That’s a relief, Achan said. I would have hated for Sir Caleb to hear otherwise.
Mistel winced, knowing the stodgy chamberlain already disapproved of any relationship between her and Cole. Her current whereabouts would not help Sir Caleb’s opinion of her.
“Cole is dutiful and loyal to you, Your Highness,” she said. “While it was clear he wanted me to come along, he would not admit it. Nor would he say what he would be doing, but I surmised that part of his task is to play music. So, it was up to me to make the hard choice. He needs me to succeed.”
I don’t see why.
“No offense, Achan—Your Highness,” Mistel said. “But you’re not thinking like a performer. Cole will sit on a stool, barely looking up from his lute strings while he sings to the floor. With me there, I’ll have the crowd singing along in no time.”
You think that’s important to Cole’s…task, as you put it? That the crowd join in?
“With me distracting the crowd, no one will be looking at Cole, and with the attention off him, he will be free to discover whatever secrets you wish to know. So, you see, I’m a necessary part of his success.”
I see that you think so, Achan said. Unfortunately, it’s not safe.
Ugh. Why were men always telling her that? “I can take care of myself.”
That may be, but you would still be a tremendous distraction to Cole. Stop at the next major settlement. I’ll see you’re given some money for food and lodging until I’m able to arrange an escort back to Armonguard.
Lands! Did he honestly think he could order her around? “Forgive me, Your Highness,” Mistel said, “but no.”
No?
“You do not get to dictate my life. If I want to reside in Tsaftown, that’s my choice.”
Nor do you get to dictate Cole’s life, Achan said. Are you going to tell him you’re there, or must I?
Not yet! “I wanted to wait until we reached the mountains,” Mistel said.
So that you wouldn’t be sent back? I’m afraid not. You’ll tell him now or I will.
“But it’s almost dark,” Mistel said. “I’ll never find him at this hour.”
Tomorrow then, Achan said.
How interfering Achan could be. “Fine. I’ll tell him tomorrow.”
Good. And while I won’t stop you from riding to Tsaftown, if Cole doesn’t want you there, I will insist that you respect his wishes. Is that clear?
What a thing to say. Of course Cole wanted her with him. He was too sweet to say so—always trying to protect her. “I understand you completely,” she said.
Achan chuckled. And I understand that your words did not at all answer my question.
Mistel grinned and held her tongue.
If Cole tells me you’re a distraction, Achan said, you’ll have to come back, whether or not you want to. If I must, I’ll have you arrested. Is that clear?
Arrest her? Mistel glanced at the sky. My, the crown had certainly given Achan Cham a newfound bossiness he’d never had before.
She couldn’t resist a little mischief, so she repeated her previous reply with a bit more attitude. “I understand you completely.”
The pressure left her head, so Mistel knew he’d gone. She nudged Bart into a trot to catch up with the army, yet now her skin prickled for a completely different reason.
What if Cole, in his attempts to keep her safe, insisted she go back?
What if Achan truly had her arrested?
She squeezed Bart’s reins, fingers stiff, then laughed to herself. Well, if Cole said no, she’d just have to convince him he was wrong. Like she always did.
