Page 166 of The Vampire's Bride

“We are simply passing through, on our way to Aralon,” Jonathan replies, gesturing to the king’s banner, carried by one of his men. “We merely wish to rest our horses for a few hours and then we will continue on our journey.”

“There’s a storm brewing,” one of them says, gesturing to the dark sky overhead. “Could be a bad one from the looks of it. There’s an inn here in town if you need a place to ride it out. They have good meals and a stable for your horses.”

“Thank you for the warning, friend,” Jonathan says. “But I believe we can stay ahead of the weather.”

“I hope so,” the guard says. “The storms around here tend to come in fast and brutal. Take care, traveler.”

Last time we were here, it was during a blizzard. The snowfall was so thick we could barely see our hands in front of us. Closing my eyes, I send a silent prayer to the gods, begging for a storm to force us to take shelter here for the night. Anything to delay our crossing the border.

If we make it to Aralon before Valaric finds me, it will be that much more dangerous for him. Jonathan’s uncle is the king, and I have no doubt he will give his nephew as many soldiers and protection as he needs to keep me from my Vampire husband.

The guards open the town gates, closing them securely behind us as we enter. As we head for the inn, my mind races as I try to come up with a plan to get Minda’s attention discreetly. If I can somehow alert her to my plight, she can help me escape.

When we pull up at the inn, Jonathan cuts the ropes binding me, freeing my hands. I rub at the raw skin on my wrists, wincing slightly.

“Try anything, and you’ll regret it,” he murmurs in my ear.

He dismounts and then pulls me from the saddle, setting me roughly on the ground next to him.

I recognize the innkeeper’s husband, Bernyd, as he approaches. When I try to catch his eye, Jonathan pulls me behind him. “Do you need a room, good sir?” he asks cheerfully.

“Just a meal for me, my wife, and my men,” he replies.

“Aye, you’ll find a good one here,” Bernyd says proudly. “But I think you might be wanting some rooms as well. Especially with the way this wind has picked up.”

“No thank you,” he replies quickly.

“Suit yourself.” Bernyd shrugs. “The last travelers that came through during a storm decided to continue on as well. Found their bodies all frozen up in the drifts near the border when theweather finally cleared.” He shakes his head. “A tragic end, if you ask me.”

Jonathan’s shoulders tense and one of his men moves to his side, whispering in his ear. “Perhaps we should stay the night.” He drops his voice even lower. “The castle will have burned up by now. We shouldn’t have to worry about being followed.”

Worry tightens my chest, but I force it back down. I refuse to believe Valaric is dead. He showed me the escape tunnel that leads from the castle. He and Damar would have gone there. I know it. They are alive, and once I find a way to escape, I will make my way back to him.

“Fine,” Jonathan murmurs. “We’ll rent a few rooms.”

The door swings open and Minda greets us with a friendly smile, but Jonathan blocks me from her view before she notices me under my dark hood. “Welcome, weary travelers. Did I hear you say you were interested in staying the night?”

Jonathan nods.

“Well, then, if you’ll follow me, you can take your meal in the dining hall while we ready your rooms.” She glances at the soldiers behind us. “You must leave your weapons here.” She points to a large chest near the door. “We’ve had a bit of violence this past week, and I’ll not be having a repeat of it anytime soon.”

Reluctantly, Jonathan and the others do as she says.

She leads us to the dining area and I’m surprised by how full it is. Boisterous laughter fills the air as several of the patrons cheer and then take a swig of their ale.

Minda seats us at a table in the far back corner.

“Come on, Minda,” one of the men calls out, raising his tankard. “Give us a song.”

Smiling, she waves a dismissive hand in his direction. “Come now, Travys. I’m too busy to bother with your nonsense today.”

He laughs even louder as do the rest of his friends while Jonathan looks on with disgust.

“Forgive me,” he says, leaning close. “I would have chosen somewhere nicer if one were available.”

I frown at him, confused by his sudden change in demeanor. But when he takes my hand and presses a kiss to my knuckles, I realize he’s playing the part of the doting fiancé. The same way he did when we were still betrothed.

Since he is trying to be nice, I may as well take advantage. “If you’ll excuse me. I must visit the cleansing room.”

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