A smile spread across her mother’s face. ‘I might have married your father sooner if I had known our time together would be cut short.’ Her smile faded. ‘And I would have forced myself to keep living after his death. Perhaps if I had, I would not have lost my son too.’
Blake’s heart twisted. ‘It’s not your fault he died that day.’ She looked down. ‘I was right there, and Harlan…’ She could not finish.
Her mother waited for her to look back up. ‘Lyndal told me about his part in that day. The defenders made no secret of the fact that they would act in the best interest of the borough, not a handful of individuals.’
‘You aren’t angry?’
‘Of course I am angry. But not at the commander.’
Relief filled Blake. ‘He’s a good man. I know he’s a defender—’
‘I see it.’ Candace reached out and squeezed her hand. ‘I see it.’
Blake gave her mother a weak smile before looking down at the grubs. ‘Do you really wish to know how to hunt for these majestic insects?’
A nod. ‘I really do.’
Blake turned to the tree behind her and crouched down. ‘Then join me in the dirt.’
* * *
‘I’m going to get water,’ Lyndal said, rising from the table, ‘to wash down that delightful meal you just fed us.’
Candace returned to her chair by the fire and picked up her sewing. ‘I am rather tired after today’s hunting efforts.’
Lyndal emitted a weak laugh. ‘Hunting? Is that what the two of you are calling it?’
‘There issomeskill involved in finding the grubs,’ Blake said. ‘I’ll come with you to the well. Eda, you’re on duck guarding duties here.’
Fetching the empty pails, Lyndal and Blake stepped out onto the quiet street and made their way to the well near the square. They were attaching one of the pails when they heard children squealing at the port end of the borough. It was such a rare, happy sound that it made the girls pause and listen. Curious, they wandered towards the gate to see what was going on.
Fresh mussels scattered the ground. The delighted children were running in circles, picking them up and showing them to each other before shoving them into pockets.
‘Prince Borin is not going to like this,’ Lyndal said. ‘Do you think the defenders threw them in?’
Blake’s gaze travelled up to the top of the wall, and there was Harlan resting on the embrasure, watching the scene below. ‘Yes, I think it was the defenders.’
Harlan straightened when he caught sight of Blake. Her eyes welled up as they stared at one another. He looked around, then raised his hands, signing something to her. She squinted to see better.
Stand tall and strong, warrior.
Her breath caught. He had remembered. Swallowing back tears, she signed back,I love you.I miss you.
Of course, Harlan had absolutely no idea what she was saying.
Lyndal slipped her arms through Blake’s. ‘Yours might be the most tragic love story this kingdom has ever known.’
Blake was so lost in the moment she had forgotten Lyndal was standing beside her. She turned to her sister. ‘Must it be a tragedy?’
Lyndal searched her eyes. ‘I think I’m losing hope.’
That was a terrifying admission from her sister, who was the epitome of hope. ‘Don’t say that.’
‘And I’ll die having been admired but never loved.’
Blake took her icy hand. ‘What are you talking about? You’re wholly loved.’
Lyndal nodded towards the wall. ‘Not the way you are.’ She gave Blake a weak smile. ‘Let’s go get the water. I’m so tired.’
