Page 41 of Unbetrothed

“Don’t be sorry.” I should have known better. She never went for the long swims with Lux and me, and the thought poured guilt into my heart. She never went because I disinvited her years ago.

Blas paced, his boots crunching. “I’m guessing we will relax the rest of the day.” He hesitated for a second, looking down and adjusting his soaked tunic. “Gonzalo isn’t here, so I’m the new chef. I’ll start the fire.” He lumbered toward the small clearing in the shadowed forest behind us.

Sunlight painted the mountain peaks and cast dark silhouettes of the lush trees covering the valley side. On the opposite end of the river, grass and plants bunched together in a larger clearing. Next to it, trees bursting with zapotes and a plume of smoke smudged the lilac skies. My whyzer was the valley’s only known resident.

Zichri crossed in front of my view. “We’ll head out tomorrow. You both can relax near the fire while we fish and gather from the forest.”

“As you wish.” I reached for Laude’s hand to help her up, but Zichri scooped Laude into his arms. Her legs dangled, and her head lolled against his chest. Gratitude swept over me for his kindness.

Could she still die because of injuries within her body?

Looking over the river, I lifted my voice, hoping the Ancient One could hear more clearly in this valley. “Please, I beg for Laude’s life and for all the men too.”

A cool breeze touched my skin, like a small gesture to affirm my words had been heard. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but in that moment, I needed any sign of hope. The wind shifted, restoring the humid air.

I walked straight to Laude, who watched Blas fiddle with flint and steel. She could light a branch with the touch of a finger, but did the Himzos know? Probably not.

“No luck with the fire yet?” I placed a hand on my hip.

He hunched over a pile of leaves, striking his tools together. Not bothering to make eye contact, he said, “Yet? Don’t worry your prettylittle toes. Not even Gonzalo could get a fire kindled so fast.” The cocky undertone of his voice chafed my ears.

“I bet Laude could get a fire going before you light up those leaves.”

Laude’s swollen eyes flicked wide. “But Miss—”

“Laude.” I turned toward her and winked, trying to push my thoughts at her.Don’t mention your gift.

She sat back, mouth snapping closed.

“Blas, Laude’s victory will be all the better, especially since,” I tapped a finger to my cheek, watching Blas meet my gaze, “all ladies from Giddel are silly. Isn’t that what you said?” I raised an eyebrow in challenge.

“We only have one set of steel and flint.” Blas continued to strike the pieces together.

“I packed another set.” Jaime’s voice came from somewhere behind us. He carried an armful of colorful fruit and odd leaves. Then he plopped them next to me and shook off his pack.

“This is silly. She’s upset over comments between men around a campfire. She shouldn’t have taken it personally.” Blas grunted in frustration when a spark hit a leaf, but it did not catch fire.

Jaime handed Laude the metal set and added, “I’ll get you some dry leaves.”

Laude and I fixed our gazes on each other. I smashed my lips tight and ran an index finger across them to try and tell her to stay silent. She giggled weakly.

Milo and Zichri ambled toward us from down the shore, carrying several fish skewered on long branches.

I waved them over to quicken their steps. “Come see, come see who can light a fire first. Blas or Laude?”

“You can’t be serious.” Blas remained seated on the grass. “Are we going to make this into a show?”

Zichri, Milo, Jaime, and I stood between the two competitors. Poor Laude managed a swollen-faced smile when she lit up a leaf with her finger, pretending to use the tools. I bit on my lower lip while Jaime scooted the leaves under our firewood. None of the wood seemed to kindle, so Laude snuck a peek over at the others. All of their gazes fixed on Blas, and she reached with a glowing finger to a branch near her leaf.

Blas finally got a flame going when Laude’s wood ignited into a full campfire. I passed her a conspiratorial grin. She snatched her finger back, firelight illuminating a sly expression. Smoke wafted in the air before Blas could take credit for helping. He dropped his tiny leaf to the ground and stomped on his flame. His angular features pinched together in a way that added more delight to the victory.

Laude hugged her knees, and Jaime sat next to her, scratching his beard stubble. Flirtatious glances passed between them. It appeared more than firewood got kindled in the competition.

What would I have done if the worst had transpired? A well of emotion filled me with a strange new sensation that swarmed through my chest. I hadn’t realized how much she meant to me.

I settled between Laude and Milo and curled my legs to the side, positioning myself to give Laude some privacy. Then again, why shouldn’t I eavesdrop on them?

Wind howled through the leaves. For a moment, I almost thought I had heard my name in the rustling:Beatriz. I shivered despite my proximity to the fire, feeling the hairs on my body raise.

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