Page 78 of The King's Sword
“Is there still a threat?” She assumed since Ex had been dealt with, she didn’t have to worry about deranged assassins jumping out at her every two seconds.
“I don’t think so, but I can’t be certain.” He led her along a walkway into town.
“Where are we meeting my brother?” she asked. This town looked similar to all the other ones along the canal.
“Not here,” Evander replied. “We’re just sleeping here tonight. Then we’ll travel two more days to a town called Lark which is located near Skyfall River. Otto will meet us there.”
“Then I’m surprised you stopped at all. Why not travel four days straight without wasting the time to stop for one night?”
He looked at her sidelong and rolled his eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic.”
“You’re the one who’s so eager to get rid of me that we didn’t stop last night.”
“That’s not it.” He took hold of her arm and pulled her to a stop, forcing her to look at his eyes. “We shouldn’t be stopping at all.”
“Then why did you?” she demanded.
“I stopped because you’re driving me mad. I thought maybe if you slept in a bed and had a decent meal, you’d return to yourself again.”
“I am myself.” She folded her arms, glaring at him. “You’re not yourself.”
He ran his hands through his hair. “You’re right.” He glanced around before focusing on her again. “I don’t want to take you to your brother, and I don’t want you to leave. I’m going crazy trying to think of a way to keep you because I’m selfish like that.” He heaved in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “So no, I’m not myself. Because I can’t stand the thought of losing you.” He stood there with his hands on his hips.
They shouldn’t be having this conversation in the middle of a walkway, in the center of a town. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “This is just as hard for me.”
He reached out and took hold of her hand, leading her along the pathway again.
Like the other towns Sabine had seen in Avoni, this one had dozens of single story brown structures all with dark green curved rooflines. Since it was getting dark, people were out and about, heading home from work or securing a meal for supper. Hanging lanterns lit the narrow walkways.
Evander led Sabine to an inn. After he secured a room, they headed along the hallway and entered the last room on the right.
Sabine took the bed while Evander stretched out on the floor.
She tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable and fall asleep. She couldn’t believe what little time she and Evander had left, they were going to act like this. Two people not talking, as if they barely knew one another. Granted, she didn’t want to return to Lynk. To her husband. But she had no choice. She needed to go back so she could save those children and stop a war. Tears filled her eyes. Why did everything have to be so hard and complicated?
“Are you asleep?” Evander whispered.
“No.”
“I have an idea.” He stood and lit the candle next to the bed. “Make yourself presentable and meet me in the hallway.” He exited the room before she could ask any questions.
Curious as to what he had in mind, Sabine slid out of bed and quickly changed into clean clothes and fixed her hair.
When she joined him in the hallway, he folded his hands behind his back and said, “You’re not allowed to ask any questions, and you have to do as I say. Understood?” He lifted a single eyebrow, awaiting her response.
She studied him for a moment, thrilled he was back to his charming self. “Deal.”
He smiled and took hold of her hand. “I can’t believe you just agreed to that. I thought for sure you’d renegotiate the terms.”
They exited the inn and headed along the pathway.
“I’m feeling a little daring tonight,” she replied with a smile. “And I could use a challenge.” She knew he’d push her to do something out of her comfort zone and for some reason, she welcomed it.
The corners of his lips rose. “Just remember you said that.” He smirked.
Growing up the youngest of six and having four of her siblings be brothers, she’d been forced into more dares than she could count. Evander might be surprised and learn a thing or two before the night was over.
After a few blocks, they neared a building with dozens of people standing outside it, laughing and talking. Evander went right past them and opened the door, motioning for Sabine to go in ahead of him.
