Page 43 of Unbetrothed

“That’s all?”

“Of course not. Like I said before, he’s the most handsome of the bunch with the most tender heart. Even your Zichri does not match him anymore.”

“MyZichri?”

“I assure you, he isyourZichri. Jaime even said that he’s never seen him give such special attention to any lady before.”

“Go to sleep.”

Long after her breath became soft and even, I lay awake, cheeks tight from a smile I couldn’t release. Laude’s words hit me with such a force that even the howling wind couldn’t steal the happy sensation of floating among the clouds until I, too, drifted to sleep.

Chapter 21

Turn back.

You aren’t welcome here.

IAWOKE TO LEAVESrustling overhead. Had the wind whispered again, or had I been dreaming? A gray palette sky peeked between the tangle of branches, just like the uncertainty at the base of my thoughts. What if Zichri had ulterior motives for helping us? My heart throbbed with doubt more than the stings on my palm and calf. The hammock netting squeezed me on one side, and the other side felt heavy and lifeless. I shifted Laude off my shoulder, allowing blood to circulate.

Zichri had saved us. He seemed sincere. But he was a soldier, and he had sneaked into Giddel, probably on more than one occasion. Was it for trade, like he said? The kingdoms around the Agata Sea enjoyed many resources. However, Papá enforced strict policies preventing free trade with Himzos. These suspicions continued to work through my thoughts like wildflower seeds cast over a manicured lawn.

Someone whistled at the campsite, and another person whistled from upriver. All this thinking sat ill in my belly. Perhaps I should join the others? I shifted toward the side, trying my hardest not to wake Laude, but the hammock jostled. We hadn’t considered this when we agreed on sleeping arrangements. She flipped to her shoulder and groaned. Her fiery mess of hair acted like a wooly face mask.

I stuck a leg out, rolled to the side, and hit the ground hard. Laude plopped next to me. At least her arm hit the dirt before her head.

“Miss,” she squeaked. “Did you need something?”

“I tried to escape your hair.”

“Do you think I should have brought your comb?” She pushed back the curls that sprang out like a halo around her face. “Well … since you’re out of the hammock, it’s best I”—Yawning, she climbed back into the netting—“take five more minutes.”

I shook my head but said nothing to stop Laude. She was still recovering from nearly drowning after all. A cool breeze fluttered my oversized tunic. Tucking it into my pants, I tightened the belt and hiked through the woods rather than by the river. My boots sank into the mossy ground, barely making a noise.

Blas squatted near the fire pit, striking steel to flint. I stayed under the tree canopy and laughed to myself.Maybe I should go back for Laude so she can help him.

Someone whistled upriver, and I continued strolling through the forest. Dragging my fingers along the smooth tree trunks, I remembered Zichri’s hand grazing mine and how right it felt. Perhaps I just had a bad dream, and that’s why doubt pinched within my gut.

Water gurgled loudly, and deep voices murmured just beyond the tree line. Milo and Zichri stood, backs facing me on the edge of the river, holding spears. I tiptoed forward but stopped when I heard the harsh tone in Milo’s voice.

“We should have arrived yesterday. All this dawdling could cost us …” Milo continued to speak too low for me to hear.

I crept behind a trunk, not even a body length behind them, waiting for Zichri’s response. Might I get some answers to my questions?

Milo grunted in frustration. “We could still head down and make it tonight. You did everything you promised.” Slow seconds passed with only a burble of water for an answer. “Consider your brothers. They were already apprehensive about sending us.”

“I will make sure the young ladies get out of this valley.” Zichri’s measured words assured me he meant us no harm. “You may go back if you like.”

“We may not be able tokeep them safe, and you know it. What benefit is this to us?”

Holding my breath, I peeked around the trunk, hoping to see more than Zichri’s back.

No such luck. Zichri speared the water and lifted his bare stick. “This was much easier yesterday.”

Milo jabbed his spear between the rocks on the shore, gaze drifting from the river. I twisted back behind the trunk, hoping he didn’t see me. Hands over my pounding heart, I counted to ten. My breath slowed, though my heart still thumped loud in my ears. I crept around to spy somemore. Milo tugged on his dark curls like he had at the inn and paced.

“Stop that,” Zichri said. “You are scaring away the fish. Trust me. I’ve never made rash decisions before.”

“A pair of fine eyes can cloud one’s judgment.”

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