Page 7 of Oath of Rebellion

"Thank you, sir. Much obliged. My maid, Helga–can you help her too? I'm afraid she'll be a little harder to get out of the carriage. But then again, it's probably a good thing she's out. The poor woman wouldn't be able to handle being in the middle of the Feral Forest with who knows what beasts. Are we safe now? Or is the danger still present?"

I'm the danger, wench.

He blinked, gripping his hands behind him to avoid reaching for her and to hold down his tail. What was wrong with him? He'd never reacted like this before, even when the hormones had threatened to drown him during puberty and he'd been getting a handle on his abilities without accidentally killing anyone.

Scarlet saved him from answering as she swung off her horse and approached the woman. She bowed low, hand on hip as she said, "Princess, you're safe with us. We'll protect you from the forest's magic and the beasts that haunt it."

But who will save the beast from her?

He turned his back on the two as he looked back into the door of the carriage. Her maid was still unconscious, but he looked around and thought. It would be difficult to get her out at that angle.

He walked around the carriage, assessing the situation. He didn't think he'd be able to make two wheels and all the little pieces to fit them together. When he came back to the door, he glanced at Scarlet and the princess.

The princess' arms waved animatedly as she talked. Scarlet was smiling too, which gave him some relief. At least it wasn't just him felt this excitement and joy around the princess.

Except it was more intense than any emotion he'd ever had before, even when he'd first met her as a baby. It was like he'd been punched in the gut and dragged through a swamp pit.

He reached for the door, ripping it off its hinges. Then he grabbed the frame and pulled. His muscles strained, but after a few seconds, it ripped too. He tossed it aside, the vines already reaching for the door.

They grabbed for the small wall and dropped the door like a pack of dogs with a new toy. He reached out, making some safer vines grow closer. They wrapped around the door, lengthening it and creating a loop to form connected reins.

He reached inside and pulled the maid out, cradling her in his arms and turning to the other two women.

"Red, get on your horse and take the maid on the litter. I'll take the princess. We'll stop at Olive's for the night, then continue through in the morning."

The princess turned to eye him, her jaw dropping. "Red? She said her name is Scarlet."

"My brother has jokes. Ignore him, princess."

Eirwyn glanced between them, then pointed to Scarlet. "Why can't I ride with her? She's fun."

Scarlet walked steadily to her mount, her grin frustrating him into another scowl. He laid the maid gently on the litter, then pulled the reins to Scarlet, who looped the vine end around the pommel.

"Because her horse can handle the added weight of the maid. My horse is strong, but this is easier and more balanced."

She stopped, straightening. "Oh, that makes sense. You're not exactly a small man. Your poor horse must be exhausted after carrying you around."

She walked over to his horse, reaching up a dainty hand and petting Ryder's nozzle. He shook his head, then mounted with ease.

He reached out a hand. "He's used to it. Are you ready to go?"

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