Page 22 of Oaths & Vengeance
“It’s fine,” I said, glancing at them but unable to make out much of their features with their hoods pulled over their heads and the trees blocking most of the moonlight.
He took a set of reins from his sister. “This horse is for you, Briauna.”
“It’s good to see you again, Darrow,” she said, giving him a kind smile as he brought the mare to her. “We appreciate you arranging this.”
“I can’t say my reasons were entirely altruistic, but you’re welcome.”
Darrow moved to one of his friends, who held the reins of two horses and took control of his own. It was the same one I’d seen at the battle—a dapple-gray stallion. A minute later, we headed through a barely discernible trail through the thick woodland. The canopy overhead was so dense that it left the forest especially dark and creepy. I caught strange sounds in the distance and prayed none of them came closer to us.
When the path widened, Darrow let his friends take the lead and slowed to ride next to me. “I take it we’re proceeding with everything as planned.”
“Yes.” I adjusted Rynn in my arms, thankful she slept. “I couldn’t find any better options since I saw you last.”
He gave me an amused look. “I’m sure you tried, though.”
“Can you blame me? I still can’t figure out why you suggested marriage, considering everything,” I said, giving him a scrutinizing look.
Darrow’s lips quirked. “You don’t think keeping you out of the hands of an enemy who’d use you against me is enough?”
“My uncle uses me against you,” I pointed out.
“True.” His expression turned disgruntled. “But he doesn’t sleep in your bed or take up your personal time like a husband would. I need you freer to slip away and assist me.”
I supposed those were good points. “Fine. I get that, but marriage is forever.”
“No matter who I marry, it won’t be for love. I prefer a wife who will be useful to me in the long term,” he said matter-of-factly.
I studied him for a minute, wishing I could figure him out. “Not the romantic sort of man?”
“No.”
Based on his reputation, I supposed that made sense. “Good. That should make things easier between us if we keep emotions out of it.”
“Yes, but be aware that I will be testing your channeling abilities soon, and they better be as good as you claim,” he warned.
“They are,” I said, giving him a sharp look.
How dare he accuse me of lying about something like that? Hadn’t I proven myself enough by getting into his land numerous times despite the strong wards?
“Glad my future wife has such confidence.”
I ground my teeth. “If it’s a secret marriage, do we have to refer to each other as husband and wife when we’re together?”
“It will be true.” Darrow edged his mount closer to mine. “Or did sleeping with Camden two nights ago feel awkward knowing you’d be marrying me?”
I stiffened. “How did you find out?”
Darrow’s lips twitched. “I told you before I have spies everywhere, so there’s little you can do that I won’t hear about sooner or later.”
And so far, I hadn’t figured out who they were despite paying closer attention.
“You said I could continue seeing him,” I said, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. How many details did his spies give him, and how did they know? We were behind closed doors, though I supposed anyone could have seen me go to his place and not come out until morning.
Darrow guided his horse back over a few feet to put some distance between us again. “And I’m glad to see you took my advice. I’d worried our kiss might have affected you despite my warning. From all accounts, you’ve always preferred one lover at a time, so I wasn’t sure if you could handle being with him and me.”
“You…” I gave him an outraged look. “One kiss is not the same thing as sex.”
“No. Of course not, but with how easily you responded to my touch, I have worried you’ll eventually want more, and Camden won’t be enough. Let me know if that’s the case, and perhaps if you beg prettily, I’ll consider obliging you.”
