Vera’s brows lowered and she took another sip of broth. He had the distinct impression she was hiding behind that bowl.
Remembered words echoed in his head.
“Do you think this is ever going to change? That I’m going to look at you and not see the man who failed to save my sister?”
“Where is Serene?” Vera asked.
Venn shook away the sting of those past words, focusing instead on what was right in front of him. “On her way to Duvan. Cardon and Dirk decided it would be best to make a rush for the capitol. They ignored all pre-arranged stops and went in disguise in Serai Nadir’s carriage.”
“That’s good.” Her thumb slid along the rim of the bowl, her shoulders sagging. “Where is Bennick buried?”
Venn blinked. “Buried?”
She peeked up. “Clare saw what happened. He . . .” Her words trailed, because he was shaking his head.
“He was stabbed, but he lived. He’s recovering at Serai Nadir’s manor.” Until Venn was told differently, that was the only possibility. Bennick had to be alive.
Vera sucked in a breath. “Truly?”
“Yes.”
Her eyes glistened with moisture. “All this time, we thought . . . Clare needs to know he’s alive.”
“We’ll tell her. As soon as we find her.” He explained the plan, adding that Wilf had already taken men to scout out the three inns the Rose had named. He assured her they had more soldiers, and he was gratified to see some of the tension leave her as she continued to drink the broth.
She didn’t order him away, so he kept talking. He told her about how they’d followed their trail through the forest, but they’d always been too far behind. The gamble they’d taken by leaving the trail after finding the two dead soldiers outside of Sedah and coming straight to Krid.
He ended by the time she’d finished her soup, and that’s when Jaadah returned, carrying a bag with supplies and a clean dress slung over her arm. The physician briefly checked in with Vera, then said, “They’ll be up with a tub and water soon. Once you’re clean, we’ll apply the salves and then I want you to eat a little more, then rest. That’s what you need most right now.”
Knowing she was right, Venn stood. “I’ll be just outside,” he told Vera. Not that she’d said she wanted him close.
He twisted away before she could protest his lingering, choosing to face the physician instead. “Anything she needs, she gets.”
Jaadah dipped her head. “You’re most generous.”
Not really, he thought as he strode from the room. He was just hopelessly in love with a woman who’d made it quite clear she didn’t love him back.
Chapter 3
Vera
It had been three days since their reunion at the fountain, and Vera didn’t know how to interact with Venn. Even though he was always near and attentive, the air was strained between them. And any time she opened her mouth to apologize for how she’d treated him in Wexon, he seemed to sense the shift in conversation and immediately made excuses to leave or change the subject.
The pang in her chest hurt a little more each time he avoided a deep conversation with her.He’s moved on,a voice in her head whispered. He doesn’t care. He doesn’t love you anymore.
She tried not to listen to that voice, but it was made up of every doubt and insecurity she had. She hadn’t expected this . . .remotenessfrom him. The way he’d embraced her at the fountain had made her think that perhaps he still loved her, despite the way she’d treated him after Ivonne’s death. But with every interaction since, it was becoming clear that things were not the same between them.
Still, he deserved an apology, and she’d sworn to herself that she would give him one.
She just didn’t know how she’d manage to do it, since whenever she summoned the courage to speak, he promptly ducked from the room.
Jaadah had checked in on her again today, bringing a second dress and some other necessities, along with a pair of slightly worn but sturdy boots. Vera’s wrists were still red and a little raw; Jaadah warned that some scarring may be left behind after such prolonged abuse, but the blisters on her feet were healing and her sunburn was fading. Having regular meals and restful sleep did much to restore her strength and her spirits.
If only they could find Clare.
Wilf continued to shadow the three inns the Rose had listed as Salim’s favorites, even though the assassin said Salim probably wouldn’t arrive at any of his favorite locations until it was time to make the exchange.
Vera knew she wasn’t the only one battling rising tension. If they failed to free Clare before the mercenaries turned her over to the one who’d hired them, they might lose her forever.
