She didn’t wait for him to argue.
*
Shea walked up to a group of people massed in front of the gatehouse, a pack over her shoulder, as Trenton trailed behind her. She stopped short when she noticed Braden and Fallon standing near.
“Trenton,” she said through gritted teeth.
“You didn’t really think I’d keep this from him, did you?” was the response.
She’d had hope.
She let out an angry sigh and stalked over to the two men. Fallon watched her approach with amusement. She narrowed her eyes, trying to figure out what was going through his head. It was enough to give her pause and prevent her from saying the first words in her mind—words guaranteed to start an argument.
“Hello, my Warlord. I missed you this morning,” she said, giving him a charming smile.
His lips tilted up into something close to a full smile. “It seems you’ve found something to occupy yourself with anyway.”
She gave him a deadpan look. She knew he didn’t come here just to exchange pleasantries.
He tilted his head at Braden. “My general has expressed interest in your pathfinder training. He was hoping to accompany you and the rest.”
The tension in Shea faded, and she gave Braden a startled look. That was actually a good idea. She should have thought of it herself. The Trateri were skilled on the trail, but the Highlands were new territory for them. Learning its secrets could only help them in the long term.
She gave him a respectful nod. “I would be happy for your company.”
He tilted his chin down. “Thank you, Telroi.”
She looked back at Fallon. “And you? Would you care to join us?”
He shook his head, regret on his face. “I’m afraid I have a commitment here.”
Seeing the question on her face, he dismissed the other two with a jerk of his head. When they were alone, he stepped closer. “Your father has offered to take me hunting. He seems to think we need to bond.”
Shea jerked back, her face cautious. Of all the things she’d expected him to say, that had not been one of them. Knowing her father, that request could mean several things. She belatedly noticed the almost pained expression on Fallon’s face.
“It’s not what you think,” Shea said, finally.
He cocked his head in question.
“It’s better that you find out on your own.” Her smile widened. “Just make sure you look up.”
He didn’t look any more reassured. He snagged Shea’s waist and pulled her close. “One thing he did tell me that I enjoyed hearing, was your family has a tradition whenever one of your parents leaves the Keep.”
Shea watched him, a half-smile on her face. “Is that right?”
He nodded, his face serious. “It is. It’s one I think we need to adopt for ourselves.”
His mouth caught hers mid-laugh, desire arcing between them and bringing her to her toes. Just like that the kiss ended with Fallon’s piercing eyes staring at her from inches away. “Come home safe.”
She nodded, stepping back and giving his arm one last squeeze. “Always.”
She turned and walked toward Trenton and Braden, knowing if she looked at Fallon, she’d go back for another kiss. It was a weakness she didn’t want to advertise with a bunch of strangers looking on.
The group led by Reece was made up almost entirely of people she didn’t recognize. All those assembled were young, with eager faces and a bright earnestness that said the world really hadn’t tested them yet.
The pathfinders got a new crop of hopefuls each year. In lucky years, there might be two or three classes passed through the pathfinders’ training program. Once, there would have been a group every month or so, but those days were long gone. As the pathfinder’s popularity and usefulness to the outside villages had waned, so too had those wishing to join their ranks.
Shea dropped her pack and folded her arms when it became obvious Reece hadn’t arrived yet. Idly, she watched those milling around.
