Page 31 of A Kingdom's Heart
My heart stumbled against my ribs. The mention of the princess, of me, sent heat rushing up my neck. I could feel my pulse in my hands, in my throat, everywhere. I tried to laugh, but the sound came thin and uneven. “You shouldn’t say that,” I managed. “It isn’t proper.”
He only shrugged. “I call it as I see it.”
Before I could think of what to say, William’s voice came, calm but sharp enough to silence him. “That’s enough, Eric.”
The blond knight blinked and turned forward, muttering under his breath. The air felt heavy again, pressing close.
ThenWilliamlookedbackatme.“He’s not making you
uncomfortable, is he, Elara?”
The name hit harder than it should have.Elara.The lie I had told him so easily now sounded foreign, almost dangerous. My pulse still hadn’t slowed. I forced a small nod. “No,” I said quickly. “It’s fine.”
He studied me for a moment, then nodded once. “Good.”
The silence that followed felt softer, but it wasn’t quite peace. I realized my hands were still tense against his shoulders. Slowly, I let them loosen, and let my fingers slip back to rest against the leather straps of his armor.
I told myself to breathe. To calm down. He still believed the name. He still thought I was only a healer from the castle. It was fine. Everything was fine.
Raven glanced at me over her shoulder. Her look was quiet but knowing. She didn’t have to say anything.
I turned my eyes back to the path, letting the quiet fill the space between us. The lie still lingered, but for now, it was enough that he didn’t know.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
WILLIAM
We reached the northern farm just as the clouds began to gather again. The air smelled of soil and grain, and the low stone fences stretched across the fields. A few farmers stood in the distance, watching as we approached.
I pulled gently on the reins, and Corven slowed to a stop. The ride had been long but steady. I swung my leg over the saddle and dropped to the ground, the weight of the armor shifting with a dull clink.
Elara still sat behind me, holding her basket in one hand. I turned and held my arm out to her. “Here,” I said quietly.
She hesitated for a moment before taking my hand. Her fingers were small, cold against my skin. I steadied her as she slid down, her feet landing lightly on the ground.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice low.
I nodded once, letting my hand fall to my side. “You’re welcome.”
Behind us, Eric jumped off his horse, his boots hitting the dirt.
He turned to the tall healer and offered her a grin. She ignored it and hopped down on her own.
Eric laughed softly. “Independent. I like that.”
She rolled her eyes. “You would.”
I turned my attention to the fields ahead. The land stretched wide, lined with rows of wheat and barley swaying in the wind. Beyond them stood a few wooden sheds and a stone farmhouse, its roof patched in places with hay. Chickens pecked near the fence, and a pair of tired-looking oxen grazed by a trough.
Everything looked peaceful enough at first glance, though the air felt tense. The farmers nearby watched us closely, their faces wary, their hands never far from their tools.
Eric came to stand beside me, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “Doesn’t look like unrest to me,” he said quietly.
“Maybe not,” I replied, scanning the horizon. “But we’ll check all the same.”
I turned to Elara and Raven. “You can collect what you need. Stay close to the path and keep your eyes open. When you’re finished, wait by the horses.”
Elara nodded, adjusting the basket in her hands. Raven gave a brief wave of acknowledgement before they started toward the far end of the field, where wild herbs grew along the fence line.
