Page 53 of Quest for her Knights
When he’s sure I have my balance he steps backwards, his eyes darting to mine, then he gives me a weird little bow and turns around to join Blaze, who’s standing over one of the dead ogres bodies.
What was that about? He is the hardest person to read. I don’t know if he’s upset with me or embarrassed. It could be anything when it comes to Draven.
That man is a mystery… One I’d love to solve. Too bad my job was to marry noblemen because so far, none of them had anything on these knights.
Chapter nineteen
Elora
I'm told it will take us two weeks to reach our next destination, which is the Lords in Elderwood. After the ogre attack, the next few days start to blur together.
Draven goes back to practically ignoring me, as if he hadn't saved me by revealing his secret.
I try to flirt with all of them, especially Blaze and Arrow, since they seem the most receptive. But it’s always shut down quickly by Ranger, who either pulls us apart or gives the guys a warning glare that has them backing off.
I’ve asked about the Elderwood lords, but the others have never met them and haven’t heard much. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.
It’s early afternoon on the fifth day when Ranger directs us off the main road, if you can even call the dirt trail we’refollowing that, and down a narrow side path where the branches scrape along the sides of the carriage.
After about five minutes, the scratching stops as we pull into a clearing. I can only see the treeline from inside the carriage, and I do my best to wait for someone to let me out instead of climbing out on my own.
The door opens and Ranger appears, his hand outstretched.
“Princess Elora, I hope your ride today wasn’t too bumpy?” he asks.
I press my lips together to bite back a retort. I hate when he’s so formal. I wish he would relax a little, after all, we both know I’m not really a princess.
Deciding to help him loosen up, I place my hand in his and let him help me down.
“It was okay,” I reply. “Although I’d much prefer to ride with you.” I try batting my eyelashes, which only causes him to frown.
“Do you have something in your eye?”
Now it’s my turn to frown. “No,” I say, turning my head away as my cheeks heat in embarrassment. I guess I’m not as good at flirting as I thought. No wonder none of these knights seem interested. They probably think there’s something wrong with me.
He lets go of my hand quickly and ushers me around the carriage. But when I see where we’ve stopped, all thoughts of embarrassment vanish.
“Hells bells, this is amazing!” I exclaim, taking in the twenty-five-foot waterfall and the surrounding pond. The water is a beautiful turquoise blue. The urge to jump in is strong, I haven’t had a proper bath since we left Ravenbrook.
“I thought you might like it. I figured you could use a little break from the journey,” Ranger says, stepping up beside me.
I look at him in surprise. He brought us here... for me?
“Yeah, it’s amazing. Can I go swimming?” I ask hopefully.
He hesitates, his eyes searching my face. Eventually, he nods. “Yes. But not alone. It should be safe enough, but I’d feel better if someone was in there with you.”
I assume they’ll all want to take a break. “Why don’t all of you come in? I’m sure you’re itching to get clean just as much as I am.”
“Someone needs to keep watch.”
“Come on, Ranger,” Arrow says, stepping to my other side. “We can keep an eye out while we’re in the water. Elora will be with us, no one’s getting to her.”
“I’ll stand guard,” Draven says. Of course, he would be the one to stay back. It figures. He always keeps his distance, even after holding me through my most terrifying times. I thought maybe he saw me differently in those moments, but now he’s back to barely speaking to me.
“Thanks, Draven,” Ranger says, nodding. “Once we’ve finished bathing, you can take your turn.”
We spend the next half hour setting up camp. The decision is made to stay the rest of the day here, letting the horses and ourselves take a break before continuing the journey.
