More of his form appeared: a glimpse of bronze skin and then his red hair. The shadows stretched toward the seat across from me before he materialized on top of it. “I reckon I love you too.”
His mouth was then pressing to mine. The unexpected kiss made me emit a little groan, and he smiled against my lips before lightly biting at them.
The guards at the gate allowed us to pass, and moments later, the carriage came to a stop in the main courtyard. Rowan fully sank back into the darkness, but I knew he was still somewhere close, listening in. Keeping me safe.
Hershel, the coachman, opened the door for me. “Here we are, sir.”
“Thank you.” I stepped from the carriage, and a breeze jostled the ends of my hair.
“And what do you think you’re doing?”
I froze. Excited tingles shot down the back of my neck as I slowly turned.
Maddox stared down at me, jaw set and brow furrowed. He wasn’t nearly as intimidating as he tried to seem. I saw right through him. Saw the softness in his expression—one meant for me.
“Didn’t you hear?” I said, adjusting the basket over my arm. “I’m a royal guest. Evan the Small but Mighty, First of His Name and Lord of the Muffins. I hail from a kingdom far, far away.”
“I see.” Humor lit his blue eyes. “I believe I did hear that a muffin would be visiting the castle this afternoon.”
That explained his casual demeanor. A nice change. I hated when he worried about me. The man had enough on his shoulders without me adding to that stress.
“Is that why the handsome and swoonworthy Captain Maddox came to greet me? I’m honored.”
His composure broke, revealing a genuine smile that caressed my heart like fingertips brushing across harp strings. Gentle and melodic.
“Afternoon, Ev.” Callum appeared beside Maddox, smile blinding. The sun brought out the caramel swirls in his brown eyes. “We’ve been expecting you.”
“Stalking me, you mean.”
Maddox arched a brow. “Well, someone must keep an eye on you. Without your protection stone, anything could happen. Such as those small legs of yours sending you toppling into a deep chasm. Or someone snatching you away.”
“Briar gave me a protection charm,” I said. “I’m as safe as can be.”
“A charm that will only repel a single attack,” he countered, his good mood faltering. Probably because the weight of the situation settled more over him. “And you, muffin, are quite the walking disaster.”
“Rude.” I huffed. “I guess you don’t want the special treat in this basket.”
His blue-eyed gaze dropped to it. When I slowly moved the basket away, he pouted, making me laugh.
“Young Evan!”
Two guards approached from the castle steps, wearing leather armor with thin chainmail mixed in and red cloaks adorned with the royal crest. Swords were sheathed at their sides. Only one wore a helmet, but his massive size alone told me who he was: the big but oh-so-gentle Ban.
“I’m happy to see you made it safely,” Finnian said, stopping in front of us. With wavy brown hair and a chiseled face, he was a total Prince Charming type. He tipped his head to Maddox and Callum. “Captain. Lieutenant. A pleasure to see you both.”
“And you,” Maddox responded.
“How do you fare?” Finnian asked me. “You’re up and moving around seemingly well. That’s a blessing in and of itself.”
“I’m great. Feeling stronger with each passing day.”
“Good to hear.”
Ban removed his helmet, revealing buzz-cut brown hair and gray eyes. His gaze flickered to mine before lowering.
“Guess what I have for you,” I said. “Your favorite cookie.”
His eyes lifted again. The color reminded me of a rain shower in summertime.
