Page 33 of Unbetrothed

“Could you please give us a moment alone?” He cocked his head just the right way to elicit sympathy from her.

She chortled.“Of course.The men look like they could use some help maintaining the fire. You and Miss Cypress can take all the time you need. Those dresses can wait.” She spread a rainbow of fabrics to one side of the wagon and slammed the trunks shut. Wagging her brows, she nudged my side and hopped to the ground.

I ought to scold her for the insinuation. Her giggles carried off in the cool breeze as she skipped to Jaime, who was standing near the fire. Zichri waved a hand in front of my face, startling me. I hadn’t seen or heard him climb up, but there he was.

My pulse kicked up to a gallop. Lifting my chin higher, I looked him square in the eye. “Why did you send Laude away?”

He touched my elbow. I yanked it back but swallowed hard, feeling his warmth lingering on my skin. It distracted me more than I cared to admit. I was sure he could sense my thoughts—not in the magical sort of way.

He slid his fingers along my wrist. “You’re riled up. Let’s sit so we can have a real conversation.”

“Fine.” I sat on a trunk, folding my hands on my lap. “Speak.”

“Our king sent us to make a secret transaction. He ordered us to say we were merchants. So, you see,I told you the information I was at liberty to share. I meant no harm. Truth be told, my superiors instructed us to go directly there and back.”

“I see. Laude and I ruined your secret mission.”

The fading, golden light cast shadows over half his face, revealing a scar under his eyebrow and another small one on his cheek. He leaned in. “No, that’s not what I’m trying to say.”

“Why would Himzo soldiers enter our territory to trade? It sounds suspicious, don’t you think?” Judging by the wayhe stilled, there was more to the story. “Never mind. I prefer you not to answer. It might tempt you to spin another tall tale.” That was a lie. I wanted to know everything, but I didn’t think he’d tell the truth. Why not let him relax and think I was not so desperate for information? He might slip up.

“I followed orders. The rest of what I’ve said is true. Why don’t we start over again? My name is Zichri. I’m a Himzo soldier. I’m completely sidetracked because I stopped to save the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.” His face was now too close for comfort.

I exhaled a slow, measured breath. No man had ever told me I was beautiful. I had imagined Lux saying those words countless times, and part of me still wished he’d say it. Heat bloomed on my cheeks. A fog covered any previous thoughts, feelings, and conversation.

Zichri tipped my chin. “Cypress, will you let me accompany you to your destination?”

The name jolted me back to reality. I was Princess Beatriz, not Cypress, and I sought my whyzer to bestow a magical gift. My life is worth nothing without this gift. I thought:He’ll serve my purpose.

I swallowed hard and said, “Yes.”

“Can I ask a question?” He held my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Why are you headed to Valle de los Fantasmas?”

My body tensed. His rough fingers interlaced with mine, distracting me from thinkingclearly. A tingling radiated up my arm and through my chest. I cleared my throat and attempted to focus again on his question.

All explanations would give away my identity unless he knew nothing of Giddel. That could be a real possibility. Noblemen and commoners alike received gifts from whyzers. “The whyzer of the valley invited me to the ruins so I may receive my gifting.”

Zichri nodded. “Then it’s settled. We will guide you into the valley. If you were promised a gift, the whyzer will surely allow all of us to enter and exit safely. Giftings, like the ones you receive in Giddel, are worth the risk.”

His words sent a spring of hope surging through my body, comforting my soul. I didn’t realize bits of doubt poisoned my joy. Papá never thought this trip would be worth risking my life, and Mamá would never speak negatively against Papá. Cosme teased me about making the trip—nothing more could be expected from him. Laude always agreed with any plans I made, so her approval never meant much.

Tiny dancing flames reflected off of Zichri’s eyes, much like the one being kindled inside me. His nearness would never be allowed back home, but I wasn’t home. In the dark forest, while the soldiers and Laude sang around a fire, I allowed myself to cuddle closer to the man who saved me.

I leaned my head on his shoulder and said, “Thank you for everything.”

He released my hand and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “I wish the trip was longer.”

I melted even more into his embrace, choosing to trust him despite logic.

CHAPTER 17

SHADES OF GREEN LEAVESswayed above the wagon as the horses pulled us down the mountainside. I sat next to Zichri, leaning against a trunk. His hand grazed mine as if he were trying to hold it. At home, this sort ofthing never happened. It awakened a tantalizing feeling that swarmed inside of me like bees in a hive brimming with honey, and I liked it. I wove my fingers through his, and his cheeks dimpled.

I told myself,What better way to gain Zichri’s trust?

We hit a bump on the road with a thud and knocked into each other.

Gonzalo peeked over his shoulder, holding the reins. “Sorry, Blas distracted me.”

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