Page 72 of Blooms of Darkness

He didn’t say a word. I flung my arms out, basking in the morning scent of fresh air that filled my soul with determination.

When I opened my eyes again, Ian watched, a faint smile on his face. “Ready?”

I nodded, excitedly following behind as he led the way toward Kade and Storm.

As Ian and I broke through the clearing where we’d first met, a slow clap reverberated throughout the space.

“Bravo on the sick performance,” Kade praised. “Fredrich told everyone who would listen, that once again, there’d be no time with the princess.”

I bowed at the waist, obnoxiously low.

Ian rolled his eyes, nudging me toward the horse Storm held by the reins, as he approached Kade. “Any problems?”

Kade shook his head. “Apparently, your guards couldn’t have cared less about our leaving with two horses in tow. They seemingly forgot we failed to return our two other horses from our early morning jaunt in town.”

The waiting horses grazed on a patch of grass as they waited patiently for our upcoming adventure.

“Contenders are free to come and go as they please,” Ian said gruffly, mounting his black stallion with ease. Adjusting himself on the saddle, I could practically see the wheels turning in his mind about the conversation. He took the comment as an insult about his ability to keep his kingdom safe.

“The others?” Storm asked, stroking the neck of his bridled mare. Her tail whipped in annoyance, ready to go. She had been prancing in place, eager to move.

“Meeting us closer to the drop and sticking to the main roads.” Ian clicked his tongue as he led his horse to the front of our group, driving us deeper into the forest.

The sweet notes of birds singing, calling back and forth to one another, a beautiful polyphony of melodies nestled amongst the leaves. The breeze felt warm, and the sun shone bright, peaking through the top of the tall trees in full bloom.

Perhaps nature would guide us on our journey these next few days, protecting us from whatever lurked in the darkness—in the corners we had yet to discover. Just to be safe, I said a quick prayer that we wouldn’t be disturbed by any dark ones this time around.

Kade steered his horse behind Ian’s left side, while Storm hung back with me as we rode quietly through the forest.

We rode in companionable silence, quiet for the first hour of our journey.

I glanced at the warrior to my right. His brown hair shifted as his body kept time with his steed. He had it pulled back like normal, half of it swept into a bun. The waviness to it made me jealous and I couldn’t help but grin. I could only achieve such a look after sitting for hours with Kalliah, wrapping my hair in long pieces of fabric. An agonizing process I avoided at all costs.

Storm’s eyes were serious, shifting around before us and taking everything in. His beard, though subtle, highlighted his sharp jaw—further complementing his bulking muscles, proudly protruding from his short-sleeved tunic. An inky black band wound around his bicep, curling down his forearm. It appeared to be a beautiful composition of flames and ribbons.

He cocked an eyebrow and glanced my way.

“What does that mark mean?” I asked, gesturing to his arm.

Storm stared forward, taking a deep breath. “It is tradition for warriors to receive them after their first kill. It reminds us even when justified, taking a life leaves a mark.”

I hadn’t been aware of any such customs in Brookmere, but I didn’t want to presume I knew each one of our village’s cultures intimately.

“It’s beautiful.” I didn’t know if it was the right thing to say, but Storm offered me a soft smile and nodded in thanks.

“What about the ones on your arm?” I directed my question at Kade, already knowing he listened in, regardless of whether I addressed him or not. His damn Fae hearing would have picked it up, anyway.

He peered over his shoulder. “If you want me shirtless, you need only ask, Your Highness.”

“Tits and daggers. You shirtless seems about as appealing as listening to Lord West talk about how great he is,” I bit back.

“There’s the foul-mouthed tavern princess I know and love,” Ian teased.

Kade stared, open mouthed at me. “Tavern princess? Well, a tavern princess would certainly enjoy me shirtless.”

My face heated. “You arrogant, conceited?—”

Storm huffed. “You two were made for each other.”

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