“Shh! Don’t speak or the rain will return. I’m enjoying the sunshine while it lasts.”
Sitting next to Rodric on their long midday break, she basked in the warm glow. It had taken her a full day to dry out their gear after the river adventure, and three more before she finally felt completely warm again. Most of the warmth came from spending a full day in the sun for the first time in a while, but a little of the glow came from the hunter next to her.
Rustling in the woods nearby made its way to her ears a full secondafterRodric was up and moving into a protective stance. She startled, nearly falling off the log as she quickly swung back up from her sunshine acrobatics.
A familiar snicker filled the air. “You know, he’s right, you’re bound to end up in the mud.”
Shock nearly bowled Celina at the unexpected arrival. “Cass! What are you doing here? How did you find us?”
Her longtime friend was leaning forward on her horse a few feet into the clearing.
Her deep green shirt was belted and open from the waist down over fitted black pants. Dark and alluring, the outfit allowed for unhindered movement and a host of hidden weapons. The combination of colors made her brown eyes seem even darker than usual as they met Celina’s.
Hopping down, Cass walked over to them just as Rodric sheathed his knife.
Lithe, powerful, and slightly wild, Cass moved with a sharp vitality and speed seemingly at odds with the extreme stillness that allowed her to disappear into the background with ease. Her energy was quietly amused as she assessed Celina.
Raising one eyebrow, Cass lifted a finger in the air. “One—don’t insult me, you know I’m an excellent tracker. The hunter may be nearly a ghost in the woods, butyouare not.” She raised another finger, lips twitching into a smirk. “Two—Sam was happy to point me after you.For some reason,he thinks you need a chaperone.”
Blushing slightly, Celina glared at her friend and made quick introductions between the warrior and the hunter.
“I presume you’ll be joining us the rest of the way then?” Rodric asked after greeting Cass.
“Yes.”
“Glad to have an extra sword if we run into trouble.”
“Only hunters are wild enough to travel during these storms.” Cass smirked. “But I’ve got you.”
Turning to Celina, she ran through how she’d come to join them, her annoyance at being left behind abundantly clear.
“You were on assignment, and it was urgent,” Celina defended.
“You really thought Iwouldn’tcome after you?” Cass asked.
“Of course, I just—”
“You could have left a note. Instead, I heard a wild story from Cat and had to strong-arm Morgan into providing more details.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry.” Celina hugged her friend. “Thank you for coming after us.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m sure Morgan was happy to send you after us.”
“Yes. Especially when I pointed out that it was in his best interest if a Calderran warrior—no offense to Rodric—was keeping tabs on the matriarch of the royal family. Eventually there will be questions for both you and Morgan.”
“That’s true.” She had been concerned with what trouble Morgan might get in for assisting them.
Choking sounds came from Rodric, his tanned face lightening as he paled.
“Whoa, you okay?” Celina patted him on the back.
“Did she just sayroyal?”
Cass chuckled. “How did younotknow?”
“No one referred to her by any title other than Lady Blackwood. The royal last name is Muir. How was I supposed to know?” Standing, he paced a few feet away before turning to stare at Celina with wide eyes. She stared back with surprise at the unexpected response.
