Page 29 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
A knight opens the carriage door, revealing plush seats upholstered in red velvet embroidered with fine gold thread. A coachman helps me into the carriage, followed by my Fae guardians.
Lyria sits beside me, and Fiora and Maribel take the bench opposite. As soon as we’re seated, the carriage lurches forward. I grip the armrest to steady myself as the carriage rumbles along the dirt road.
Sadness fills me as I gaze out the window, watching as Oakvale—my home—slowly shrinks in the distance.
I turn my attention to the tree line, searching desperately for Thalric, hoping to catch a glimpse of his dark wings or golden eyes. Even though my heart is broken, I cannot deny that I miss him.
I notice his parents flying overhead, scanning the forest around us for danger, but I don’t see Thalric with them.
It’s so strange. I spent so much time wishing I could leave Oakvale and go to the capital. And now that I’m doing just that, I find myself already missing the cozy village I grew up in. Perhaps part of it is, remembering my life growing up with Thalric.
My chest squeezes painfully, and I clutch the gemstone on the end of my necklace once more, trying to steady the maelstrom of emotions inside me as a tear slips down my cheek.
Lyria takes my hand. “Oh, my dear girl, it will be alright. You’ll see.”
“Yes,” Maribel adds. “I know this is all a big change for you, but I believe it will be a good one.”
As much as I want to believe them, I cannot ignore the terrible ache in my chest. Tears sting my eyes and blur my vision as I gaze out the window, searching the forest again for Thalric.
“Where is Thalric?” The question slips out before I can stop it, my voice cracking.
Fiora gives me a pitying look. “His father thought it would be best for him to remain near the back of your entourage. You’ll see him after he completes his training.”
“And… when will that be?” I cannot help but ask.
“After your wedding to Ryllen.”
I go utterly still as her words sink in. I’ll be married. But not to Thalric.
A sob lodges itself firmly in my throat, but I swallow it back as I clutch the gemstone pendant harder, its cool, solid weight offering the smallest comfort as sadness claws at my heart.
I cannot break. I must be strong.
But even as I repeat the words silently, they feel hollow and meaningless, lost beneath the crushing weight of my sorrow.
CHAPTER 16
AURORA
The sun hangs low on the horizon, the last of its rays spreading through the forest in shades of muted gold and amber. The steady creak of the carriage wheels groans beneath us, reminding me of how far I’m being carried from everything I know.
All of this still feels like some sort of strange dream.
Knights ride in formation beside us, dressed in battle-ready armor and draped in crimson cloaks. I glance around the carriage. Fiora, Lyria, and Maribel have all drifted to sleep.
Glancing again out the window, I scan the skies for any sign of Thalric. Lyria said he’s traveling with our entourage, but I still have seen no sign of him.
Even as I search for him, the truth spears through me, sharper than any blade. He doesn’t love me. At least… not enough.
Clutching my necklace, I press a hand to my chest as if that will somehow dull the terrible ache deep within.
Without warning, the carriage halts abruptly, and I nearly tumble from my seat.
Lyria and the others jolt awake.
“What’s happening?” Maribel frowns. “Why have we stopped?”
The knights form a protective circle around the carriage from atop their horses, their swords drawn as they scan the dense forest surrounding us.
