Page 2 of Brighter Than Gold

Through the foliage, I could see Callan run his hand through his dark tousled hair.

“Well?” I demanded.

“You’re not going to like the answer, Princess.”

I stood and smoothed out my dress as I came around the bush.

“Firstly,” I bit out, “you can’t call me that out here. Secondly, why am I not going to like it?”

Callan reached into his breast pocket and tossed something small at me; I fumbled to catch it. I turned it over in my hands, not understanding.

“Is this Kaspian’s?” I asked shocked, as I held a large gold ring in my palm. A ring with three dark blue sapphire gems cut into the shape of stars. One that matched my own wedding band exactly.

“No, it is mine.”

I stared at him, angry and confused.

Callan sighed a long breath. “I am posing as your husband, ma’am. We will be sharing a room. At the behest of His Grace.”

Absolute indignation laced my face. “What?” I spat.

“He said you would most likely be displeased about it, but I am bound by his decree.” Callan was clearly taking no joy in his confession.

“But Nyx—”

“Is your brother now, and it would likely attract a lot more attention if the three of us shared a room, so there it is.”

I opened my mouth to retort, to argue, but words suddenly failed me. “Fuck!” was all I could manage before storming away.

I heard Callan sigh, and he didn’t so much as flinch as I hurled the gold ring back at him.

“What happened?” Nyx asked.

“Fucking Callan, or Kaspian. Whichever of them had the pea-brained idea, that that fucking guard pose as my husband until we get to the homestead.”

Nyx twisted up his face knowing my distaste for the man. He was heartless and violent. How had Kaspian ever developed a friendship with him?

“He followed me to pee just now,” I huffed.

Nyx looked to Briar who nodded in confirmation.

“Gods, he’s incessant,” Nyx admitted. “It’s only for a few days though, love,” he said, pulling me in to an embrace.

“And nights,” I grumbled. “I want my mango.”

Nyx bit down on his tongue to stop from snickering at my grumpy request. “Yes, dear,” he replied. I had to give him credit for so seamlessly coasting through my capricious moods.

He led me over to the fire where our group now warmed themselves and chatted.

All except Callan who was rifling through a saddle bag. He hadn’t sat to rest with the other men for even a minute. At least the rest of the guards seemed kind and jovial as they talked amongst themselves.

“He’s not your favourite, I’ve gathered,” Briar said taking a seat beside us.

“No.”

She didn’t pry.

“What is your official position?” I asked her.

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