Page 57 of The Princess of Nothing
“No, they’re private, hired when needed. Skilled in archery, sword-fighting, combat, and trickery. They’re the best.”
“How did you afford them?” I asked, looking around at the fifty or so men.
“I sold all my rare items,” he admitted.
“Oh, Cedric.”
He shrugged, leading me to a beautiful short-haired horse with silver eyes. “What use is precious gems and beautiful things if I can’t sell them to save the woman I...” He smirked. “You know.”
I wanted him to say it, but I understood. Now wasn’t the right time. “She’s gorgeous.” I footed the stirrup, Cedric gave me a boost, and I climbed onto her back. “Are you not riding with me?”
He chuckled. “Can you not ride alone?”
“I’ve missed you. That’s all.”
His grin widened. “Then we will have plenty to talk about when we stop for camp. My only focus now is to get you out of Bluewater, tonight. The province will be on high alert. Time is of the essence.”
The corner of the letter hidden in the front of my dress pricked my breast. “I want to take these first.” I pulled out the letters.
“We will find a news writer in Woodbarrow,” he said sternly and walked to his horse. “Let us go, Dragoir,” he called to the long-haired fae.
Dragoir led out front, guiding us through poor burrows of the town until we hit a tree line.
“We will ride through the forest,” Dragoir told Cedric, whom I trotted behind.
My chest tightened. “The Forest of Tranquillium.”
“Where we were taken.”
“But, Cedric,” I pleaded. “What about the dragons? Is there no way?”
He gave me a disapproving look. “Whatever you’re thinking of doing, don’t.”
“We could make it there. The papers in Bluewater will be read by more people,” I countered.
He shook his head. “We have tested fate enough for one day.”
Distant yelling and trumpets sounding forced us into the tree line. They’d come for me at last.
“They’re here.” Cedric looked at Dragoir. “On guard.”
Dragoir nodded with his strong jaw clenched when he peered out. “If they come, we will kill first. Ride,” he ordered.
Cedric pulled me from Dragoir, who remained behind with half of the army. The rest went with us. The seriousness of what was happening washed over me. People were going to die. Battles fought. Hearts broken.
The sun set on my second wedding, bringing with it a blazing army that would stop at nothing until I was dead.
