For the first time since exiting the carriage, Amryn took in the sight of her husband. He’d thrown back the hood of his cloak at some point. His dark hair was plastered to his brow and rain streamed down his face in rivulets. His exposed throat bobbed as his blue eyes cut through the storm that raged around them and landed on her.
Her toes curled in her boots as he crossed the short distance between them. As he drew closer, her head tipped back so she could hold his gaze.
He tugged her hood up and settled it carefully over her head. He hadn’t even touched her, but her skin tingled with awareness. “You’ll catch your death,” he stated.
What about you?she wanted to ask, but her tongue wouldn’t cooperate.
Rain continued to slam around them, but Carver simply raised his voice to be heard over the cacophony. “Ahmi, can you check with the cook to see if he has any tea blends with ginger?”
Amryn’s maid nodded and hurried away.
“Ginger?” Amryn asked.
Carver shrugged. “It helped ease my sister’s morning sickness.”
She blinked at her husband. Who would ever suspect General Carver Vincetti to be knowledgeable about morning sickness?
He brushed a wet curl from her cheek. “Are you feeling sick, too?” he asked, his quiet words nearly swallowed by the rain. “Do you need to ride in the other carriage?”
His concern for her was unmistakable, and it warmed every part of her. “No. I can handle it.”
His eyes traced over her face. “I’m convinced you can handle anything.”
The compliment took her by surprise. Before she could form any sort of response, an irritated voice demanded, “What’s going on?”
Carver muttered a curse before he moved to intercept the High Cleric of Esperance, heading the man off before he could disturb Jayveh.
Amryn hurried to follow.
Zacharias’s scowl was impressive, even with his face mostly hidden within the wide hood of his cloak. His eyes were narrowed on Carver. “Why have we stopped?”
“The road’s washed out.”
Zacharias cursed. “I told you we should have taken the east road.”
Samuel and Sadia appeared behind the high cleric. The prince of Wendahl held his wife’s arm, helping her navigate the mud-slick ground. Sadia’s pretty face was pinched with concern as she took in Jayveh, who was still seated in the carriage doorway. “Jayveh, are you all right?” she called out.
The princess forced a smile. “Just a little morning sickness.”
Sympathy flared in Sadia, and she immediately went to the princess. Amryn wasn’t surprised. Sadia had always been the kindest among all the Chosen. Her genuine care for others was something Amryn admired.
Samuel watched his wife crouch in front of Jayveh, but he didn’t follow. He and Zacharias were both visibly uncomfortable with the womanly topic of morning sickness. Samuel shuffled his feet, but the high cleric managed his discomfort by focusing back on Carver. “We never should have come this way. I told you the east road is more commonly traveled, so it’s better maintained. Now we might be stuck here for days!”
Annoyance flared in Carver, and he didn’t bother to keep it from his voice. “We won’t be stuck for days.”
The high cleric threw out his arms. “I think the All-Seeing Divinities disagree. This rain isn’t showing any sign of stopping.” He snorted. “We shouldn’t have leftEsperance. The Divinities reminded us of their power with that quake, and now this storm impedes us. Portents, I tell you—”
“Quakes are a natural occurrence,” Samuel interrupted. “So is the rain, especially in the jungle. They’re not divine signs we should have stayed in Esperance, and they certainly aren’t Carver’s fault.”
Zacharias’s lip curled as he regarded the prince of Wendahl. “You’re a heretic as well as a traitor, then.”
Samuel merely rolled his eyes. He looked to Carver through the slashing rain. “Do you want me to look at the road? I’m by no means an expert, but I may have some ideas.”
“Please.” Carver gestured toward the front of the caravan, where guards had gathered to discuss the washed-out road.
Samuel nodded and moved to join the huddle of men at the front of the caravan. Through the hazing rain, Amryn could just make out Ivan standing among them, his height and breadth marking his identity in the group of cloaked men.
Zacharias let out a low growl. “I still don’t know why Samuel isn’t in chains along with Trevill. He was part of the Rising.” The look he sent Amryn was scathing, obviously silently adding her to the accusation.
