Page 22 of Unbetrothed

The men roared with laughter while Gonzalo shook his head. Zichri tugged on the reins and led the horses to the side of the road. He lifted Laude down by the waist and slipped his fingers around my waist too. I started, caught off guard by a tingling heat where he touched me. Why did he inspire such a sensation? I fanned myself, averting my gaze toward the luscious green canopy, to the tree roots jutting out of the ground—anyone but Zichri.

Gonzalo passed Laude a skin of water. Laude’s flirty wink caused an inward cringe to shiver down my spine.Best to look away.But I caught Zichri staring at me.

“Were you serious about being invited to Valle de los Fantasmas?” Zichri’s blank face was unsettling.

I held my breath and pulled my shoulders back. “Yes. Does this road lead to the valley?”

“It does get very near it. Most people avoid that portion of the path.” Zichri stepped close, forcing me to tip my head back to maintain eye contact. How would I pry details from him? Should I even try?

“Your assistance is no longer needed.” I raised my chin at his lifted brow. “You needn’t worry about us. We have no plans on turning you in to the authority. We also would prefer if you not mention this encounter to anyone.”

Zichri maintained a stern set to his jaw. “We can’t leave you two alone on this path.”

“But you will. Leave us.” I glanced at Laude, who giggled and patted Blas’s elbow. My instinct was to reprimand her for such behavior, but that might give us away. “Zichri. I’m not sure you understand. We don’t want you near.”

His lips twisted into a smile while watching Laude jest with Gonzalo. “Have you talked to your companion about that? It appears you’re the only one who finds our presence unwelcome.”

I inhaled, trying tokeep my poise. What would Mamá do in a moment like this? Of course, she wouldn’t get in a mess like this. If Papá found out about us running into Himzo merchants who wouldn’t let us be, he might start a war over these nobodies. “Do as you please. Laude and I are not with you.”

Zichri smirked, which dimpled his cheeks. “Fair enough. We can give you space if you like.”

“Could we get our pack with our food?”

“Gonzalo, could you pass Miss …” Zichri drawled.

What name had Laude and I agreed on last night? Not Cicadas. Cleo? Cy—That’s it. “Cypress!”

“Miss Cypress’s pack?”

Gonzalo held the overstuffed pack out to Zichri.

I snatched the brown satchel and swung it over my achy shoulder for appearance’s sake. I’d pass this to Laude once we were away. No one had ever let me carry more than a basket of flowers at home. And why would Laude mind the extra weight? I linked arms with Laude and dragged her away. “It’s time for us to head to the valley. We needn’t worry about these men.”

“But miss.”

“Say your goodbyes.” I waved a hand, tugging Laude along at my side.

The Himzos stood tall at the edge of the path, looking rather drab in their simple white tunics—perhaps Zichri held a splash of rogue appeal. I scolded myself for the silly thought. Zichri was a Himzo. Gonzalo stepped forward with saucers for eyes. Zichri flung his arm in front of Gonzalo’s chest. No one else took a step to follow us.

“Why can’t we let them walk us to the valley?” Laude’s whine grated against my ears.

“They’re Himzo. Do you want them capturing your princess for political gain?” I hiked faster, but the sack bumped against my hip, slowing my gait. When we reached the next bend, I’d ask Laude to carry the satchel.

One glance over my shoulder and my stomach dropped. So far, we only traveled a small curve of the mountain path.

“But they were mere merchants. And so funny.” Laude dragged her feet. “It sure is hot in the sun. Those nice men had a lot of extra water. I’m certain we can walk back up.”

I clenched my teeth and maintained my pace. Was she daft?

“Miss, they said there are more bad men like the ones who overtook us.” She jogged to catch up and looped her arm through mine. “I’ve never seen so many handsome, well-built, and jolly men in one place in my life. That Zichri sure had an eye for you.”

“Laude! Is that all you think about?”

She let go of my arm and kicked at pebbles over the dirt path. “Miss, only bony boys and the old cooks ever make it back to the kitchen and mending rooms. All the male servants have their own rooms, and the soldiers pay me no mind.”

“What would be the purpose? Your position doesn’t allow for marriage.”

“You’re right, miss. But oh, how I dream.” Laude clasped her hands together over her chest, letting her gaze drift out in the distance. “It would be so nice to at least have a suitor chasing after my hand. Your mother would say ‘No!’ while giving him a severe look, just like the ones you give. He’d sneak in the palace, leaving notes about his undying love for me, even after I tell him there’s no possible way.”

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