45. Nicholas
45
Nicholas
I awoke, my back extremely stiff from sleeping on the cold ground. Ravinder had been kind enough to allow me the protection of his tent, but we’d agreed that we weren’t close enough to share a bed.
His cot was empty, a testament to his stealth and training to have left me undisturbed. I took up most of the gods damned floor space here. An unintentional groan escaped me as I sat up. The smell coming off of me was the second blow. Going on day two in these clothes lined with leathers did me no favors. Maybe I’d get lucky and have time to bathe before we departed.
The morning sun filtered through the lightly swaying leaves, many already risen for the day going about their chores. A calm had settled over the world. I was still adjusting to Ella being Nora, and her knowing my identity.
Something seemed to shift, though, after we’d settled here. And now that her sister was safe and we could return home, I had no idea how to picture our relationship going forward.
My heart told me there’d still be one, and I held onto that.
Despite many being awake, everyone kept their morning tasks fairly quieted, knowing others still slept. The sun had probably been up for an hour, and even though I hadn’t been able to sleep much last night, I aimed to procure some breakfast for the three of us before our return trip home.
I walked to Radhak’s tent to find a group of the men from last night’s rescue gathered around the open firepit in front. One of the open trunks held weapons, just as I’d said. Obviously, we hadn’t prevented the kidnappers from collecting all of their cargo the other night, but it boded in my favor since I used their promise as a bargaining chip.
I joined their quieted revelry. “Fine craftsmanship, aren’t they?” I clapped a hand on Radhak’s shoulder before crossing my arms in shared assessment.
He turned to me with a smile, the cup of coffee in his hand sending the decadent aroma swirling through the air. “Fine, indeed. And just as you said. I’d keep these if they weren’t iron, but I’m sure your steel ones are equally formidable.” He clapped a hand on my back. “Will you be taking the day to rest?”
“No, thank you. I fear I’ve overstayed my welcome already.”
He chuckled over his brew. “A day of your company for a fishing ship? Close call, but I’ll say it was worth it. We’ve pulled it from the water and tucked it into the trees for now. Can’t make out the ship’s name, looks like it’s been scratched off. But from the letters that remain visible, I’m thankful for your donation of Te Ack Arlin.” He gave me a sly smirk. “I’m thinking about keeping the name. Sounds rather regal.” He clapped my shoulder. “I’ll have Ravinder show you to the horse you’ll be taking back with you. She’s a good mare, not very skittish, but she doesn’t like to travel too fast, so bear that in mind.”
“Thank you. I’m sure Melody will appreciate a gentle ride. I know N-Ella will.” Clearing my throat, I massaged my neck as though still warming up for the day to excuse the near slip.
“Oh, no, the mare is for you.”
I froze, furrowing my brow.
“They left just as the sun was rising. Did they not inform you?”
Suddenly, the cool morning air felt like a frigid slap to the face. “They won’t know the way back,” I said, not trying to pretend that I’d known their plan.
“The girl said as much, which is why we sent one of our very best scouts along with them. Tio is a good lad. He’ll make sure they get back safe.”
I found it hard to school my features into neutrality, grateful for the mask that covered my struggle. A rising feeling in my chest demanded I catch up to them, but it would take time to prepare to leave, and with my horse not likely to speed after them, I had to accept that she’d gone.
“I’m sure you have much to get back to, but please, have something to eat before you go. Alba makes the best breakfast baked goods.”
The woman from yesterday strode up to the firepit, a basket full of the goods Radhak had just described as if she’d been summoned by the wind’s whisper. She went about distributing them, handing me something admittedly delicious looking.
“Thank you,” I said, resenting each second I let pass that increased the distance between me and Nora.
“Don’t fret, dear. I also had the girls take some for their trip.” She patted my arm and then returned to her pastry distribution.
I was glad Nora had something to eat other than apples for her trip back. Her stomach would probably be more settled now, considering Melody was safe.
Ricks had actually selected Melody as a front runner for queen. He’d never pick Nora, despite her being my first dance at the ball, and the fact that I couldn’t take my eyes off her. His idea of a future queen was how mine used to be, before Nora suggested something different that altered my entire perception of ruling.
I’d have a harder time believing the badass fighter I’d felt so drawn to was Nora all along if it didn’t make so much damn sense. She was mesmerizing, in a head to toe concealing getup or pretty blue gown. Even in that shabby matching shirt and pants number she wore to the first luncheon.
And especially wrapped around my cock.
Oh gods, now I could pair that erotic memory with her stunning beauty and fiery personality. I cleared my throat and inconspicuously tugged my pants to the side. Luckily, no one seemed to be paying attention to the man dressed fully in black.
I kept the pastry in my grasp, not willing to remove my mask in front of Radhak’s men, even though some cool air would be nice right about now. Finding Ravinder and setting out as soon as possible was my next course of action when something glistened between the twirling fingertips of one of the men at the firepit.
My vision snagged on it, thinking I must be imagining something that wasn’t there. Still, I found myself unable to ignore it as I walked up to the man. “What’s that?” I gestured to the silver in his hand.
“It was mingling with the weapons. Finders keepers, I’d say. It’s not from either kingdom, I don’t think,” he said, studying the coin in his hand.
“No, it’s not.” My teeth ground together. I set off with rage stirring under my skin.
This golden mare full-on refused any instruction to pick up the pace, and every leisurely step was an insult, adding salt to the wound of my boiling anger.
“Some have a mind of their own. No matter how hard you try to break them, they’ll always remind you breaking is their choice. And they chose not to.” Ravinder chuckled at my difficulty with the stubborn horse.
Though I would have preferred to struggle with this horse in private, Radhak insisted his brother served as an escort. Ravinder assured me it was his honor to serve. He was the only other person at that camp to know of my true identity.
The reins remained tight in my gloves. I’d have to submit to the will of this damned horse, this female with a mind of her own.
Seemed pretty on theme for me lately.
As the hours went on, I didn’t care much about making conversation. Ravinder adjusted to the silence just fine.
I wanted to be mad at Nora. For leaving, for pulling back from me. For not trusting the things I’d shared with her in the cover of night without the looming presence of my mantle.
Craning my head back, I looked toward the clear sky. Spring had made her debut, the promise of new life, melting all things that weighed so heavily like winter’s thick snow. Nagging thoughts kept asking, what if that promise never came? What if frozen ground had become too impenetrable to soften?
No, I shook those thoughts away. The sun would win out, it had to…
“How far from the outskirts will you be heading in on foot?” Ravinder asked after a couple more hours of companionable silence.
“About a mile out.” A change of clothes courtesy of Radhak was tucked in a pack attached to the mare’s saddle. Best that I return promptly to the castle, and chances were we’d arrive before the sun had set.
Being myself would make it easier to stroll through the gates. For anyone who’d ask, I merely went out on a walk.
“I won’t forget the kindness you and your brother have shown me,” I said as we were concluding the final leg of our journey together.
He remained in his thoughts for a moment before he responded, “I think allies will be important in the coming days.”
Recalling the chaos on that ship, I feared that there was worse on the horizon. There were still too many unanswered questions. I simply nodded in reply, but my returning stare said all it needed to. Enemies, adversaries, foes, all dangerous. But unknown forces? Even more so.
These past few days had made things abundantly clear. I’d been a fool for too long, allowing myself to be blinded by loyalties that obviously didn’t exist.
When I stepped foot inside those walls, I would be a different prince taking the throne.