Chapter 54
Tynan
Our escape from Achotia went more smoothly than even I could have hoped. More evidence of my skillful planning and powers of persuasion.
A few hours before sunrise, I woke the young princes, snuck them out of the tower and into the chapel, and we found our way out through the crypts and the tunnel.
The route was just as Rosomon recounted. We even found a boat, one more sturdy than the raft she described.
I didn’t manage to gather much food but have enough coin in my saddlebags to procure horses, food and shelter—and to use for bribes, if needed, for the rest of our journey to camp.
We don’t yet have horses. I thought it unwise to interact with the locals in the first village we came upon.
I’ll wait until we’re further from the castle.
If anyone recognizes the young princes, or me, I’ll tell them the boys are my prisoners, which won’t be hard to believe, given their pale complexions and under nourished bodies.
“When will we rest?” Alfryd asks. “My brother is tired.”
I turn toward Olifer.
“I’m fine,” he says quietly.
“If it’s safe, I’ll procure mounts for us in the next village.” I turn toward Alfryd. “Assuming you two are strong enough to ride. Otherwise, I’ll find a carriage or cart.”
“A king does not ride in a cart.” Alfryd raises his chin.
I try to hide my irritation. I much prefer the version of Alfryd I met last year.
That version was full of admiration for me—impressed that I was a dragon rider and eager to please.
This version is a brat, even though he’s technically a man.
On the other hand, I quite like Rosomon’s younger brother.
He’s not strong, but he’s kind. He’s much more like his sister.
Thoughts of Rosomon take control of my mind to the point I can’t see or hear anything else.
Surely, she and Zogar have returned from the Darkness by now.
I can’t wait to take her into my arms. I can’t wait to kiss her.
I can’t wait to suck on her cunt and her tits and then fuck her until we both pass out from the effort and ecstasy.
Our time apart makes me nervous that her affection for me might have waned, but her gratitude when she learns I not only secured a pardon for Saxon, but also freed her brothers, will more than make up for any lapse in our romance.