Page 25 of Unbetrothed

“Let’s get back to the others. I’m sure we’ve gathered enough wood to keep the campfire going all night.”

We walked in silence out of the forest and through the field. Though Laude scolded me, there was something refreshing about seeing her less than perky. I wanted to tell her my thoughts, but my throat felt raspy. Instead, the only conversation between us was brushing grass and padding feet.

Laude stopped before reaching the riverbanks. Her freckles looked darker than they had this morning. “Miss, I’m glad to be here to witness you receiving your gift.” Her twinkling eyes assured me of her sincerity. She had had this same spark as a child every time she found a conch to place atop the sandcastles we’d create. I followed a step behind, feeling a sweet release of something that had weighed me down.

The joy floating in my heart popped once I looked back at the seating arrangement around the bonfire. I breathed deep.I’m stuck with them all night.Laude had taken the spot next to Gonzalo. Blas, Jaime, and Milo shared a fallen trunk. I could sit on the rocky ground or sit next to Zichri on another smaller trunk. The ground suited me best, but it might be odd to sit so low with all the others perched up higher. Dread flooded within me. Nothing good would come out of his clear interest in me or … his dashing looks.

“I promise not to bite,” Zichri said.

“That is yet to be tested.” I settled on the end of the trunk as far away from him as possible. I stared at Laude, willing her to suggest switching seats with me, but she was too busy batting her lashes at Gonzalo.Tonight will be torture.

CHAPTER 13

GONZALO WATCHED WITH PRIDEas everyone around the campfire groaned with delight eating the fish he had prepared. He stowed the salts and spices meticulously into his sack. I had not expected this from him. The fish was better than I anticipated too. I licked my fingers in secret. Mamá would not approve. Lux would feign insult but chuckle when only I was watching.I wish he were here.Truth be told, I didn’t want to admit I enjoyed the bonfire in the woods with these strangers.

Jaime pulled out agüiro, a hollowed-out gourd with stripes on the surface and a stick, tapping a rhythmic beat.Bum-biri-bum-biri-bum. The black sky spanned above us with a dusting of stars. Orange light glowed on our faces from the campfire. Blas rose to his feet and sang a rather pitchy ballad. The music rattled in my ears and danced through my shoulders.

Milo shot to his feet. “You’re singing it all wrong.” And he joined Blas in a baritone voice.

Laude giggled louder than a bugle leading soldiers into battle. I blew out my cheeks, unable to do anything to tame her. The men noticed her squealsas well and invited her to join them.

“But I don’t know this song.” Laude held out her hands, grinning.

Blas marched in place with a little swing to his hips. “We’ll teach you. Just follow along.”

Laude marched next to him and copied Blas with exaggerated movements.

A burst of hardy laughter erupted among the men. I tried to maintain my poise, but Laude’s ridiculous version of Blas’s song wheedled a smile out of me. Blas impersonated Laude, and my hands flew over my mouth to hold in a rush of laughter. Blas and Milo continued singing while Laude pantomimed them, waving her hands in a circular motion. I couldn’t hold back any longer. My whole body surrendered to the giggles, and I gasped for air in between bouts of laughter.

Zichri scooted closer. “Your servant has a great sense of humor.”

“That she does.”

“Hmmm.” He tapped his chin. A roguish smile tipped the corners of his lips. “Your father is wealthy, I take it.”

I realized my mistake. He had gathered information about me. I pressed a palm on each cheek so they wouldn’t tighten up again from laughter. “You’re a very curious sort. What does it matter to you?”

Zichri raked a hand through his floppy hair. “I was just wondering. You called Laude your friend, but I can’t help noticing that she always calls you Miss Cypress.”

“Well, I don’t think it’s any of your business who we are. You aren’t even supposed to be on this land.” I pouted, turning up my chin.

“You make that expression often. Why do you do it?” There was no insult in the way Zichri asked.

But I took offense anyway. “Those of us from Giddel know better than to ask imprudent questions about the way a person looks.” I turned my head away, attempting to focus on the dancing trio. Zichri’s gaze bored into my skin. I kept my eyes on Laude. She belted a tune from Giddel, and Blas joined in.How he butchers a good song.

Zichri released an airy laugh. “You’re doing it again.”

“How dare you?” I turned toward Zichri, whose eyebrows were drawn together in question. “First, you pry into our personal matters. Then, you take license to mock me. Do you require a payoff to treat ladies with respect?”

“You were being assaulted. I did what any person should do.” He held up his hand, quieting a quip ready on my tongue. “No, a payoff is not possible. I only ask that you let us escort you to your destination.”

The pops and fizzles of the fire filled the silence between us. I hadn’t noticed the music stopped until that moment. His giant brown eyes reflected our little circle. I searched his face for any hidden motives and found none. It was easy to follow his defined jaw and curve of his lips. He kept a serious look, reached his hand up, and placed the other hand over his heart. It took a moment for me to realize that he wanted me to press my hand to his. I’d heard about this Himzo practice for making pacts, but I’d never seen a Himzo before. I assumed they were vulgar and not so handsome. Well, only Zichri was the handsome one in this bunch. But he was also stubborn. Not a good quality.

“Promise to let us escort you? You can put your hand to mine. It usually helps to make pacts with both parties in agreement.” Zichri shook the hand he held up between us.

I bit the inside of my cheek, uncertain if this was the right move. Papá always said that words matter.Words could speak life into what once was invisible.If I agreed, then I was bound to let these men walk us to our destination. My stomach clenched.

Laude knelt before me and grasped my hand. “Miss, please. For my sake, will you put aside your ill feelings about”—she pitched her voice low—“Himzos, and allow someone to help us in our time of need?” She dipped her head most humbly.

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