“Together. How else?”
“No.”
“No?” He knit his brow, like he had never heard the word before. “Look, I know I’ve made mistakes but I am very willing to-”
“Please stop,” I asked. I turned my face.
“You’re scared,” he said. He took a deep breath. “Of course you are. I’ve wounded you.”
“I need to lie down,” I tried.
“Yes,” he agreed. “Yes. Go. Sleep. I’ll remain here.” He spun happily, assessing the scene. “What do I do? Do I just…?” As he discovered that he could, in fact, dip and dab the washing cloth comfortably, he became far too excited. “Look at that! Look at me go! I’m mending him.”
“...Grand,” I said. I looked at my Sword. “Sometimes he… he speaks. Just… nonsense. Nothing to worry about. Nothing real.”
Sameer nodded. “I’ll take good care of him. Go. Rest.”
For a moment I didn’t move. Then, reluctantly, I did. Carefully closing the door behind me.
Chapter 26
Ser Elías loaded his things onto his horse. I watched quietly, tapping my shoe.
“I’ll be back soon,” he promised. “Listen to Ser Willoughby.”
“Yes, yes,” I told him.
Ser Willoughby arrived beside us and fastened a large satchel onto the back. “We’ll be alright, Lord Commander,” he said. “I’ll keep Her Highness far from harm.”
“Donotlet out of your sight, Ser Willoughby,” Elías ordered.
“I know.”
“Shewilltry to evade you,” he added. “You must always be expecting her to flee. No matter what she tells you, she is scheming. Remember that. She thinks you’re stupid.”
“I feel like that is outdated information,” I argued.
Willoughby bent a brow, turning slightly to check. “But it was accurate at one point?” he asked.
I shook my head in a bold lie. “No, I meant…” I thought of an excuse. “I have been so well-behaved as of late. I hardly think I need watching.”
They both turned.
“You don’t agree?” I asked. “Rude.”
“When will you return?” Willoughby asked Elías.
“Well. I’ve lost a day already,” he explained. “But, I think I can make it up in the Riverlands. I know a shorter route.” He looked at me. “Donotmake me regret my decision to leave you behind.”
“I won’t,” I said. “Besides. I’m only out here to see you off. Then I’ll return to Mr. Evergreen the moment you are gone. Don’t worry. I’ll be in the Palace.”
He looked at Willoughby. “Trust your instincts, son.”
“Yes, Ser,” Willoughby replied.
Elías addressed me. “Do not evade him.”
“I won’t,” I said.
