Bjorn Estate
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
I slipped into the barn.
It would not be long until Miriam showed up, and I couldn’t deny the urge to see her once more. She rode her steed daily, attempting to better her sidesaddle technique. Stella, Miriam’s mare, neighed from her stall as I entered, swishing her head.
Piper dawdled behind me, poking her head around the entrance.
I rushed to the riding satchel hanging beside Stella’s tack and looped it over my shoulder, then went to the food items placed on the wooden platform behind the door.
Apples and carrots piled over each other filled the woven basket.
I reached inside and shoved as many apples into the bag as I could, leaving room for bread.
‘She’s coming.’
I cinched the bag shut and backed into the second stall where the hay bales were stored and hunkered down. Piper came sliding around and reached my legs.
I crouched and whispered, “Did you see anyone else with her?”
‘No.’
A hinge creaked, followed by the crunch of dirt and straw. I waited a few more moments and heard Miriam’s familiar voice murmuring to Stella.
I jerked my chin at Piper, and she inched closer and looked out. ‘She is still alone’.
This is the final time I will be able to see her . . .
I stepped out.
“Why did you not wed?”
She yelped and whirled. “Amara,” she gasped, eyes so wide. “Piper? What are you doing here?”
“I am glad you continued your riding lessons,” I said instead.
She ran to me, her arms going around my midsection.
“I only came to bid you goodbye before I leave.” I patted the heavy satchel. “And to grab some food.”
She pulled back, her wide blue eyes scanning me, then the bag. “Leave?” she gasped, eyes welling with tears. “Where could you possibly—” she cut off, her gaze bouncing over the bag again. “You’re going to the Barren?”
I nodded and her eyes bulged even more.
“It is much too dangerous.” A displeased frown crossed her face. “I am wasting my breath. You made your decision.”
I smiled, drinking in the rosy flush of her face and her emotional gaze. “I have a favor to ask,” I began.
She clasped my hands, nodding, suddenly looking serious. “Anything.”
“I need food for the travel. Food that will last. Grain biscuits or bread, anything you can spare.”
She nodded. “I will collect some for you.” She hugged me once more and drew back to look at me for a few moments.
“I cannot believe you are here. One moment you were here, then you were gone,” she choked out.
“Amara, you have to know—” She exhaled shakily.
“Mother knew something was wrong with me the eve your Sigil appeared. She got the truth out of me. If I had been stronger.”
“Miriam.” I raised my voice slightly, grasping her hand. “I understand. Lady Bjorn always had a way of sensing things.” I was amazed it was not her gift.
“No, Amara, that eve, it was one of the guest’s gifts. She knew I was hiding something important, and she told mother.”
“I knew there had to be an explanation,” I breathed, squeezing her hand harder. Miriam could not have betrayed me so. “Hurry, I must take my leave.”
She nodded curtly, staring at me closely. She finally let my hand go and retreated.
While she was gone, I settled onto the straw and stretched my aching legs out. Staying for a moment sounded lovely, but I must be on my way to the Plaza. My hip pinched and I leaned into the agony.
Miriam had not betrayed me. Doubt had nagged at the back of my mind since the eve my Sigil appeared despite my adamant refusal. But I was right. She could not have. Piper kept near the exit of the stall, watching steadily.
Soon we would have safety. Where there would be no cages.
‘I hope she’s back quickly. Everything feels off,’ Piper said.
I frowned down at her.
Dusklight came quickly, casting yellowing light into the barn. Nocturn would begin in mere moments.
“We did it,” I breathed.
Piper climbed toward my knee, her nose twitching as she peered around.
‘I sense danger.’
I was on my feet.
“What kind? Should we leave?” I whispered, already striding around the stall toward the exit. Piper had a keen animal sense of danger. Always had.
‘I think . . .’ she trailed off.
“I do not want to risk it,” I decided and neared the barn wall to leave.
Someone could have seen me. I had allowed myself a moment of selfishness in coming here, but that would have to be enough.
Miriam would have to forgive me for disappearing.
I poked my head out from around the barn door, and seeing the way clear, I slipped past the entrance, bolting along its side as quickly as my leg allowed.
“Amara?” Miriam shouted.
I slowed, tugged by my bond with Miriam to see her once more. To tell her a final goodbye.
She rushed around the side of the barn.
“Shh.” I peeked around.
“Why are you leaving?” Her brows furrowed tightly, a red flush across her cheeks, her footsteps crunched near.
“It is time for me to go.”
I was about to turn away.
“You cannot!” she shouted, verging on panicked.
An officer rounded the barn where she had come. I stepped back a few paces. My thoughts raced, and my gaze bounced from Miriam to the officer and back again.
“What?” I whispered, staggering back. She kept her gaze fixed on the dirt path, her face leached of color.
“I am so, so sorry,” she sobbed. “I will not be allowed to wed Lord Cedric if we have no sway.” She kept hugging herself as if she had been the one betrayed. “I love him.” Another sob gust free.
The officer approached, and I clasped Piper, my heartbeat faster than ever.
He converged on me, and I managed to slip to the side.
My leg gave out, the one Cassiel had broken, but I caught myself with a hiss.
The moment cost me the distance I needed.
Miriam’s betrayal brought the officers. Cassiel’s left me too slow to outrun them.
Jolting to the side to avoid another heavy-handed swipe, I was not counting on the other officer lying in wait. His palm slapped over my mouth, and I grunted, struggling against the grip. Piper slipped out of my arms, and everything went dark.