Page 43 of A Kingdom's Heart
Her eyes lifted, hesitant. “You should.”
Something in the way she said it made it harder to turn away. I wanted to tell her I’d come back. I wanted to promise it. Instead, I just nodded once and forced myself to move.
By the time I reached Corven, the calm of the river was gone. I swung into the saddle, the weight of my armor settling heavy on my shoulders again. Eric was already mounted, reins in hand.
“Took your time,” he said.
“Had a reason,” I replied, tightening my grip on the reins.
He smirked but didn’t ask. The two of us rode through the forest path. The wind was colder now and the sound of hooves echoed through the trees. The castle walls rose ahead, tall and gray, their flags snapping in the breeze.
The closer we got, the louder the noise became. Training calls, the clang of steel, men shouting orders. The world I belonged to. The one that didn’t wait for softness.
When we reached the yard, rows of knights were already forming. The captain stood at the center, his voice carrying above the rest.
Eric and I joined the line. I straightened and drew in a slow breath. My shoulder ached beneath the armor, as the wound had not yet healed, but I ignored it.
“Listen closely,” the captain began. “The king has received word of unrest beyond the southern borders. So far, the threats are harmless, but they may not stay that way.”
The men shifted, some glancing at each other. The tension in the yard grew heavier.
“To strengthen the peace,” the captain went on, “His Majesty has arranged a marriage between our princess and the prince of Valebran. It will secure an alliance between our kingdoms and ensure safety for our borders.
“The ceremony will take place within the month,” the captain continued. “A royal escort will be needed for the journey. Those who volunteer will receive additional pay, as it will be a long road and a dangerous one. The journey could last a week or a month depending on the weather and the route.”
He looked over us, his sharp eyes sweeping through the line.
“Anyone who wishes to volunteer, report your name before the end of the month. That is all. Dismissed.”
The yard filled again with noise. Armor rattled. Voices rose.
Eric turned toward me, his grin already forming. “You hear that? Extra coins. I'm volunteering.”
I barely heard him. My chest felt tight, heavier than before. A month away from the castle. A month without her.
Eric nudged me again. “You’re not signing up?”
I shook my head slowly. “No.”
He gave a low whistle. “You’re passing on extra gold? You must be losing your mind.”
“Maybe,” I said quietly.
Eric laughed, shaking his head as he walked off toward the captain, already calling out his name to volunteer.
I adjusted my gloves and turned toward the stables. If the others wanted extra gold, they could have it. I had no use for it.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
IRIS
The morning light spilled through my window as I tied the pink headband into place. It sat neatly over my hair, soft against my skin. The dress I wore was white, patterned with pale pink flowers and tied with pink lace down the front. The skirt brushed my knees when I moved, light and easy to walk in. The short sleeves left my shoulders bare to the sunlight.
Raven had not been pleased when I asked her to cover for me again. I had to promise her I would buy her the finest jewels I could find once I was able to. She sighed, muttering that I was a troublemaker, but she agreed all the same.
I went to the healer’s wing soon after. At the far end of the corridor was the same door I always used, the one hidden behind the old shelf of herbs. It opened straight into the forest, far from the guards’ patrols. The hinges creaked softly as I pushed it open.
Behind me, Raven’s voice carried faintly through the hall. “Try not to get caught.”
