Page 43 of To No End

I wished her luck with the nuptial planning and encouraged her to pay a visit to her betrothed. She was all in a tizzy about adhering to the customs of not seeing him in the couple ofmonths leading up to the event, but I said,What would a bride that wears two dresses do? She couldn’t argue with that.

In her world, all of these things like tradition, customs, and expectations still carried weight. To me, they now seemed silly and meaningless. I knew she wasn’t able to relate, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t encourage a little recklessness. Before leaving my room, I took one last glance at what remained on the list.

Lose my maidenhead

Seduce a stranger

Gamble till I win

Get drunk

Alter my appearance

Help someone in need

Get a tattoo

Do something that scares me

Swim naked in the moonslight

Say my goodbyes

I was too embarrassed to explain to our parents why they might not see me for a little while. Though they likely wouldn’t pry, I told Versa to cover for me and I’d go along with whatever lie she made up.

Once more, the stable hand prepared Rain with the unmarked saddle that had become standard for these solo trips. Together we took off into a sprint through the forest, and I was overcome with the anticipation of finally returning to Trace after what felt like the shortest and longest week of my life.

CHAPTER

13

(Nineteen Days Remain)

There he was, leaning against the large oak tree beside the tavern as I approached, and the sight of him took my breath away. I assessed him fondly from a distance. Admiring the utterly casual state of him. It was a pleasant vision to see him so relaxed. Trace always seemed uptight and tense. Probably comes with the territory of serving in the Kingsguard. This time, he seemed at ease. I was half tempted to not even approach, but that feeling that had called me back to him all along was now burning stronger than ever.

He looked up as I approached on Rain, and I blushed at the small, almost unnoticeable smile in my direction. Relief washed over me with the confirmation that he was happy I had returned. When I stopped by his side, he stepped up to help me off my horse—not that I needed it. Another protective gesture that I allowed with no complaint.

Our faces were positioned closely as I looked up into those intense eyes I had missed, noting the strong cleft in his handsome chin.

“Miss me?” I questioned.

“Like the eels miss darkness,” he replied teasingly.

It did him no favors to remind me of the line he had crossed, and I recollected the promise of payback I had made him.

“What’s the plan?” I tried not to sound overly eager. I was desperate to be alone with him again, but I exercised what little self-control remained and waited for his answer.

“I was thinking, a quick bite to eat and then we ride to our destination. It’s a surprise, so don’t even try to interrogate me.”

My interest was more than piqued by the proposition.

After lunch, Rain and I followed Alcar and Trace. He had warned the ride would take a bit and to yell if I needed a break. I took note that he did not have a large pack attached to his horse like I did mine, and was quickly becoming self-conscious that I had assumed too boldly how much time we’d spend together.

An hour or so passed, and the verdant foliage and russet underbrush of the surrounding forest blurred together like watercolors. As we increased our speed, the once gentle breeze now whipped into a frenzy, and I narrowed my eyes to keep focused on Trace.

When we finally slowed, confusion set in. I did not see any visible shelter. Not an inn, a house, or even a tent. I would have settled for a tent over nothing. I dismounted and began to meander about, seeking any signs of why we were there. Trace stood impatiently underneath a massive tree and ushered me to his side with a gesture.

“Look up,” he said with a twinge of excitement I hadn’t yet heard.

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