“Why are we riding so fast?”
“Lord Arvel has taken a liking to me,” I said. “My brother and my cousin are afraid he might chase us down with the Defender Knights and try to retrieve me.”
“Lord Doran Arvel? Commander of the Defender Knights?”
“Yeah. Huge, blond, blue eyes. That one.”
Erodel opened his mouth, closed it, then opened his mouth again. “Should it come to that, I will do my duty as your escort, my lady.”
“It absolutely won’t come to that.”
We took a turn at hair-raising speed. If I were an egg, by the time we arrived home, I would be an omelet.
“This is ridiculous. I’m allowed to leave the dance. Arvel isn’t going to ride after us. He knows where I live, so he’ll come to see me at his convenience and probably expect tea and snacks. Nobody will be chasing us.”
The sound of hoofbeats thundered all around us. Erodel jerked the curtain on the window aside.
“We’re being chased.”
Oh for the love of . . . “Is it the Defenders?”
Erodel turned a shade paler. “It’s worse. It’s the Sleepless Duke.”
I pulled the curtain aside. Selvan knights in black and green surrounded the carriage. Directly in front of me, Everard rode atop Villain, black smoke pouring off him like a royal mantle.
That colossal jerk. Of all the ridiculous things he could’ve done . . . Argh.
“What do you think you’re doing?!” I yelled at him.
No answer. Just smoke and green eyes.
“Get back into the carriage, my lady!” Erodel pulled me away from the window.
I sat back down. Erodel unsheathed his sword, put it across his lap, and adjusted the glove on his right hand.
“No need to worry. It’s just Everard.” I pounded on the carriage wall. “Will! Slow down!”
The carriage slowed. Erodel looked like he was ready to storm a castle.
“It will be fine,” I assured him. “I promise.”
The carriage rolled to a stop. The door swung open, and Everard loomed in my view, his eyes green and bright. His gaze slid over Erodel. “Out!”
Erodel gripped his sword and put himself between me and Everard. “What is the meaning of this?”
“Don’t hurt him,” I told Everard. “He’s my ranowen. There is no need for violence. Erodel, His Grace is my childhood friend. I will be perfectly safe in his presence.”
“Are you sure, my lady?”
“Yes. Thank you for your services and the pleasure of your company. Your courage and expertise are unmatched. I couldn’t have wished for a better companion.”
Everard took a step aside.
Erodel gave him a wary look.
“Thank you again for everything,” I told him. “I’m safe. I promise.”
“It was a pleasure, my lady.”
