Page 63 of Unbetrothed

Jaime turned back to wave at her every so often. As they turned the curve up the road, Zichri waved one last time. Something about his look, the tense posture, and the stillness in his gaze confirmed a suspicion that nestled in my stomach. I knew what we must do. It would save me from my parents’ reproaches.

Laude slumped her shoulders. “I guess it’s time to head back home.”

“No.” I kept my stare fixed on the empty forest road ahead.

She squeaked. “We can’t stay here forever because, as you saw, not all the men in this forest are so kind. If only we could enjoy another day. I know how you feel.” She swiped at her cheeks and climbed to the driver’s bench.

“No, no, that’s not what I mean. We aren’t going home yet.”

She gasped. “What do you mean?”

The horse whipped its tail.

“Turn the wagon toward the mountain—to the road Gonzalo used. Milo said something about a meadow being near their campsite.” I hopped next to Laude. “We need to follow them now. Trust me.”

CHAPTER 31

DROPS OF RAIN SOAKEDinto my tunic and pants—the last bit of Zichri I kept. From here on out, I was a spy for Giddel, at least that’s what I told myself. A glob of water plopped on my nose. If the heavens down-poured, the wagon might get stuck. We needed to hurry.

The wagon wheels thumped and bumped, hitting more dips along this back road than the entire trek to Valle de los Fantasmas. This path followed the curve of the valley’s mountains and bordered Himzo territory.Is this a mistake?If I was right about my hunch, then I’d be a hero. If I was wrong, I didn’t want to consider the consequences.

“Miss, I see a meadow up ahead.” Laude clutched the leather reins with a white-knuckled grip.

A cool breeze swooped into our faces, hinting at an incoming storm. It blew a rush of doubt straight into my heart. I reminded myself,If I succeed, then I can go home with my head held high.

“Pull over the wagon,” I said with all the confidence I could muster. “Let’s get our cloaks and walk the rest of the way.”

“But, miss! I still don’t know what we’re doing. Are we going back for Zichri and Jaime? Don’t tell me! We will steal the men and take them home.” She squealed with delight. “Do we need the daggers, or are you going to use your gift?”

I wrinkled my nose, ignoring her exuberance. Did she not pay attention the whole time we were with the Himzos? One look at her, and I supposed the silly grin on her face meant no. “Bring your dagger, and”—my throat tightened—“there is no gift.”

“No gift? What do you mean? We went to the valley. You saw the whyzer. I’m confused. You have all those markings—and large ones. You have to have a gift.”

I dipped my head. I couldn’t meet her gaze. “The whyzer refused me.”

“Ai-yi-yi! I’m so—”

“Don’t. I don’t need your pity.” I wrung the stiff fabric on my shirt. If something went wrong, Laude and I might never see another day again. Everything in my body quivered.Zichri will protect me if all goes amiss.After all, he said he was my loyal guard.

Laude stopped the wagon at the edge of the meadow near the tree line. I strained to hear beyond my heartbeat thumping in my ears. Beyond the clapping leaves, the tip-tapping rain, and the tree line across from us, I could just make out deep voices on the other side of the meadow.

“Please tell me what we’re doing,” Laude pleaded in a low, urgent tone. “How will we find them? We can’t walk up to each person we see and ask them where Jaime and Zichri stay. Oh, and if anyone finds out you’re the Princess of Giddel, we’re dead or worse.” Laude tilted her head back and slapped her face. “Ai-yi-yi!”

“Calm down.” I climbed to the back of the wagon and opened a trunk. How Laude switched between pure joy and terror astounded me. Digging through the material, I pulled out two black cloaks. “We’re already dressed like men. We need to walk like we belong at the camp. The sun has just set. Let’s use that to our advantage.”

With a shaky hand, Laude took hold of the rough cloak and slipped it over her clothes. I adjusted my dagger and wrapped the cloak over my body. A cooler current rustled the loose hairs that had escaped my braid, and dark clouds swirled in the sky. My body shook like one of the leaves rustling around us. A steady sprinkle of rain continued to flow from the heavens.

Laude untethered the horses while I took one last bite of a prickly fruit from Gonzalo’s pile of food. I’d need energy. The tangy fruit slid down my throat and burned in my stomach, most likely because of my nerves. I hopped off the wagon and tossed the fruit into the woods.

“Laude, you are strong and fierce and completely calm,” Laude said to herself, then solemnly nodded.

“Are you ready?”

“If I die and you live, tell your mother that I love her.”

“Of course. But we’re not going to die.” I patted her shoulder. “Let’s go.”

We trudged through the field with long yellowed grass up to our waists. The moment we reached the thin tree line on the other end, gruff voices carried from tents standing only a stone’s throw away. I hid behind the tree trunk, and Laude did the same. My heart drummed louder and harder with each passing second. We could turn back. There was still time.

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