Page 85 of A Fate so Cruel

“So what are we waiting for?” Selina looked up at him. “Your cover isn’t blown, we can continue the mission. Most will just assume I was acting out.”

“That happens often, doesn’t it?”

His jaw worked. “Again, I’m used to it.”

“What about your injuries?”

“They’re nothing I can’t handle.”

“Good, because our bags are packed.”

He blinked, then smirked. “Please tell me you didn’t pack all the junk you accumulated over the last few days.”

“It’s not junk,” she feigned offense. “And since you’re hurt, I can’t expect you to carry it, can I?” She waved a hand. “I’ve already arranged shipment back to Nàdair. There was a very enthusiastic merchant happy to accept a month’s wages and free lodging.”

“Be careful that your bags aren’t tampered with when you get back.”

“Worried for me?”

He scoffed. “You’ve been seen with me. A lot of Fae are dead. If you sent anything edible, I certainly wouldn’t risk it. Poisoning doesn’t seem like a very glorious way to go.”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. I have full intentions to die on the battlefield with a small army at my command.”

“That’s . . . dramatic.”

She waved a hand. “What can I say, I’ve always had a flare for theatrics.”

The river filled the silence again. A fish jumped, breaking the water’s surface momentarily before disappearing again.

“South, then?” he inquired.

“Northeast.”

“We’re splitting from the other two?”

“Naturally.”

“You found something in the vault.”

“Maybe. It could be nothing, but I won’t know for sure until we arrive.”

Rion tried to conjure an image of Brónach’s map in his mind. “What’s Northeast?”

“A small village off the beaten path. A great hiding place, don’t you think?”

“Just you and me?”

“Is that a problem?

“Didn’t anyone ever warn you not to trust strangers?”

“You’re only a little bit of a stranger, and you didn’t kill me last night so—”

“That’s my line.”

She shrugged. “You could have easily added me to the body count. You didn’t.”

“It’s called common courtesy.” He thought back to her argument with Seán. “Is that why Captain Asshole was so pissed? Because you’ll be alone with me?”

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