Tio cackled, shaking his head at me, and bowed before making his way over to sit beside me on the now cleared log bench.
“You have a pleasant time with the queen’s sister?” I cocked an eyebrow and leaned into his shoulder.
He simply sighed with a smile. “Her name is Melody.”
“Right, sorry.” I couldn’t contain my knowing smile. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised you unleashed yourcharmstraveling alone with two women. Though, I am surprised it worked well enough that she came toyou. What lies did you tell that poor girl?” What else could I have expected with Tio escorting Noraand Melody back to the kingdom on their last visit? Radhak should have sent a chaperone for their chaperone. Feral boy.
He chuckled toward the fire as he prodded it, sending sparks soaring into the air. “Told her I was a lucky charm.”
I nearly spit the drink I was sipping from laughter.
“Hey, you mock me.” He pointed the poking stick in my direction. “But you have me to thank for those soldiers not catching up with you in the market. I’d say that’s preeeetty lucky.”
He’d told me after we’d returned that he’d snapped the legs of a couple stands, sending the food and goods tumbling. Soldiers and patrons tripped and stumbled, buying us all the opportunity to escape. As much as I gave Tio a hard time, I knew he always had my back.
“Thank you, if I didn’t already say it.” I ate my earlier teasing. Tasted like humble pie.
His brow creased, and he didn’t look at me while he waved off the sentiment. “Ro, you never have to thank me. Though I wouldn’t oppose my own pet dragon.” He dragged his gaze up to me, flashing puppy dog eyes. Another incorrect reference to my magic, thinking I had any control. Any creature I asked for help often gave it because I asked nicely. Tio knew that, of course. He begged me to find him a pet dragon at least once a month.
Braxius poked his head out from between strands of my hair, releasing a combatant huff from his nostrils before nuzzling back under.
With offense stamped across Tio’s forehead, he straightened. “Hey, I didn’t mean you, ya blue little speck. And you’d be lucky to have me!” Braxius didn’t stir, blatantly ignoring Tio’s rebuttal.
I bit back my smile. Brax didn’t hate Tio, more so just showed an enormous amount of indifference. Part of me secretly thought it was jealousy. Tio rolled his neck, loosening the tension in his shoulders.
“If we ever stumble across another, I’ll ask if they want a buddy,” I appeased.
Tio’s cheeky smile grew. “Awesome.”
We grilled some vegetables and ate our evening meal together, talking about what changes we expected to see at the camp over the next few days. Tio said he’d ask Radhak if anything needed to be relayed to Highcrest, and I knew the only reason he’d take that initiative would be to visit a pretty blonde member of the royal family.
I couldn’t recall a time I’d known Tio to chase after anyone. Random romantic encounters during our travels, sure. Less than romantic hookups with members of camp, sure. But intentional visits? Traveling to see someone? Melody had certainly left her mark on him.
A tightness bound my chest. It wasn’t for Tio, gods no, but for what he had. That twinkle in his eye, a lingering smile. I’d kept busy all my life, accomplishing one good will task after another. It didn’t leave much time for relationship building. I’d had some hookups in the past, but they never felt worth it. Eventually, I stopped caring about making the time.
Turns out, when you don’t make the time, the time never comes.
That wasn’t what I wanted, anyway. When I thought back on my parents, remembering the pure love and happiness they showed each other, my chest cleaved in two. Maybe the path I’d set myself on meant sacrificing something like that. When I had those thoughts, I dug into my resolve. Whatever echo was beckoning me, I had to believe I’d find happiness on the other side.
“Hey. You okay?” Tio nudged my knee with his.
I blinked myself back to the present, not realizing how long we’d sat in silence. “Yeah,” I lied.
Morning patrol was always the same. The forest surrounding the camp remained quiet in the early daylight, only birds chatting in the treetops above. For most, melodic chirps. For me, navigational directions on where to find the best worms and bugs for the day.
My quiver and bow were secured to my back as I fought through uneven brush, snagging every so often on wayward twigs and branches. With a litany of new scratches, I finished my rounds, walking back through the gardens.
A few herbalists were tending the field, working in solitude beneath a canopy of shade before the sun rose to its highest point. The sound of rustling leaves drew my attention, and I turned to see Alba emerging. I noted her uneven breath, as if she’d been running. My steps were fast as I approached her.
“What’s wrong?” I scanned the dense trees behind her, searching for any sign of danger.
She bent over, resting her hands on her knees. “Oh, nothing.” She gulped down air.
“Why were you wandering the woods?”
“Foraging,” she said, still working to compose herself.
I crossed my arms. “Since when does foraging take this toll?” A light sheen coated her forehead from exertion.
