I look to Tiernan again, but I’m barely able to even think clearly before he says, “Next time. You and me.”
I pull up my mental shields firmly as I think,I’ll believe it when I see it.
Chiyo runs off to gather my pack and a couple of lanterns. Then the four of us set off through the forest again, heading in the direction Tiernan mentioned. Isobel is practically skipping ahead as we walk while I can’t decide whether to distribute my weight onto the balls or the heels of my feet. No matter how I step, it aches, and I fight not to hobble. I am not made for constant traveling. The trees clear slightly, giving way to a grassy mound. Flat, moss-speckled rocks form steps down to a small body of water surrounded by shrubs and stony walls.
As uncomfortable as it is to disrobe in front of the others, everyone is respectful, and we get into the river with limited awkwardness. Despite the overwhelming cold, my body craves the comfort of the water. Silence falls between us all as we take in this rare comfort. I lift my gaze from the water and stare across at Ava, who regards me with a stern expression.
I hold my breath and submerge myself, getting my hair saturated before beginning to unravel my braid. I wince again and again as I untangle the mess of curls. Never have I been so tempted to chop it all off. Ava looks similarly aggrieved—her hair is more tightly curled, thicker, and far longer than mine. It’s beautiful, but I don’t envy her after trekking halfway across the kingdom.
Chiyo swims toward the rock and grabs soap to lather her skin while Isobel waves her arms suddenly. “Let’s play a game!” she says.
The three of us narrow our gazes on her. Sometimes she is just so … young. I nearly laugh at the thought. I’m only twenty-three, yet I feel like I’ve aged so much in the past four months since leaving Cluain Baile that a twenty-year-old seems juvenile.
“Never have I ever,” says Isobel. “Come on. We could use some fun.”
“What’s so fun in—” Ava starts, but Chiyo interrupts her with a look.
“Alright, who’s going first?” Isobel asks.
Chiyo lifts her hand to tamp down Isobel’s enthusiasm. “Isn’t ale required for this game?”
Isobel’s face falls, and I feel guilty to be relieved in the face of her disappointment. She heaves a visible sigh, and Chiyo takes pity on her.
“Alright, alright, fine. But let’s make it interesting. How about …” Chiyo purses her lips in concentration, her dark eyes focused. “Whoever loses does all the menial tasks—horse grooming and such—for a day?”
Ava flicks her eyes skyward with annoyance and tips her head back.
Chiyo and Isobel look at me expectantly. I make a face, but before I can say anything, Isobel raises her hand, beaming asshe waves it in the air, and I find myself unable to ruin her excitement.
“Alright …” Chiyo translates for me as best as she can after asking the question. “Have you ever kissed anyone?”
Isobel makes a thoughtful face. “Does Sloan count?”
Chiyo raises her brows.
“On the cheek!”
Chiyo bursts out laughing, as does Isobel, and I cannot help but chuckle lightly. I grab my own bar of soap and rub through my hair, massaging my scalp with my fingers and once again trying to get through what feels like hundreds of tangles.
Chiyo’s face scrunches in thought. She looks at me, swatting her hand as if shooing a fly. “We all know whoyou’vekissed most recently, Durvla. What about before that?”
I shake my head, slightly embarrassed.
Her face softens, as if she’s spotted a puppy. “That’s so very sweet,” she says.
I slide down further into the water, my ears feeling hot.
Chiyo turns to Ava who raises her brows at her. “What are you looking at me for?”
“Have youkissed anyone?”
Ava smirks. “Haveyou?”
Chiyo’s face turns red all the way up to the silvery roots of her hair. Ava’s lips flatten, but her attempt to keep from laughing fails, and she claps her hand over her mouth, which only makes Chiyo start laughing too.
At last, Chiyo says, “My neighbor, Claude. Your turn.”
Ava rolls her eyes. “I didn’t ask to be part of this ridiculous game.”
