And here I was, having spent most of this journey thinking it was pointless. Wishing I could flee.
“Morning, princess.” Seth walked by, tossing and catching an apple. “You’re late, as usual.”
“And you could’ve woken me up.” I pointed out.
“And rouse the sleeping beauty?” He smiled mischievously. “Want to fit in another training session before we take off?”
“Yes.” I declared, marching up to him. “You owe me secrets, remember? I’m going tobeatthem out of you.”
“Are you sure about that? I’m fairly sure I’ll be beating them out ofyou.”
“I’ve been studying your weak points. You’re as good as mine.”
“Am I?” His gaze swept over me again, quickly darting from my hips to my breasts before settling on my face. I’d heard the tone in his voice a thousand times from other men.
Should I tell him I intended to court Eleos? Maybe that would only make things awkward. He’d figure it out soon enough.
Seth’s smile vanished, and he stepped back. The amicable warmth he’d exuded but a moment ago turned icy and detached. “I hope El knows what he’s doing.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Women like you are only good for fun.”
I blinked, wondering if I’d heard him correctly. “What did you say?” I asked, eyes narrowing.
He turned his head, sharp jaw tensed. “We’ll find time to train tomorrow. Seraphim wanted to see you.”
Spinning on his heel, Seth stalked away. Bewildered, I watched him go, then turned my gaze to the ground, as though the dirt could provide answers.
Men. I could read their thoughts and lust like an open book, but when it came to their inner feelings?
I was utterly lost.
* * *
I’d never traveled with such a large group before. It was agonizingly slow. With children, elderly and wounded, our pace slowed to a crawl. We crept through the mountain road, following it into the verdant basin where Therapne, home of the clergy, awaited us.
Eleos was quiet for most of the journey, tending to the wounded where he could. I wasn’t sure how to act around him, how to bring up the night we’d shared when he wouldn’t.
Seth started avoiding me, too. If I approached him, he’d exchange curt words and find an excuse to get away from me. After the third time he gave me the cold shoulder, I gave up any attempts to speak with him.
Instead, I devoted myself to being Seraphim’s assistant, or Percy’s, should she shoo me away. The bard had somehow become the camp cook.
After a final, steep path down the mountainside, we left the treacherous roads behind and entered the beautiful land Therapne called home. Grass so green it almost didn’t seem real grew in lush waves over the hillside, flecked with countless wildflowers. Fruit trees sprouted in abundance, and birds flitted through the skies, beckoning us to follow the river toward civilization and safety.
We were supposed to reach the city by nightfall. Riding at the head of the company, I leaned forward on Athena’s saddle, watching the horizon for life.
Percy trotted up beside me, a ridiculous collage of color on his simple brown mare. “Look at you. Already a professional rider.”
“Only if she’s not galloping,” I corrected, sitting back.
Frowning, Percy rode closer to me. He tilted his hat up so I could see his gray eyes. “Are you alright?”
“I think so. Why?”
“No, not physically.” Glancing back, as though worried someone eavesdropped, he hushed his voice. “I noticed you seemed shaken when I found you. And now Seth’s avoiding you.”
“I’ve noticed that.” I tilted my head toward him. “And Eleos is being distant. I’ve done something to offend the menfolk.”
