Page 187 of Forcing Fate

“But Gareth didn’t,” I finished.

“Aye.” The word sounded like it was choked out of him.

I pulled my knees to my chest and sat there. “It would have been nice to know him,” I thought aloud.

“Aye.”

My eyes focused on the frozen lake in front of me. Did Rafe feel guilty for that? Did he feel responsible for my father’s death?

“Everyone dies someday. We can’t always be ready,” I murmured.

There was a grunt and the sounds of water splashing. I frowned at the tension still lingering in the air. Did he think I thought differently of him? That was years ago, when he was young. I wasn’t so cruel as to hold the sins of a young man over his head for the rest of his life.

“Finished.”

I turned to look at him as he fastened his belt. His tunic hung open and his skin shone with water. I stood and boldly walked up to him.

“Rafe.” I reached up to hold his face.

His dark gaze shined with anger and remorse—the silver in his eye radiated unnerving coldness. “Don’t you dare tell me not to feel guilty, or some other dung, Vy,” he growled.

He wanted to feel guilty? He wanted to retain that sense of sorrow? So, I would let him.

“Rafe, thank you.” I tugged against him until he gave in and let me pull his temple to mine. “Thank you for telling me about my father.”

He leaned back enough to search my face, looking for something. A trick? A lie?

Whatever it was, he didn’t find it, and his anger melted away.

“At this pace, we’ll never make it to the village,” he whispered, voice rough.

We returned to the fortress, and I placed my toiletries alongside my cot as he retreated up the stairs.

“I assume your mother doesn’t know of me?” he called.

“No. She knows nothing of the ranks.” I shook off the melted snow from my boots.

There was a grunt, and moments later, he walked down the steps. I looked up and squinted at the cloak tossed over his arm.

“Where’s your vest?”

“It’s the Solstice. I’m wearing my patch,” he said, turning to show me his tattooed shoulder.

“But I need it,” I blurted.

He blinked in confusion. “You need my winter vest?”

“Yes, please.” I winced before I could take it back.

He gave me a puzzled look, but returned to the loft to retrieve his fur-lined vest. Walking down, he handed it over, watching me carefully.

“I need this today,” I muttered, holding it to my chest.

“Only today.” He frowned.

I offered him a smile and retrieved my belongings. “Shall we?”

We rode for Hamsforth, which was only a chime’s ride away. I urged Thunderbolt to a quick but steady pace to keep up with Rafe’s stallion. His stallion was massive, a muscular creature that looked like he could eat me alive. He was a dark dappled gray with a black mane and tail. He was a fierce beast and Thunderbolt and I stayed out of his path.

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