Chapter Twenty-Six – Mira #2
I expected him to make some sort of sardonic comment, but he merely said, ‘My legs collapsed the first time too. Unfortunately for me, I had a much larger audience – Roran, my father, and all the Warriors under his command.’
I stared up at him in open surprise. It was still so unexpected when he shared something personal. ‘How old were you at the time?’
‘Seven.’ Cassius smiled faintly at my shock.
‘Your father had you accompany him on military campaigns when you were seven ?’
‘He considered it educational.’ Cassius released me, but didn’t step away. Too quietly for the others to hear, he said, ‘You did well today. Most inexperienced riders can’t stay in the saddle nearly as long.’
I nodded, though that was little comfort right now. Not when I had days of riding ahead of me. I forced myself to take a stiff step, and then another. Every muscle screamed in protest.
Cassius cast me an amused glance. ‘Don’t worry; it gets easier.’ He took the reins of both horses.
‘Where are you going?’ I called after him as he strode amongst the wildflowers.
He shot me one of his signature, devious half-smiles. ‘Come with me and find out.’
Irritation warred with intrigue. Intrigue won.
I wove my way through the clearing, which was quickly transforming into a makeshift camp: Jadis and Odessa helping to unload provisions, while warriors collected firewood, tended to the horses and disappeared into the forest with spears drawn.
‘I should help them,’ I said, starting to slow. ‘I can set up snares and–’
‘One advantage of being a ruler, Mira,’ Cassius interrupted, ‘is the opportunity to delegate. Let the warriors tend to domestic matters and focus on yourself. I assure you, they are familiar with hunting game.’
‘Just because a ruler can delegate doesn’t mean they should ,’ I said as I caught up with Cassius.
‘Consider this a better use of your time.’
I followed his gaze to where a deep stream wound its way through the trees, only the faintest sound of rushing water announcing its presence. I remembered Cassius telling me that he used to hunt and track, but I was still surprised that he had known it was here.
After allowing the horses to drink their fill, he tethered them nearby and approached the bank. A hint of reddish light filtered through the trees, almost the exact shade of the soil beneath my feet, interspersed with tall, yellow-green reeds.
‘Seriously?’ I said as Cassius stripped out of his tunic and reached for his leather breeches. ‘ That’s why you brought me here? To parade your body in front of me?’
I could hear the smile in his voice as he said, ‘Not everything is about you, Mira. Believe it or not, I like to be clean.’ He arched a golden brow at me. ‘And no one is forcing you to watch.’
I turned decisively on my heel, putting my back to him. I could have sworn I heard him laugh.
Even though I couldn’t see Cassius, I could picture him well enough. The image of him in those hot springs was burned into my mind: the proud set of his shoulders, the lean muscles of his arms and chest, the way his breeches had clung to–
‘You can turn around now, Mira. You won’t see anything that offends your delicate sensibilities.’ Yes, there was definite amusement in his voice. ‘Not that I think there’s anything particularly delicate about you.’
Ignoring that last comment, I told him, ‘Go back to camp. I’ll return when I’m done.’
Cassius settled against a tree trunk, leaning back against it in his usual nonchalant way. ‘Given our less than hospitable welcome, I don’t think it’s wise to leave you on your own. Besides, I’ve seen you naked before.’
I folded my arms across my chest. ‘That was different.’
A curious tilt of his golden head. ‘Why?’
‘Because I was unconscious when you carried me into those hot springs,’ I said shortly. Gods, he was infuriating . ‘Turn around.’
When he did, I slid off my own tunic and leggings. The soft soil was soothing against my bare, aching feet as I approached the stream – but the water was utterly frigid. I let out a gasp of surprise.
‘Want me to come in there and warm you up?’
‘Has anyone told you,’ I shot back without turning, ‘that you have an uncanny ability to make light of absolutely everything ?’
‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ Cassius’s indolent voice drawled. ‘Did you think that was a joke? I was being quite serious.’
I shook my head in annoyance, but I was smiling as I submerged myself in the water, letting it sweep the dirt from my skin. After combing my fingers through my hair, I stood and waded back across the slick pebbles–
Only to look up and find midnight-blue eyes watching me.
Cassius held up his hands in a pacifying gesture, but his mouth curved suspiciously at the edges. ‘I never promised not to look.’
I let out an exasperated huff as I quickly dressed and stalked past him towards the horses.
Even though it was still sunset, the trees were so thick here that it felt like late evening.
Perhaps that had bothered the horses too.
My mare neighed and pulled away from me when I tried to untie her, and Cassius’s stallion rolled his eyes in distress.
I tried to soothe them, but nothing seemed to make a difference. And then they went silent.
The silence was complete. Absolute. Even the birds stopped their chirping.
I felt the delicate hairs rise on the back of my neck. Slowly and carefully, I glanced past the horses – towards the shadowy forest beyond.
Glowing eyes watched me through the trees. As my hand dropped to my sword, I caught a glimpse of four-legged beasts – their bodies protected by bony plating that resembled armour.
And I realised that I had been wrong. The Wilds didn’t conceal hidden treasures.
They concealed monsters.