Duke appeared on my left side and lowered his chin to my shoulder. “Please tell me you have a bag of treats for the road.”
Callum did the same on my right side, bringing with him a sweet scent. “I need one of your chocolate muffins.”
“You two are in luck, then,” I said, amused. They were like overgrown toddlers when it came to snack time. “I packed some of the leftovers from opening day. Cookies, mostly, but there’s a few muffins and croissants too.”
A shadow passed in front of me as Ban appeared, towering over the rest of us. He didn’t smile, but the soft gleam in his eyes was evident. He nodded to me before approaching his horse—also the largest of the group. It had to be to hold a giant like him.
Ban was a gentle giant though. Protective but sweet. Lake had dried out the flower he’d given me, and I’d tucked it between the pages of the book in my satchel. Proof of Ban’s kind nature that I could carry with me.
“Up you go.” Callum took my hand and helped me into the carriage. Before he pulled away, I could’ve sworn his lips brushed my hair. Or maybe I was just sleep-deprived and imagining things.
“Thanks, fair knight.”
“Any time, milord.”
Little did he know just how spot-on his words were.
Rowan waited for me in the carriage, sitting in the seat across from mine. He glared at Callum as my cinnamon roll of a knight shut the door.
“Why don’t you like him?” I asked once we were alone. There was a sharp jolt before the carriage sprang into motion. The sound of hooves clacked against the road.
“I don’t like anyone.” Rowan crossed one leg over the other. “Well. Apart from you. And maybe the wolf. He’s not as irritating as I once thought.”
“But you’re like super mean to Cal.”
“I’m not mean to him. He just grates on my nerves.”
“Why?”
His topaz eyes landed on me. “Because he’s a coward.”
“He’s the furthest thing from a coward,” I said in a defensive tone. “Cal is the greatest swordsman in the Second Order. He’s also risked his life fighting demons and—”
“Yes, yes, he’s so brave when it comes to wielding his sword,” Rowan interjected with a flick of his hand. “Yet, he’s a goddamn coward when it comes to his heart.”
That stumped me.
Rowan pinched the bridge of his nose. “You really are oblivious. It’s both adorable and frustrating.” He dropped his hand from his face and placed it on the golden cuff in his hair, toying with it. “I won’t be an ass and reveal his little secret. So you have to figure it out on your own or wait until he’s grown a backbone and tells you himself.” He smirked. “The sad toad makes his appearance once again.”
“Oh, stop.” I slouched in the seat and hugged my satchel. I did feel awfully pout-ish. “Say goodbye to your woo points.”
He snorted. “I have no need for them anymore. You’ve already been wooed.”
“I’m more than wooed,” I said. “I’ve fallen hard for you, Rowan.”
His grin slipped into a genuine smile. “Falling isn’t as scary when it’s with you.”
The words landed on my heartstrings, plucking at them one by one.
“You don’t mind being tied down to one place?” I rubbed at the corner of my eye where a tear had surged forward. “No more traveling across the lands, pickpocketing and being your non-bandit self. No more wild adventures.”
“Eh, I wouldn’t say that.” Rowan crossed the space between us and sat beside me. “A life with you will be a great adventure. The best one yet.”
“Yeah.” I laid my head on his shoulder and looked out the window. “I can’t wait.”
“Me either.”
Buildings started to lessen, and more trees appeared as we headed farther out of the city. I said a silent farewell to thefriends I’d made, hoping I’d see them again someday. Hoping William and Edwin found their happily ever after. Hoping Xavier stopped living in regret and opened his heart to the world around him.
