Page 61 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Come in,” she replied with a sigh of relief.

Calista walked in and crossed her arms. “Where the hell have you been?”

“I’m sorry, I would have sent word, but the rain washed the roads out.”

“Oh, well, Nicolai sent word on your behalf,” Calista snarked.

“So that’s what he meant,” Sylvana muttered.

“What?” Calista asked.

Sylvana waved her hand dismissively. “Nothing. How did you find out?”

“He sent a young stable boy to let me know you would not be returning. I was worried sick.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“You are lucky Alaric didn’t find out.”

“Where is he now?”

“Sleeping.”

“Is Mira home yet?” Sylvana asked.

“Yes, and do not change the subject,” Calista stated.

“I’m tired and I don’t want to discuss this.” Sylvana walked past her and headed down the stairs.

Chapter 9

Sylvanawanderedthroughthefields deep in thought, not having the motivation to work nor the desire to take another load to the castle anytime soon. She felt ashamed for having slept with them and afraid she had given them the wrong impression.As if my reputation hasn’t been soiled enough. She picked a tomato off of a vine and tossed it as far as she could.I should let it all rot.She heard the distant drumming of hooves and her pulse quickened, knowing it was Nicolai or Kieran or worse, both. The sounds grew in intensity and Skadi burst through the tree line and leapt over a fallen tree.

Oh fuck me,she thought. Nicolai pulled on the reins, Skadi lowered his butt, and planted his back hooves into the dirt a mere foot from where she stood. She yelped, jumped back, and held up her hands.

“Are you out of your damn mind? You almost ran me over!”

Nicolai failed to reply. He simply stared at her while Skadi pranced in a circle around her.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded.

“Klyn informed us you made a choice?”

“I did,” she replied sternly.

“Good to know,” he replied calmly. He then locked his eyes on hers.

After an uncomfortable moment of silence, she broke eye contact, feeling as though a hot ember was burning a hole in her mind. “I don’t have time for this.”

“I’m curious? What put you in such a sour mood?”

“What do you want from me?” she snapped.

“Were we in some way unclear?”

“I will not allow myself to taste a world beyond my means, only to have it taken away when you and Kiran decide to discard me. It’s better to not know what you are missing than to miss what you never knew existed.”

“That is an eloquent way to defy us.”

---