Page 35 of Forcing Fate

“I hope you know how inappropriate this is,” I said, gesturing between us. “Following a woman into the woods during midday meal? People might think ill of you.” Maybe if I appealed to his reputation, he would turn back.

Instead, he scoffed and folded his arms across his chest, his stare deliberate. He wasn’t going anywhere.

“I’m not following a woman,” he said, unaffected. “I’m following a child. No man would think a thing of it.”

He stalked toward me, and I took a hesitant step back before I could think better of it. His wolfish smile grew, and he came closer, amused by my nerves. I swallowed and glanced behind him, searching for anyone, any other soul who might witness this colossal mistake. Nothing. No one. I turned and pressed into the thicket before General Rafe could get any closer.

As I followed the trail, I pushed branches out of my way in hopes they’d swing back and hit him. At one point, after letting a particularly thick branch fly, his low chuckle stiffened my jaw. I was glad he was amused by this. At least someone was.

It was far cooler in the woods, as opposed to the shadeless field. Though it lacked the stirring of a breeze, making the air heavy and stagnant. I studied the trees and stumps, and the forest floor, slowing my steps to orient myself with this part of the forest.

I wasn’t familiar with this section of the woods, but I knew how to identify the edible leafy plants near the school grounds. This being the same woods, I should be able to find them here as well.

I lifted the corner of my dress to use as a makeshift pouch and plucked leaves from low-hanging branches and shrubs, and even a few flowers. General Rafe’s eyes burned into the back of my head, watching my every move. I took a calming breath, beyond irritated. He hadn’t foraged a single thing. It wouldn’t surprise me if he intended on taking everything I’d secured for himself.

I bent to pick some narrowleaf plantain and caught sight of him staring at the lifted corner of my dress. Pursing my lips, I spotted a small purple flower with a bright yellow center sticking out like a pike. If he planned on stealing my food, I’d at least have a good laugh over his paralyzed body.

“Hold.”

General Rafe pushed against me to pick the flower himself, and I was forever thankful for the step he took back. He held it up and twisted it by its stem, looking at me with… was that disappointment?

“Do you know what this is?” he rumbled.

I narrowed my eyes at him and nodded.

“What is it?”

I frowned, thinking he caught onto my plan. “Nightshade.”

He kept twisting it and stared at me, obviously trying to understand what I was playing at. I didn’t want the poor man to bruise his brain attempting to figure it out.

“I know my plants, General Rafe. Almost as well as I know you were eyeing my harvest.”

“You thought to poison me?” His voice took on a dark tone as he dropped the flower.

Someone had definitely poisoned him in the past. I made a mental note to stay away from that subject in the future.

“I thought if someone were to steal my hard-won harvest, they would pay an appropriate price.”

A proud grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he inclined his head. “How wise of you.”

I stood there staring at him, waiting for further comment. When he grew bored, he folded his arms across his chest and looked about the woods, still rooted in place.

“Well?” I lifted the makeshift pouch. “Are you going to take my harvest?”

He scoffed, “Girls eat leaves. Men eat meat. Have no fear, little rabbit, I’ll not eat your dinner.”

Satisfied, I returned to my task.

“But I might eat you,” he added.

I whipped my face to him, sending a harsh glare his way. Knowing he was only trying to intimidate me, I pressed on through the woods with a sigh.

After I’d gathered enough to sustain me till the evening meal, I spied the telltale bushy leaves of a wild carrot. They were more bitter and grew in odd shapes, but the only other things I had were soft, stringy plants. Something with a bit more crunch would be welcome. I knelt down on the ground, set aside my leafy harvest and went to work, using my fingers to loosen the soil around the carrot. Just as I worked my way around the taproot, I heard an exasperated sigh, and I felt, more than saw, General Rafe crouch beside me.

“Move over.”

He nudged my side with his thick thigh, and I scrambled over, taking my stash of food with me. He balanced on the balls of his feet where I had knelt and pulled out a wicked-looking knife from his trousers.

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