Page 5 of Desire

The humor lighting their gazes disappeared, and the emotion that replaced it was one to be wary of. The lot of them were playing some mad game I had no wish to play.

“I would prefer to have my feet clean and appropriately covered before the men Father warned us about arrive,” I said. “Please.”

Edmund’s gaze narrowed on me briefly before he waved Liam toward the cottage. Liam deposited me at the door and caught my chin like his brother had. My heart fluttered.

“I’ll return with warm water,” he said.

“And a chair, please.”

The dangerously playful way his lips tilted at the corners alerted me to the danger of the moment. However, he didn’t attempt to kiss me. He simply held my gaze for a few more heartbeats then left.

He and Daemon returned with two pails of tepid water and the short stool.

“The ribbon’s been burned to ash,” Daemon said, setting the stool just inside the door.

“Thank you.”

“Was it yours?”

He watched me closely as Liam handed over the pails.

“It was.”

“I thought magic wasn’t allowed in Drisdall.”

“It’s not.”

I closed the door on them and washed away the mud. Then I moved the stool closer to the fire to warm my feet.

The knock a few minutes later didn’t surprise me.

I found Brandle just outside while the others ate their oats at the table.

“The men your father warned us of have arrived and are watching from the trees,” he said softly. “I believe they're waiting for us to leave.”

I nodded and considered our options.

“Rather than wait for them to surprise us, we should surprise them,” I said. “Liam and I are closest to the same size in the shoulders. Have him bring me some oats, and we’ll switch clothes.”

Brandle chuckled.

“I doubt Liam will fit your dress. But your plan is sound. If you’re willing to wear his clothes and leave with the rest of us, I believe we can force their hand. The sooner we’re rid of them, the better.”

Brandle turned to leave, and I caught his arm.

“We’ll send them away, won’t we?”

He covered my hand with his. “No more death, Kellen. I promise.”

With a pat, he left, and I turned my back on the door to begin unlacing my gown.

A throat cleared softly behind me before I finished.

“Come in, and close the door,” I said.

I waited for the snick of the latch to speak. “It would be best if I wear what you’re wearing now. And a cap. Brandle doesn’t believe you can wear my dress, but if you can show a hint of the skirt at the door as we leave, it should convince those watching that I’m still inside.”

I let my dress fall to the floor, and standing in only my shift, I stretched my arm behind me.

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