. I hadn’t counted on walking far. What a fool I was. My dress was filthy and ripped, and as I shrugged it off, I realized I had no way to clean it. Frowning, I spread it out on a nearby rock, hoping some magic would make it clean and comfortable for me again. And then I stepped over the edge into the hot spring.
Warmth surged around me and quickly I climbed in, pleased to find I could easily reach the bottom. The pool was as blue as a deep cerulean sky, and my fingers touched a hidden ledge. I sat back on it while the warmth enveloped my body and the waters massaged my weary skin, as though it were alive and knew exactly what my body needed.
Loosening my hair, I let it flow down until sky met sunshine, and my anxiety melted away. There in the waters it appeared everything would be alright. After all, the fates had allowed me to cross paths with the Raven. The soothing sensation of the tiny waves lulled me to sleep and for the first time in a while, I slept without nightmares.
