24
The crisp winter airand bumpy roads were a welcome change after so many days of bedrest. Maddox and Giselle’s bickering did not annoy me as I thought it would, but instead served as entertainment as the hours passed. The full carriage provided an appreciated warmth. Despite traveling toward colder regions, I was not shivering as I had before.
Lord Frederick informed us we would be passing thick expanses of forest for several days, and as a result, would have no choice but to camp outside. “We’ll be vulnerable, but we will have plenty of guards on watch,” he said. “Nothing will happen if we can help it.”
The first few nights of making camp in the forest was as peaceful as could be, my slumber lulled by the soft chatter of forest animals. Despite my initial uneasiness, I let myself relax, which wasn’t hard to do with my carriage companions.
On the morning of the second week of traveling, I was surprised by another companion. His presence was not relaxing in the least.
“You’re feeling better, I hope?”
Bennett sat with his legs tucked beneath the carriage seat. Pippin was nestled in his lap, as was Misty. I blinked rapidly at the odd sight. I hadn’t seen him since...
I pressed my lips together, pushing away the twinge of hurt. “Yes.”
He stroked Pippin’s back. The tabby was clearly enjoying the attention from his loud purrs. “I hope you don’t mind me joining you.”
“It’s your carriage, Your Highness,” I said stiffly, gripping the door.
“Bennett.”
My jaw clenched when he met my eye. He avoided me for over a week. Why was he pretending like nothing had happened? Like I still deserved to call him by his name?
Giselle approached before I could demand an explanation. Her eyebrows rose. “Your Highness! Are you in the carriage today?”
He nodded.
The seamstress blew a breath. “Finally!” She sounded exasperated. “Do you want some privacy?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Bennett said, petting Pippin a little faster.
I recognized the anxious motion all too well.
Maddox opted not to join us, whispering to me with some embarrassment that the crown prince made him nervous. That made both of us, only I didn’t have the luxury of leaving.
Giselle took her seat across from Bennett, making a big show of spreading out her belongings so there was no room for me. I shot her a glare as I begrudgingly sat beside him.
Misty hopped onto my lap.Didn’t you want to see your fiancé?she said, rolling onto her back.
My upper arm brushed against Bennett’s as the carriage rattled forward.Then our knees knocked together. Then our elbows. I held back an irritated sigh.
He wanted to see you. He cares,Misty continued, turning over again when I didn’t indulge her in a belly rub.
He doesn’t and he shouldn’t,I thought to her. My nightmare of Mother resurfaced. She had been so real, so solid in the dream. Like she was going to come take me away any moment. Reliving Amarante’s servitude was equally gut-churning.
Misty hissed, nudging my thoughts away.He does.
I crossed my arms.You don't know that.
