Page 100 of Of Serpents and Ruins
His eyebrow quirked as he studied me.
I offered a small shrug in response. It was hard for me not to worry even more, especially with Brandt being vulnerable. "I don’t know for certain. These could just be concerns. I know he does not feel worthy of care because of all that has happened, but—"
"I will ensure that proper precautions are taken," Hord said. "There are a few whom I trust in this."
"Thank you."
It wasn’t just the Gola Resh either. Assassins could also find him vulnerable and attack. He knew this, though, so I bit back my concerns and continued with the preparations.
By late morning, we were on our way. Apparently, as water serpents, our people were seafarers. We had systems in place to allow us to provision our ships. I helped however I could. My thighs and biceps scolded me sharply each time I had to bend or flex after last night’s exertions.
Buttercup and the other steeds and companions were loaded onto the ship as well. None of them seemed even mildly concerned. Buttercup tossed an annoyed glance over her thick shoulder at me, then lowed long and slow.
I crossed over to her and stroked her crest down to the base of her jaw. "It’s going to be all right, sweetie," I whispered.
The ship bobbed up and down as the waves lapped at the sides.
"We’re almost ready," Kine said as he passed by me, a large bag slung over his shoulder. Elias had yet to make an appearance. "The sky is clear and the sea is open. We’ll make good time." Kine clapped his hand to my arm before he strode away.
My insides squirmed as I cast my gaze up to the looming castle above. I desperately wanted to slip back up there and hug Brandt one more time. The need was already building. A hollow ache started in my heart.
"You all right?" Kine asked, frowning.
My eyes burned as I tore my gaze away. "Yeah," I mumbled. "I'm fine."
He chuckled. "Are you going to go say goodbye to Brandt?"
I shook my head, my lips pressed in a tight line, my gaze on the planks of the dock. Fish darted below the boards, little shadows in the dark waters. "He was clear about not wanting me to return to his cell."
"Yes, well, he's right there." Kine pointed over my shoulder, smirking.
I turned. My heart leaped.
There Brandt walked, flanked by his guards, wearing fresh clothes. The charm around his neck was still orange. It hadn’t progressed forward at all, but there hadn’t been any earthquakes either.
If I hadn't known better, I would have sworn he was in perfect health. He came forward with a powerful stride, shoulders squared, face stoic. He looked every bit the arrogant young king that stirred my memory, despite the gentleness in those eyes and the masked schooling of his features. He halted before reaching the dock, arms folded over his chest.
Tears burned the backs of my eyes. He'd done this for me. He’d relented and come to say goodbye despite whatever fear he held.
Kine was already walking back up the dock to him as Brandt spoke to the captain and some of the assembled warriors and sailors. His manner remained firm but calm, a slight smile on his full lips.
My whole world narrowed to him. All I could think was how grateful I was that the Gola Resh had not even thought to give me the choice of keeping Brandt alive and sacrificing everything else. Most likely, it was a signifier of what a poor queen I was or would be that I was tempted by the thought, but for him…for him, I could imagine abandoning everything just to stay in his arms forever.
His gaze fell on me. The wind tugged at his hair.
My heart raced faster. I lifted my chin, trying so hard to think of something witty or wise or amusing to say, to at least keep up the pretense of dignity. I was a queen, after all.
Then spread his arms.
I ran to him. Just like that, I was back against him, my face buried in his chest. He held me close, his muscular arms clasping me tight.
I melted. "We’re going to make it in time," I whispered, tears choking me. Burrowing closer, I couldn’t bear to look at him yet. All I could do was feel and breathe and hope. "You’ll see."
He grunted. His arms tightened around me, lifting me off the ground. "Last night…" He nuzzled my cheek, tracing his nose up along the side of my face. "You were exquisite."
"Remember, you promised to get even with me. You can’t do that if you kill me or if you die." I nudged him back, trying to smile up at him through the haze of tears. "Don’t you dare give up hope. Please. Keep fighting. For both of us."
His mouth twitched a little, but he nodded. "Brash seer," he growled. A veil of tears shone in his eyes.
