Page 35 of A Fable of Riddles and Redemption

Folding her arms across her chest, she said, “But you didn’t stop it, either.”

“And speak up against the duke and my captain? No. Perhaps I should have done more to defend you, but I—”

“Shh! I don’t want to hear it,” she spat, shoving her way past him. “Your priorities are clearly with your duty and nothing more.”

The words bit into him. Once upon a time, that had been true—and in the worst way possible, considering his duties were to a corrupt queen. But no more.

Now, the priority that made his heart thud against his ribs had just stood before him with fury flashing in her light blue eyes.

While Herrick knew her anger was primarily centered on Duke Armand and Captain Firmin, he balked at not knowing how to calm her down. What could he say to appease her?

Taking a deep breath, he asked, “May I at least see you safely home? I know you are angry, and I don’t blame you for it. I’m not exactly happy with how that interview went, either.” He paused briefly, noting the darkened streets. “But it’s getting late, and it will be safer for you to have an escort—especially through the woods where you found Carlotta.”

Zorina’s expression softened as she studied him, then she sighed. “Fine. You can walk with me, but keep your hands to yourself unless absolutely necessary.”

One corner of his lips turned up in a smirk. “What constitutes as necessary?”

Instead of answering, she gave him a flat look before taking off, and he stumbled to catch up. Once he did, they ducked through the crowd in silence, making their way to the northern city border.

As they traveled, Herrick wracked his mind for what to say. Could he really flirt with this woman as both Duke Armand and Captain Firmin had asked? He certainly wanted to…but not for that purpose.

No, he craved earning her true affection. But with the rocky start they’d had, would she ever be willing to bestow it?

Such thoughts swirled through his head as they reached the edge of the woods at last. Anala bounced up and down, clearly waiting for Zorina’s return.

Zorina gave the red panda an easy smile, laughing at her antics and chatting amicably with the animal.

Herrick desperately wished she’d smile so openly and freely for him. How would it feel for her to turn that sweet brightness she hid from almost everyone toward him?

Something about his approach needed to change. Berenne’s words from when he’d asked for romantic advice before wormed their way through his consciousness: ‘Herrick, if you want a woman’s attention, show her you care. Don’t act like these fools who flirt aimlessly. Show her how you feel by your actions. Don’t just say pretty words to flatter her, though those certainly have their moments. Let everything you do and say near her be a reflection of your heart.’

The words struck a chord in his soul. Could he truly act the way he’d been commanded to, with insincerity and knowing how it would hurt her?

No. He would not flirt with her for the sake of the duke or his captain. Instead, he would show Zorina that he cared in earnest.

But first, he had to learn how.

Zorina

It was a relief to greet Anala again after dealing with all the stress of an unexpected interrogation. All she’d done to deserve it was help an addled woman find safety. The very idea of such treatment was ridiculous! Duke Armand and Captain Firmin had all but blamed her for Carlotta’s ill-fated disappearance. As if she had any reason to harm someone she’d never even met before that night.

Zorina picked Anala up, holding her close in her arms as she began to walk again. Anala chirped happily, nuzzling her fuzzy head against Zorina’s chin. Herrick, of course, walked beside her.

Ignoring the guard who’d insisted on seeing her home, Zorina snuggled her woodland pet. At least Anala was happy to see her and did not judge her for crimes she hadn’t committed. She had already paid for the ones she had—at least according to those who were in authority over her at the time.

Still, no one in Adael knew about that, and she had every intention of keeping it that way. How harshly would Herrick judge her if he knew the truth?

Yet another reason to push him away. Reject him before he can reject me.

Zorina shook her head to clear it before she peered at the stalwart guard. He, in turn, watched her with a slack jaw, admiration shining in his green eyes. A strange warmth enveloped her at the intensity of his gaze. The safety she found there made her want to seek solace in his arms.

No! She quickly shoved the errant thought aside, reminding herself yet again how he would likely respond if he knew about her past.

True to her request, Herrick kept his hands to himself, though part of her wished he wouldn’t.

“I am sorry that Duke Armand and Captain Firmin treated you the way they did,” he said as they drew nearer to her home and Anala leapt from her arms. “They should not have accused you of foul play when you were only helping. If you hadn’t found Carlotta when you did, who knows what would have happened to her?”

Zorina studied him for a long moment, trying to ascertain his sincerity. Once she was convinced of it, she said, “Thank you. I’m glad you noticed.”