Page 86 of Crown of Hearts
The sun was perched in the middle of the sky by the time I finally took proper note of my surroundings and pulled myself out of my thoughts. A branch snapped somewhere behind me.
I was no longer alone in the forest.
In fact, I was being followed.
Leaving my horse to graze where she pleased, I watched the small group of guards from my hiding spot in the trees above. They were resting, having lunch. I didn’t know if Rhen realised that I was aware of their presence or not. But I appreciated them staying far enough behind that it still gave me the illusion of my solitude. Perhaps he already understood something I was only beginning to learn myself.
I continued sticking to the outskirts of the woods, staying far away from the centre and whatever creatures and magic lurked beneath its moss-covered ground. I didn’t care if it was all potentially legend and myth. I wasn’t going to find out.
The night was cold and the clothing and provisions I’d brought along with me were few. I huddled closer to the fire while rubbing my hands and scolded myself for becoming accustomed to the luxuries of the palace. I wondered if myguards were feeling warm. I wasn’t sure if I should let them know that I was aware of their presence. Maybe it would be better if they thought they hadn’t been detected.
* * *
A few days into my journey, I stopped on the outskirts of Fairfrith camp. A place that I used to call home and was now too scared to enter. It wouldn’t feel right without Uncle Arthur or Ray there. No matter what I wanted to hope or believe, this place was no longer my home.
The camp was smaller, less crowded — most, I suspected, having moved back to nearby towns and villages. There were fewer tents and fires than there used to be surrounding the huts. The air was quiet. A few kids were playing with stick swords in the distance. They were being watched by one of the women, who hung up clothes to dry. It was hard to imagine that a little further beyond the trees there was a small cabin that used to host a girl. The bandit turned queen.
Chapter 24
Cai
The journey felt long and tedious, while a tense atmosphere lingered between members of our party. Thatcher tried to lighten the mood with occasional humour, but it was of little use. We didn’t stop to rest often, pushing to get there as soon as possible and only adding to everyone’s tiredness and irritability. Even Gwen was too exhausted to talk. Alastor and Jack led our party safely across the border and into Everness.
When we finally arrived at the palace, it took a moment for the guards to realise we were royal visitors. Everyone seemed to scramble, unprepared. It was Lady Anesta who finally came out to greet us.
I didn’t ask where Lance was, nor did I particularly care to see him.
Anesta told me that Elara had gone out riding and Rhen spotted her before she left. He’d gone after her, but they hadn’t returned. It had been a few days.
I forced myself not to imagine the worst. I didn’t even want to consider the possibility that Aries might have already reached her. The Evernean Forest was a monstrosity of tall, dark trees and slopes, and she could have gone in any direction.
I needed to rest, to eat and sleep, but I wouldn’t be able to do any of those things until I’d confirmed Elara’s safety. I asked if we could borrow some of the palace horses, allowing ours to rest. I took Jack and a few guards with me, leaving the rest of our travelling party to get settled at the palace, all while trying not to think about the political storm that would surely follow my sudden arrival. I simply didn’t have the time or energy for protocol and hoped Lady Anesta would be able to smooth over the worst of it until I returned to the palace.
“Any idea where she might have gone?” Jack asked me once we’d left the grounds.
“If she’s upset or something’s wrong, she is likely to go to a place where she feels at ease and peaceful.”
“That could narrow it down to a few places.”
“That’s also assuming I really know anything about her,” I replied.
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I’m sure we’ll find them.”
Jack was a good tracker. If we stuck to the main routes through the forest, combined with visiting some of the places Elara might have gone, we stood a chance of getting to her.
* * *
I found her sitting alone by the lake.
The one we’d visited during our travel to Woodsbrook. It had taken quite some time to track her and her guards (who kept quite a distance), but Elara could be predictable in some ways. The sky was covered in clouds and a breeze began to form. Elara’s arms were wrapped around herself, and I wondered if she was cold.
I dismounted and tied my horse to the nearest tree before rubbing my eyes. I was beyond tired, and yet still I had to hold myself back from running to Elara and thanking the heavens that she was safe and unharmed.
If she’d heard me behind her, she made no effort to show it. Elara stared out into the lake as if answers to all the questions could be found beneath the surface of the water.
“You know, some would say it’s dangerous for a queen to be out here alone.”
She jumped at the sound of my voice. She really must have been so deep in thought that she had no idea I was there.
