Page 81 of Crown of Hearts
I was slightly relieved, though I wouldn’t admit it to Thatcher. He loved spending time at court, and we’d never travelled this far together before.
“I’ll take that as a yes, then.” I grabbed my jacket, motioning for Thatch to follow me. We headed out the door and to the stables, where the horses were being readied for the journey.
“You must love her a lot if you’re willing to fight for her like this.”
I stopped in my tracks for a moment. “Haven’t you ever cared for someone enough that you were willing to give up everything, just to see them safe and content? Even if it didn’t always make sense? In fact, most of the time it doesn’t make sense.”
Thatcher seemed to think for a moment. “Can’t say I have. Thoughyoumight want to look into it, because you sound like a raving lunatic.”
I shook my head, thankful for his humorous attempt to cheer me up.
“If I may ask . . . ?”
“We both know you’re going to ask anyway, regardless of my response.”
“True.”
The halls were busy with plenty of servants but many of the courtiers had chosen to stay in their chambers. I couldn’t blame them after what had happened yesterday. I was terrified myself.
“Well, the thing is,” Thatcher started. “I was just wondering, since the two of you are not officially engaged, what kind of message this would send out to the people, to Argon too?”
I bit my lip. Nothing was official yet. But Thatcher was my best friend.
“I’m telling you the same thing I told Jack — with the number of spies Aries has in my palace, news would havecertainly reached him about Elara. Fiancée or not, he’s coming after her.”
“Because you killed his brother?”
“Aries wants revenge. Revenge for his brother. Revenge that he couldn’t conquer Norrandale.” More likely he was probably after Norrandale’s biggest secret.
“I guess you’re right.”
I changed the subject. “Will you be packed in time? We’re almost leaving.”
“I have my charm and wit.” He shrugged. “What more do I need?”
“Don’t know,” I replied as we reached the stables. “Everness can get pretty cold, you might want to take a blanket.”
“Don’t worry. I had my servants pack the moment I heard you were leaving.”
“Wait up!” Both our heads turned in the direction of the voice calling out. Dressed in her riding attire, Gwen came running with a small bag over her shoulder. “Don’t leave without me.”
“You’re not coming,” Thatcher said in disbelief when she came to a stop next to him. She huffed, out of breath, dropping her hands to her knees.
“Oh yes I am,” Gwen argued, causing him to raise his blond eyebrows at her.
“What makes you think we’re letting you come along on our boys’ trip?”
“Don’t be a pig.” She hit his shoulder.
“Mother will kill you if she finds out,” Thatcher persisted.
“Mother doesn’t have to know.” She bent down to retie one of her boot laces. I looked to where Jack fastened the last of his belongings to his horse. Cordelia stood by his side, ready to bid him farewell. She would come to Everness a few days after us,bringing the rest of my guards. They had yet to return from their search for the assassin.
“She’s going to find out eventually and you know it. And if she doesn’t kill you, she’s going to kill Cai for not forbidding you to come.” Thatcher placed his hand on my shoulder. “Think of poor little Cai, Gwennie.”
“Well, then, I guess it’s a good thing that Cai is king and doesn’t have to obey the likes of anyone.” Lace tied, she straightened herself, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
“It could get dangerous,” I warned her. “Are you certain that you want to come along?” It wasn’t a lie. I had no way of guaranteeing her safety on this trip.
