Page 143 of Arrows and Gems
“I’ve spent some time on the wrong side of the law,” he continued, taking another step closer.
Her third arrow narrowly claimed its mark. Trying to block him out, she drew her fourth arrow and focused.
“And you know something about outlaws?” he murmured.
The word combined with his nearness made her heart beat faster, but her fourth arrow snagged its ring with no troubles.
She brought up her final arrow and lined up her shot. He leaned forward so that his breath fluttered the edge of her hood. Helena took a deep breath, stubbornly ignoring him.
“They aren’t afraid to cheat,” he whispered. Then he pressed his lips to the side of her mouth just as she released the string.
And Helena’s carefully aligned shot went wide.
Shocked exclamations rose from the crowd, but Helena stood frozen. John gently lifted her hood over her face, letting it fall down her back so everyone could see her long chestnut braid. “I win,” he whispered with a teasing smile. “That makes me the best archer intwokingdoms.”
“You cheated!” she protested. “You kissed me on my final shot!”
“I did,” he grinned, cupping her chin between his hands. “And it serves you right. Are you going to slap me again, or may I finally kiss my bride-to-be?”
She opened her mouth to reply, but another voice beat her to it. “I will not object if she wishes to deliver a physical rebuke for your inappropriate actions. As for the rest, I believe it is premature to declare yourself my sister’s betrothed.” Axel’s voice was light, but Helena could picture the hidden steel in his eyes. “She should be allowed another shot, as you interferedunfairly.”
“And the princess competing for her own hand is not unfair?”
“The rules state that anyone can enter.” Her brother stared down her opponent. “But you intentionally upset her during her final shot.”
“And if she makes it on her second try?” Her competitor’s voice was perfectly calm. “What trick will we perform next? Shooting multiple stationary targets at once?” One corner of his mouth twitched up as he turned to face her. “I’m up to five now.”
Five? Helena scowled. “I thought you wouldn’t have time for archery for a while.”
Her brother’s forehead furrowed a little. “Helena, is this someone you know?”
“I had to practice for your marriage tournament, didn’t I?”
She stepped forward, hand shooting for his hood. He leaned back and grabbed her wrist just as she latched onto it. She tugged, but he held firm. “Would you stop trying to rescue me? I didn’t need your help!”
“Perhaps not.” He relaxed his grip, gently guiding her hand to remove his hood. His hazel eyes met hers, and she melted a little. “But I needed to fight for you.”
“But youcheated,” she insisted, running her fingers through his inch-long auburn hair. With his natural hair color and without a beard, he looked so different. But his eyes were the same.
Behind her, she heard her brother’s easygoing voice. “I think she omitted a few things from her account of her travels. Must I bow to him since he is a king, or may I challenge him to a sword match for making eyes at my sister?”
“You’re older and will also be a king someday,” Katy replied with a grin. “And I applaud your wisdom for not choosingarchery.”
“Heavens, no,” Axel laughed. “I can’t even beat my sister.”
Rafe’s eyes scanned her face as his fingers trailed down her arm. The spectators were still loudly discussing his actions and her presence, but her brother and his wife were the only ones who had approached them. Helena ignored them all, because there was only one person whose words she cared about just now.
“I heard that you’ll be free of the council if the winner declines your hand,” Rafe whispered. Helena slid her hand down to his shoulder. “If you want me to, I’ll refuse. I won’t force you to marry me.”
She set her other hand on his chest. “But you would prefer to claim your ill-gotten prize?”
“Set up the next event,” he challenged with a competitive smirk. “I promise not to cheat, but I’ll still win.” Setting a careful hand on her chin, he nudged it up, encouraging her to meet his eyes. “I was pleased to receive Katrin’s letter. Laurier was…not the same after you left.”
“After you sent me away, you mean?” Helena prodded.
He nodded. “Never have I wished to be a simple forester as I did at that moment.”
And never had she so wished to not be a princess. But she couldn’t just say that.
