Page 22 of Degradation

“Why was the farm abandoned?” I asked as Edmund helped me down to stretch my legs.

“The family here disappeared,” Andrew said. “The wife was a strong caster. She made the best honey cakes.”

I could feel his profound sadness and anger as he turned away to water the ox. All of their emotions echoed Andrew’s.

“It was the queen then?” I asked.

“It was,” Andrew said.

CHAPTERFIVE

When I spottedan inn positioned at the crossroads ahead, I also glimpsed the white spires of Adele’s castle over the distant hills. A subtle tingle of warning crept along the back of my neck, whispering that danger waited in Adele. But I’d already known that.

“How long until we reach Adele?” I asked.

“Tomorrow,” Brandle said, toying with my braid.

“Will Sarah be okay by herself until you return?”

“Yes. She’s used to me making these trips,” Andrew said.

I glanced at Brandle. “How often do you do this?”

“We’ve never accompanied Andrew before,” he said.

I could feel his thoughts. What we were doing now wasn’t safe. They weren’t safe. But his resolve was unshakable, and his purpose wasn’t only to help me free Eloise. He was determined to reclaim the life that had been taken from him and his brothers.

“Can you share with me the risks? I have no wish to make a mistake that brings ruin to us all.”

“We mustn’t draw attention to ourselves,” he said.

“How do you plan to achieve that? Your face will draw attention, no matter where you go, Brandle. And seven handsome men fawning over one woman will assuredly draw curious stares.”

“Am I fawning?” he asked with a playful smile.

“Most assuredly.”

He chuckled and released my braid.

“We vow to use discretion in public settings,” he said. “And though you may see a handsome face, most others will see our worn, poor clothes and pay us little mind.”

I wished he were wrong, but he wasn’t. So many measured a person based on the wealth the person possessed.

Brandle eased away from me and leaned against the side of the wagon, as did Darian. Sitting alone, I turned in my seat to look at the inn.

“It’s best if you keep your eyes down, Princess,” Darian said.

“Why?”

“You will draw in suitors like flies to honey, and we will draw unwanted attention when we’re forced to send them off in droves.”

I rolled my eyes at him, demurely tucked my chin, and waited for the wagon to pull into the yard.

Andrew hopped down from the seat and spoke to the lad at the stable while Darian helped me down and quietly told me to stay near the wagon.

Peering up from under my lashes, I watched Andrew count out a few coppers, which he handed over to the boy; then he motioned for me.

“Move faster, girl,” he said, sounding gruff. “I want dinner before it grows cold.” He looked at Brandle and Darian. “Water and unhitch the ox right this time.”

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