“It’s kinder this way,” Robby muttered. “They won’t have to watch me die.”
“I would want to be able to say goodbye to my loved one,” she said stubbornly. “I never got to say goodbye to my father.”
“But he isn’t really dead is he?” Robby asked with forced cheerfulness.
“I hope he is not,” she said softly.
“I’m sorry,” he began, but she hushed him.
“It would appear I made many mistakes, Robby. I certainly am not one to be offering you advice. I apologize.”
She swallowed the knot in her throat and looked past Robby to Juan Miguel. “What are the consequences of me not coming alone?”
She waited, her legs trembling, but Juan Miguel merely smiled.
“You misunderstand our motives, Senorita. Just as you misunderstood the guardian sent to protect you in London. We seek not to harm anyone, only to protect the city and its inhabitants. Thus the request for you to come alone.”
She frowned. “It was hardly a request. It was a clear command.”
Juan Miguel shrugged. “We mean you no harm, nor your companions. We only wish the bracelet returned to us. If they must travel with us, then I welcome them on our journey. But we need to be on our way. The forces of evil are strong, and would impede our progress.”
Ridge lifted an eyebrow and stared at the Spaniard for a long moment. “Are you saying there really are people living in the city?”
India whipped her head around. “Isn’t that just what I told you?”
“Yes, but it’s all so unbelievable.” He shook his head as if struggling with the concept.
“And what of this guardian in London?” he demanded, returning his stare to Juan Miguel. “If he meant us no harm why did he break into our homes? Why did he assault India?”
Juan Miguel shook his head. “No senor. We are sworn to protect. We would never harm another. He was sent to ensure Miss Ashton’s safe journey.”
Ridge glanced worriedly at India. “Well, if he didn’t assault you, who did?”
She shrugged, her own mind churning with confusion.
“There are many who would do anything to possess the key,” Juan Miguel said gravely. “It is the only way into the city.”
Her stomach churned uneasily. The last thing they needed was an unknown assailant. She was more relieved than ever that she and Ridge had taken such drastic measures to disguise their voyage to Spain.
“We should go now,” Juan Miguel said. “By the grace of God, we will camp at the doorway tonight.”
Her breath caught in her throat. She glanced at Ridge and saw that he was similarly affected. Her pulse raced. They were so close. Would she see her father tomorrow? She had so many questions.
So many things she wanted to say.
Ridge reached out and took her hand, squeezing it, offering her comfort. She squeezed back, appreciating his unspoken support. She needed his support. Even if she didn’t deserve it. Even if she knew they had no future together.
She grit her teeth together and mentally shook away the heavy sadness that surrounded her heart. If she only had a few days left with Ridge, she wanted to enjoy them to their fullest.
A few minutes later, they set out. Four travelers, each on a different mission. One of hope, one of discovery, one of protection and one of survival.
As they rode farther north, the mountains loomed closer. The gateway to the eternal city.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
By midday the terrain sloped sharply upward, and the horses assumed a slower plodding. Juan Miguel led the way followed closely by the remaining three. India noticed that Ridge watched Robby for most of the journey, concern etched in his features.
She blinked away the sudden sting of tears. How hard it must be for Ridge to lose his only brother. She knew something about loss. She’d lost her mother, thought she lost her father, and she’d learned that there was nothing more solitary than grieving.
