Amos
P.S. I’ll never stop looking at you.
Amos,
If you wait for something bad to happen, it will. I know you haven’t told me everything your father has done to you, but he’s not in Dragon Village anymore. Let yourself relax and enjoy your new life.
I look forward to your letters, too. I didn’t realize I needed them as much as I do until I found myself disappointed if I went a week without receiving one.
I’m not sure what excuse I could give Amelia to leave for a day or two, but I can ask Nathaniel and Franny to help me come up with something. Our sixteenth birthdays aren’t far away. I can try to come then.
Write back so I don’t look pathetic waiting for your letters. It’s embarrassing, really.
Clover
P.S. Can you send me a small portrait of yourself? It’s not fair that you get to look at me, but I can’t look at you.
Clover,
You asking for a portrait is unfair.
Not because I mind sending one, but because I don’t have one of you, either. I’ve spent the last hour staring at the portrait I had commissioned, realizing it’s not good enough. I never realized how ridiculous my hair looks until now.
I’ll have another one done and send it, just don’t expect anything impressive. I should cut my hair first.
I haven’t stopped thinking about seeing you in person since you agreed. I’m only afraid that when I see you, I might lock you in my room so you can’t leave me.
But that’s a chance I’m willing to take.
Yours,
Amos
P.S. You’re not pathetic for waiting for my letters because if you are, then I’m pathetic too.
Amos,
You see me almost every day through Eddy, but I haven’t seen you in almost three years! The last—and only—time I saw you, it curled around your ears. I liked it that way, but your face is handsome enough to make any hairstyle look nice.
If you don’t send me a portrait soon, I’ll steal one when I’m there because… surprise! Last night, Nathaniel, Franny, and I came up with a plan that will give me an excuse to be gone for a week.
I can’t wait to see you.
Clover
8
SIXTEEN YEARS OLD
Amos rode alongside Marcus at the Ambrose ranch after a long day of checking fences. He’d been worried when he first moved to Dragon Village that his father’s men would watch him closely, but as it turned out, everyone in Dragon Village was part of the Hydra, including Lester and the guards stationed here.
Apparently, since the Hydra started, they’d been discreetly killing anyone aligned with the crown’s beliefs. After a few generations, Dragon Village became a safe haven.
Being able to do as he wished without worrying that his movements would be reported to his father freed Amos of one of his chains.
Giddy excitement filtered down the bond, and a slow smile spread across Amos’ face like it did every time he felt Clover’s positive emotions.She’ll be here tonight.He’d go home, bathe, and then meet her at the border. She thought he’d meet her tomorrow, but Amos couldn’t wait that long.
“Are you excited about seeing our girl?” Marcus asked with a knowing smile. “She sounded excited in her last letter.”
