Ah, love and revenge. I give a small nod and turn back to the landscape before me. I wonder if Conri killed this woman. Or if he “took” her in other ways. Regardless, Evander has plenty of reasons—good reasons, I admit—to hate Conri.
But I need to focus on myself and Aurora foremost. Evander’s motivations for hating Conri are his own, and I can use them to our advantage. They’re worth considering and keeping in mind. But if there’s a way to get Conri on my side, I must try. Seeing the seemingly endless expanse of Midscape has cemented that for me.
I don’t know what “getting him on my side” will mean yet…but if there’s a chance, I will take it. Not just for Aurora’s sake, but also for my own. Perhaps all of the lykin. If I can help temper his ways, then maybe there will be a benefit for us all.
CHAPTER 20
If Conri isaware of my venture out with Evander, he says nothing of it later that night. He makes no mention of my returning to Aurora, either. Or of my evening walk around camp with Evander—where I sneak off, again, as I have been.
Again, there are two cots set up in the tent. Side by side. We sleep apart and he makes no movement toward me. Not even for a kiss.
I find myself staring up at the ceiling of the tent for most of the night. Sleep comes intermittently. Time passes fast enough that I know rest was gained. But it was hardly of quality. How is it that I am more unnerved when he has stopped trying to seduce me?
When morning finally comes and he begins to rouse, I realize the night has been wasted. I am no closer to a plan to get Aurora out. No more confident in what the best course of action is for me to take. As a result, I’m hardly sure of what I want to do next.
“You’re awake,” Conri observes as he sits and stretches.
“I woke early today,” I lie.
“Fortuitous for me.”
“Oh?”
“I had half a mind to invite you on this morning’s hunt.” He sits and, as the blanket pools around his lap, I realize he decided to sleep without trousers.
I look instantly away, but not without seeing the top of the curve of his shapely rear as he stands. My cheeks flush slightly and I bite the insides, hoping that the pain clears my head a little and prevents him from noticing by the time he turns back around. “I am not much of a hunter.”
“No? How did you sustain yourself, then?”
“There are many ways to sustain one’s self that do not involve the flesh of other creatures.” When I hear the gliding of fabric over skin, I dare to glance back. He’s fastening the laces at the front of his trousers and, fortunately, I see nothing else.
“I suppose that is true. But what a sad existence to not indulge in meat regularly.”
I snort. “The opposite is as much true. Perhaps your lands would still be rich with game should your people have taken a more balanced approach.”
Conri gives me a hard look at the comment. I swallow thickly. That probably shouldn’t have been said.
But he speaks before I have the opportunity to backtrack. “Perhaps you’re right, and this is yet another way you can bring wisdom to the lykin. Though, I do not envy the battle you have ahead of you when it comes to convincing the lykin to indulge in less meat.”
“Vegetables can be equally nourishing and twice as delicious if prepared right.” I stand, deciding that I will go with him on this hunt. It’s a good opportunity to continue getting a feel for the land. And, if I can see where game hides, it is an opportunity to help sustain Aurora and myself when we’re on the road. The provisions I’ve kept hidden away will only last a few days as I had been planning on having other townships to stop into aswe ventured through the Natural World. Here, we’ll have to be much more self-sufficient.
“But much more boring to hunt.” Conri smirks. “I do not think there is the same satisfaction in chasing down a carrot.”
“Then you have never had the pleasure of a particularly good forage,” I counter.
His expression spreads into an outright smile that lights up his eyes. “I shall show you the joys of the hunt this day, and you shall show me the joys of the forage.”
“What?”
“Was I unclear?” He pauses, halfway to the tent flap. “We can both do that which we enjoy and share in it together.”
“You want to learn how to forage?”
Conri turns and takes the two steps it is to close the gap between us. He rests his hands gently on my shoulders, meeting my eyes. “I don’t think you understand, Faelyn. My main goal is to look after my people. Yes, sometimes that requires blood, and sacrifice, and brutality. Sometimes, there are perhaps gentler approaches I’ve yet to see. Maybe you can help me see them. I am willing to learn.”
“Right,” I murmur as he releases me and leaves the tent. The words ring in my ears. Another reminder of this strange man who continually leads me to believe in a pure and gentle nature despite my first impressions…and despite everyone else warning me against him.
“Evander, come, we hunt,” Conri commands as we step outside. Evander’s eyes dart between Conri and me. There’s a silent question to them when they briefly meet mine. But there’s no way for me to answer. “You will take the queen, as you have been. Ensure that no harm will befall her. I know how the scent of blood can rally the other alphas and knights.”
