Page 64 of Oath of Rebellion

Chapter 23

"NO, YOU CANNOT GO TO Demerel and snoop around. You're the princess. Everyone knows you, Eirwyn," Scarlet said, shaking her head as she paused eating, her spoon halfway to her mouth.

Last night she'd dug in a trunk of clothes and talked with Scarlet about Knox' childhood and growing up in the forest. Scarlet had told her to be careful as Knox had never been with a woman before, but Eirwyn didn't believe her. Scarlet probably just didn't know all of Knox' business, which was as it should be.

She certainly wished her own brother kept out of her business, that's for sure. They'd talked about her brother too. But as dawn had approached, the storm still raging outside and her thoughts and memories just as tumultuous, she'd finally fallen asleep.

Sadly, alone. She'd taken a bird bath in the wash basin by the window and had changed into Scarlet's breeches and shirt. Thank the gods she'd worn her walking boots to the reception.

Eirwyn now leaned forward onto the table, imitating some people she'd met at the tavern over the years. "I have to, don't you see? I have to make sure Bella doesn't get caught up in his web of treachery. She's still my friend."

Scarlet glared at her sternly. "You forget that she's a queen now."

Eirwyn shook her head, frowning. "No, I haven't. They'll be leaving on their honeymoon tour today. If I can just get a message to her. Surely she'll stop by the tavern to check on the place one more time before she leaves. It's been her home for twenty-five years."

Olive set a bowl in front of Eirwyn, and she thanked her. Then Olive said, "I agree with Scarlet. There's no way you can go into Demerel. It's too risky."

The door opened, and Knox stepped inside, taking her breath away. His eyes swept over them, and as he stopped to stare at her, he deliberately pushed his hood back.

His eyes were defiant and wary, like he was afraid that she had changed her mind overnight. So she smiled and winked for good measure.

His eyes widened and his posture seemed to relax. Then he held up a small wooden box. "Got the heart of a stag. The meat's in the cellar waiting to be dried or cooked. The pelt is stretched and drying in the sun but you'll need to move it by the fire if it starts raining again."

Olive beamed. "Thank you, dear. I appreciate it. Will you please tell Eirwyn she's not going to Demerel to warn the queen what her brother is up to?"

Knox glowered and Eirwyn shrunk in on herself a little. He stood tall, fierce, and proud as he said, "You're not going to Demerel."

His tone brooked no argument, and her jaw dropped. She wasn't used to people talking to her like that.

Olive raised her brows at Eirwyn. "See? It's too risky like we said."

He set the box on the table, then washed his hands at the sink. "Actually, you'll be going with me today."

He turned and fixed a plate of breakfast Eirwyn had helped Olive prepare. He sat and she leaned closer to him, propping her head on her hand.

"Where are you going?"

He glanced up at her, then back down to his food as he stabbed a potato. "We are going to the dwarves first. I'll leave you there while I go to the most dangerous part of the forest, then I'll come back for you."

She frowned, not liking that plan. "How long will it take to get to the dwarves? Why are we going there when I can just stay with Olive?"

He waved his fork, chewing. Eirwyn sat back in impatience, but Olive said, "I'm just me, princess. If something happens, I can't protect you as well as the dwarves can. They're fierce fighters and have defenses beyond our understanding."

---